FaxFan2002
Prominent Member
All,
I currently have a Synology 210j+ with two 1.5TB drives in for basic NAS functions - mostly automated backup via the Synology backup client and time machine (when it works). I'm also running a Mac Mini (intel 1.66/8gb ram/ubuntu) for a webserver / teamspeak server and a few other bits. Both run 24x7 so I'd really like to consolidate and speed up the NAS (it takes forever to backup). Storage is not an issue right now, though a degree of expansion in the future maybe nice.
Now I'd like to combine the two and the two / three paths I'm thinking of are -
1. Upgrade NAS to an Intel based one - confused on Atom vs. Celeron and the ability to expand RAM (though QNAP seems to be straight forward). Models being considered - Netgear RN31200 (e-sata expandable) and QNAP TS-251. Both around £250 - any others for the melting pot?
2. Use the Mac Mini as a "NAS", I know there are NAS distro's available but my question would come done to using either USB2 or Firewire 400 and what kind of performance I might get - it could be a sideways or backwards step or am I missing something? This could be the cheapest option with just disc enclosures to buy.
3. Mac mini upgrade to a thunderbolt based system. Assuming I'd use ubuntu (possible dual boot for the occasional mac usage) / nas distro and have to purchase a thunderbolt disk chassis system. The most expensive option without a doubt and money could be better spent on a higher end NAS system?
Thoughts / comments...
I currently have a Synology 210j+ with two 1.5TB drives in for basic NAS functions - mostly automated backup via the Synology backup client and time machine (when it works). I'm also running a Mac Mini (intel 1.66/8gb ram/ubuntu) for a webserver / teamspeak server and a few other bits. Both run 24x7 so I'd really like to consolidate and speed up the NAS (it takes forever to backup). Storage is not an issue right now, though a degree of expansion in the future maybe nice.
Now I'd like to combine the two and the two / three paths I'm thinking of are -
1. Upgrade NAS to an Intel based one - confused on Atom vs. Celeron and the ability to expand RAM (though QNAP seems to be straight forward). Models being considered - Netgear RN31200 (e-sata expandable) and QNAP TS-251. Both around £250 - any others for the melting pot?
2. Use the Mac Mini as a "NAS", I know there are NAS distro's available but my question would come done to using either USB2 or Firewire 400 and what kind of performance I might get - it could be a sideways or backwards step or am I missing something? This could be the cheapest option with just disc enclosures to buy.
3. Mac mini upgrade to a thunderbolt based system. Assuming I'd use ubuntu (possible dual boot for the occasional mac usage) / nas distro and have to purchase a thunderbolt disk chassis system. The most expensive option without a doubt and money could be better spent on a higher end NAS system?
Thoughts / comments...