Potential First NAS Server Build Questions and Concerns

[Rubiksgocraft]

Hello Everyone,

I recently acquired an old workstation computer and and wondering if its specs would be sufficient for my first NAS build with HexOS.  The specs are as follows:

CPU: i5-9400 2.9Ghz

RAM: 8GB DDR4 2400 Single Stick

Non-NAS Storage: 256GB NVME SSD

Power Supply: Dell ACE290EM- 01 (290W)

Motherboard: 19422-1 9cxyg$fa

Bulk Drives:  Not yet acquired, likely 4, 4TB drives from server part deals for $75 each

Other: Has WIFI card and optical drive but I will likely remove those to save power

Redundancy: Raid Z1 was what I was going to configure

 

I know the amount of storage is a bit low but I wanted to start small and money is a bit of an issue so I figured it was a good starting point.  I am happy to have better suggestions though.

My main concerns with this build and my potential solutions are as follows:

1. No HDD mounting locations inside the case.  I likely will make a custom mount thing for them with rubber washers though a better solution would be preffered.

2. The power supply only has one SATA power cable that splits off from a connection to the motherboard labeled SATA PWR.  I don't actually know the purpose of this motherboard connection.  I am wondering if I can simply buy a SATA power daisy chain cable to connect 4 drives this way.

3. I believe the specs are quite sufficient but just a double check.

4. Do I need the HDDs when I set up HexOS or can I do most of the setup after I order the drives?

 

I appreciate your time and assistance.  Thank you 🙂

Edited 49 minutes ago by Rubiksgocraft

[Rubiksgocraft]

Small update: I realized what the SATA PWR plug on the Motherbard is.  There is only a single 4pin ATX plug from the power supply into the motherboard and these 2 SATA PWR plugs are to allow you to power the SATA drives from there.  Can I daisy chain 4 HDDs off one plug?