So my plan based on reading was to get a mini pc and a nas. But then I realized... what is the best way to connect them. So I started doing more reading. And I confused myself.

So a NAS has it's own CPU and such, and other computers can talk directly to it over the network. But if I am using a mini pc to run the server, then I assume I would want a really fast direct connection to the storage. So it seems like I would want the NAS to be on the network as well as directly connected to the mini PC. And of course the mini pc would need to be on the network as well. Stuff I saw about connecting them directly seemed to pretty much use the Ethernet ports and a crossover cable. So that would mean that both devices would have to have two Ethernet ports, right?

And the bonus question is, would it just be better for the NAS to really be a dumb DAS for the mini pc instead?

Edit to summarize: For having two devices, the consensus is that LAN is good enough (just make sure you have a decent switch between them). A few like doing it all on one device for a variety of reasons.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Since you're already building a custom server, isn't it just better to include HDDs in there, and have a single box? (just get a bigger case, SFF for example) It'd be good for power consumption as well. What are you trying to achieve with a separate NAS?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (2 children)

To be fair i really like having a separate nas to my main docker/proxmox applications server. It allows me to mess around with my services or restart the system while not having to mess with the more sensitive spinning drives or important services like pihole.

Also gives me a nice method for local backup in 3-2-1 method.

That being said, I wouldn't recommend this for someone just starting out.

If anyone is wondering, I have the docker container itself mount the NFS share from the Unraid NAS. My docker server is all nvme ssds for things like the app itself and its config. Large data sets like photos and media are in the same via NFS.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Can you elaborate on why you wouldn't recommend it for someone just starting out?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

Its just another part of the puzzle you have to figure out.

When I first started, getting my reverse proxy, port forwarding, domain name etc working and debugging the issues took a lot of time and learning.

Certainly doable but will just make things harder

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

Hmm I see, you can always temporarily disconnect the drives too.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Well, mainly it is just what I read in various "guides". But also it sounds easier to assemble... the minipc is just a box, no need to do any hardware stuff. And I think the NAS is pretty much the same. Plus it would allow me to easily start small on space and then add more (I think).

Also, I think it would be quieter. I assume putting it all in one would mean basically a tower with lots of fans and what not. The minipc is supposed to be pretty quiet. Don't know about the NAS though.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

Oh of you didn't want to mess with hardware setups, them it makes sense.

FYI, there are nas cases like the jonsbo, and Celeron processors that you can build entirely fanless too.