I Kicked My Synology NAS to the Curb and Replaced It with a Custom-Built Server Running Proxmox
Reclaiming Control Over My Data
When I first started using a Synology NAS years ago, it was mainly for storing image files from work and media files for Plex. It wasn’t intended to become a home lab, but over time it evolved into one until it tried to run too many tasks simultaneously and failed at all.
The Shift to a Custom Server
Building a personal server was always on my home lab roadmap, and now is the time to act. The NAS will now focus on archival storage, while the new custom-built server takes on more demanding workloads. The surprising part is that it took me this long to recognize my needs had outgrown my existing setup.
Hardware Limitations and Decision Factors
- My mini PC is limited to 12GB of non-upgradeable RAM.
- The Synology NAS enclosure supports up to 64GB of RAM, but lacks GPU support for accelerating workloads.
- The NAS has also run out of drive bays, limiting expansion options.
SilverStone, Asus, and Kingston contributed hardware for this article. None of the companies reviewed or influenced the content before publication.
Summary
Though the company's setbacks accelerated the change, my home lab demands had long surpassed what the Synology NAS and mini PC could handle.
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