Hey everyone. I really want to replace Google photos with some sort of self-hosted solution. However, I am getting overwhelmed.

The first thing that came up when I did a little bit of research is buying a NAS. However, I just noticed these devices are so expensive with really weak specs. Feel like I am getting ripped off. Also, I heard that it can be slow? Is that true?

Anyway, I was told it is better to just buy a Resperry pi. However, these things are expensive for the specs. Would a used Intel NUC be better? Can you use any mini pc for that?

I have seen some crazy powerful (compared to the pi) cheap used Ryzen mini PCs, can those be turned into servers?

  • echoEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    isn’t the whole point of a NAS to have multiple 3.5" drives?

    • Dr. Jenkem@lemmy.blugatch.tubeEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      The point of a NAS is to have the PC built for you and the OS/software pre-configured. That’s at least what you’re paying extra for. I would always rather build the PC myself and setup the software myself; if I know I’ll need raid I’ll get a raid controller. If I know I’ll need lots of drives, I’ll get a mobo and case that accommodates that, etc.

      • echoEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        I wasn’t just talking about rebuilt NAS, but just in general the whole point of a file server is to have a bunch of storage connected to your network. So something like a mini PC or RPi doesn’t seem like it really fills the same niche since you can’t easily connect 3.5" drives to them.