Server vs nas what is better for my home?

Although internet connections are now much faster than a few years ago, it is also true that there are more and more devices connected simultaneously and sometimes, performing very “heavy” tasks such as watching movies and series in streaming. Therefore, many users choose to create their own home network mainly for tasks such as backups or media center, however, is a NAS better or would a server be more suitable?

Between server and NAS

To answer this question, the essential first step is to know the fundamental difference between a NAS and a server.

Network Attached Storage or NAS have become very popular in recent times. The main reasons for this are that they are easy to install and configure and also allow the installation of applications with which to achieve advanced functions such as managing a surveillance camera system, exercising the functions of a web server, storing photos in the cloud, streaming movies and series… Basically, a NAS is a network hard drive with advanced features.

SM Data Network Attached Storage (NAS) Server

In front of this we have the server, which in reality is a generic name because our own laptop or desktop computer can act as a server, as long as it is configured appropriately. In addition, it offers much better functions than those of a NAS.

Therefore, a NAS is much easier to use than a server, in such a way that it is especially recommended for those users with less experience; we will not need to make major adjustments and we will have practically everything configured so that it works like a charm.

In contrast, servers are more suitable for expert-level users, whereas Windows Server, OpenMediaVault, NAS4Free or FreeNAS will need to be installed from scratch. If you are an inexperienced user, you must have already been a poker face?

Synology DSM, a very advantageous system

One of the easiest operating systems to use and is therefore gaining in popularity is Synology DSM . In addition, thanks to the XPEnology Project it is now possible to have it on both a NAS and a server, and enjoy the enormous amount and variety of functions that we will obtain with its enormous application store. Thus, when buying, we no longer have to pay attention to the software, only to the hardware, which makes the choice much easier.

Synology's DSM operating system can be installed on a server and take advantage of its abundant and varied application store, as well as its simple and fast use

For example, the alternative to a cheap micro server of less than € 200 HP Gen 8 with 4GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB), four bays to install hard drives and Intel Celeron G1610T processor, could well be the Synology DS416J that has a Marvell Armada 388 processor, only one gigabit port, only 512MB of RAM and yet its price is € 375, double the previous one.

In conclusion, if you have enough knowledge, a cheaper but more powerful server is the most recommended option, basically for reasons of functionality and versatility, and for the fact that you can implement and take advantage of Synology's DSM system. On the contrary, if your knowledge is closer to the user level, a NAS that already comes with "all done" will avoid headaches.