Transforming an Old Desktop into a Multi-Functional NAS with TrueNAS and Plex

Turning an old desktop into a network attached storage (NAS) device can save money, improve home data management, and add powerful features to your network. I recently took on this project using TrueNAS, a free and open-source NAS operating system, and discovered how versatile a NAS can be beyond simple file storage. This post shares my experience, challenges, and practical guides to help you build your own NAS with TrueNAS, set it up with Windows, and add useful services like DNS-based ad blocking and media streaming with Plex.

Old desktop converted into a NAS with TrueNAS and new hard drives

Choosing TrueNAS and Preparing the Hardware

I started with an old desktop that had decent specs but was no longer used for daily tasks. The goal was to give it a new life as a NAS by installing new hard drives optimized for storage and reliability. TrueNAS stood out because it offers a user-friendly web interface, ZFS file system support, and a strong community.

Hardware Considerations

• Processor and RAM: TrueNAS recommends at least 8GB of RAM for ZFS to work efficiently. My desktop had 16GB, which was perfect.

• Storage Drives: I installed three new 4TB NAS-grade hard drives. These drives are designed for 24/7 operation and better error recovery.

• Network: A gigabit Ethernet connection is essential for fast file transfers.

  
  

After assembling the hardware, I created a bootable USB with the TrueNAS installer and began the installation process.

Learning TrueNAS: Setup and Configuration Challenges

TrueNAS offers many features, but the initial setup can be overwhelming for newcomers. Here are some challenges I faced and how I overcame them:

Installing TrueNAS

The installation itself was straightforward, but configuring the storage pool (called a "zpool") took some research. TrueNAS uses ZFS, which offers data integrity and snapshots but requires understanding RAID-like configurations.

• I chose a RAID-Z1 setup, which allows one drive to fail without data loss.

• Creating datasets and shares was done through the web interface, but understanding permissions and access control took time.

  
  

Setting Up Network Shares for Windows

To access files from Windows PCs, I configured SMB shares:

1. Created a dataset in TrueNAS for shared files.

2. Enabled the SMB service.

3. Set permissions to allow my Windows user accounts access.

4. Connected from Windows by typing `\\<TrueNAS_IP>` in File Explorer.

   
   

This setup allowed seamless file sharing across my home network.

Using the NAS as a DNS Server to Block Ads

One unexpected benefit of the NAS was running a DNS server to block ads across all devices on my network. I installed Pi-hole as a plugin on TrueNAS, which acts as a network-wide ad blocker by filtering DNS requests.

• This setup reduces annoying ads on phones, tablets, and smart TVs without installing software on each device.

• It also improves browsing speed and privacy.

  
  

Configuring Pi-hole required setting the NAS as the primary DNS server in my router settings. The TrueNAS community forums provided helpful guides for this.

Installing Plex for Media Playback

To enjoy my media collection, I installed Plex Media Server on TrueNAS:

• Plex organizes movies, TV shows, music, and photos with rich metadata.

• It streams content to devices like smart TVs, phones, and tablets.

• The installation was done via a TrueNAS plugin, simplifying the process.

  
  

Jellyfin as a Free Alternative

If you prefer a fully free and open-source media server, Jellyfin is a great alternative to Plex. It offers similar features without subscription fees. I recommend trying both to see which fits your needs.

Saving on Subscription Services with Your NAS

Building a NAS can reduce reliance on paid cloud storage and streaming services:

• Store and stream your own media library without monthly fees.

• Back up important files locally with redundancy.

• Block ads and improve network performance with DNS filtering.

  
  

This DIY approach offers control, privacy, and cost savings.

Getting Started with Your Own NAS

If you want to build a NAS but feel unsure about the technical steps, I’m happy to help. Whether it’s hardware selection, TrueNAS setup, or adding services like Plex and Pi-hole, consulting can save you time and frustration.

Feel free to reach out for personalized advice and support to get your NAS up and running smoothly.