Tired of bulky, expensive network-attached storage (NAS) solutions? A clever DIY project is making waves by transforming recycled hardware into a compact, budget-friendly NAS—all thanks to 3D printing and inspiration from Minisforum’s ultra-sleek N5 mini-PC.
The Spark of Innovation
When Minisforum launched the palm-sized N5 mini-PC, it wasn’t just its Intel N100 processor or 32GB RAM that caught attention—it was the potential for repurposing. Hobbyists realized similar efficiency could be achieved using older hardware gathering dust in closets. Enter the 3D-printed NAS: a modular, credit-card-sized chassis designed to house low-power motherboards, SSDs, and cooling fans, all while costing under $50 (excluding drives).
Why It Matters
Prebuilt NAS units often start at $200+ and prioritize enterprise features over home needs. This project targets everyday users: backup family photos, host a media server, or share files locally without subscriptions or complexity. The 3D-printed case—free to download—fits drives up to 2.5” and supports mini-ITX boards or Raspberry Pi alternatives. Power consumption? Under 10W at idle.
Real-World Builds Taking Reddit by Storm
Creativity thrives in communities like r/MiniPCs, where one user showcased their spin on the concept using a decade-old Intel J1900 motherboard. Their secret? This open-source chassis design (see the buzz here), which squeezes hardware into a 5x5-inch cube. The response? Hundreds of comments praising its practicality:
“My ‘new’ NAS runs on a $35 AliExpress board and draws less power than a lightbulb. Total cost: $80 with used SSDs.”
Your Step-by-Step Guide
For the hands-on crowd, JackHarvest’s tutorial breaks down the build:
- Hardware Hunt: Salvage a low-TDP motherboard (Intel N-series or AMD Zen-based APUs ideal).
- Print the Case: PLA+ filament recommended; 8-hour print time.
- Cooling & Drives: Add 40mm fans (like these quiet winners) and 2.5” SSDs for vibration-free operation.
- Software: TrueNAS Scale or Ubuntu Server for beginner-friendly setup.
The Budget Breakdown
- Case: $3 (filament cost)
- Board/RAM: $30–$80 (used)
- PSU: $15 (picopsu)
- Total: ~$50–$120 vs. $300+ for prebuilt units.
The Verdict
This isn’t a replacement for 8-bay NAS beasts—but for lightweight home use, it’s revolutionary. By marrying 3D printing’s flexibility with Minisforum’s "small but mighty" ethos, tinkerers prove that innovation isn’t always about buying new. Sometimes, it’s about rebuilding smarter.
🔥 Pro Tip: Skip 3.5” HDDs—their heat and power demands defeat the "mini" purpose. Stick with SSDs for silent, cool efficiency.
Image credits: Reddit user /u/StorageAlchemist, JackHarvest.com
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