Having a NAS server can be a very useful option to store files and have them available anywhere. It can be an alternative to hiring a storage service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Although you can buy a ready-made device, you may want to configure your own or reuse some parts you have. We are going to talk to you about what to take into account regarding the processor.
Normally you focus on the storage unit, which we can say is the key to a NAS server. Ultimately, depending on its size, you can host more or less content. Additionally, speed is going to be key. But there is also the important element of the processor.
Choose a CPU for your NAS server
If you are thinking of setting up your own NAS server, the CPU is going to be an important piece and you should not make a mistake. Although it will not require a super advanced processor, it must have some minimums. In this sense, we believe that it can be used with a dual-core processor, without the need for it to also have a GPU. At the end of the day, your NAS doesn’t need a GPU, at least in most cases.
Therefore, if we are practical, it is best to have a processor that is low consumption, for basic use. It is going to be a device that you will have on for a long time. It will even be there all day, for months and months, in case you use it a lot and want to always have your backups available. The less you consume, the fewer problems on your electricity bill. There are examples such as Intel Celeron, Intel Core i3 or AMD Ahtlon, in their different versions, which can be more than enough. Calculate that an efficient NAS should consume less than 30 W.
It is also important that it has good cooling, precisely for the same reason: it will be on for a long time. However, we recommend that you think carefully about the location, to keep it away from possible heat sources and thus avoid additional problems in this regard.
That it is silent is another factor to take into account. Generally, a basic and efficient processor will also be quieter. Look for information and make sure that it is not going to cause a lot of noise, something that can happen if it needs a powerful fan to operate, for example.
New or second hand?
Logically, you will be able to buy a new, current processor to set up your NAS server. However, you should also keep in mind that there is a second-hand market that can be more than interesting for this objective. You can find a basic, guaranteed CPU that works perfectly for your NAS.
It will also depend on what exactly you want with your NAS server. If you need a powerful computer to create virtual machines or servers, even for games, then you will require something more powerful. On the other hand, if you only need it to host files, you don’t really need a very advanced one.
In short, this is what we consider basic to choose a CPU for a NAS server you want to build. You don’t need a very advanced model. The interesting thing is that it has low consumption, makes little noise and has good cooling.
