NAS recommendations? Or should I use the old mac mini which is gathering dust...

Hi everyone, I need a solution for family data storage and backup.


Historically we used our Mac mini and all our phones sync'd and uploaded to that, easy peasy.

Now I use a MacBook and the Mac mini (2012) is still kicking around but not used.


I need something for storage and backup of personal files - however, when I've been researching NAS drives, I see they can be music hubs etc - something which we would use, but don't currently have.

I saw the WD expert range (but saw some dodgy reviews around privacy) and then Synology (much more expensive).

As long as it does Time machine syncing, and stores data for all family users, we can stream our music catalogue (when not using the turntable that is) and is secure, (I'm thinking a mirror raid 1 - in case of the worst).


I can work things out generally and my teenage son is a computer science student - so we can cope with the next level above plug and play I reckon!


Which ones are people using that they love?


Thanks in advance!

Smallsoph.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.4

Posted on Jun 30, 2022 2:55 AM

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Jun 30, 2022 5:29 AM in response to Smallsoph

Personally, I a still using a 2010 MacMini as a home server. It can't be updated to any newer OS but still works quite well as a home server. I have 4 external drives hooked up to and I replaced its internal drive with a small SSD to help extend its usefulness.


With a 2012 Mini It would be even better since it has USB3 so file transfers would be much faster.

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NAS recommendations? Or should I use the old mac mini which is gathering dust...

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