I kicked my Synology NAS to the curb and replaced it with a custom-built server running Proxmox and I should have done it sooner

I Replaced My Synology NAS with a Custom-Built Proxmox Server

It was time to take back control of my data. When I first started using a Synology NAS years ago, it simply stored image files from work and media files for Plex. It wasn't meant to be a home lab, but over time it slowly transformed into one. Eventually, it tried juggling too many tasks and failed at all of them.

Building my own server has always been part of my home lab plans, and now is the moment to act. The NAS will return to its original role—storing archival files—while the new server will carry out the demanding workloads.

Changing Needs and Limitations

The only surprise is how long it took me to realize my needs had outgrown my setup. Both the Synology NAS and my mini PC no longer meet my requirements. My mini PC has a fixed 12GB of RAM that cannot be upgraded. The NAS enclosure supports up to 64GB of RAM but lacks GPU support for accelerating tasks and has run out of available drive bays.

Hardware Contributions and Transparency

Hardware from SilverStone, Asus, and Kingston was used for this project. None of these companies reviewed or influenced this content before publication.

"While the company's missteps certainly hastened this decision, it's been brewing for a while."

Summary

My home lab needs have finally outpaced what my Synology NAS and mini PC can handle, prompting a necessary upgrade to a custom-built Proxmox server.

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XDA XDA — 2025-11-02

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