Using a Mac server with a 4-bay drive enclosure instead of a NAS
An unused Mac is being kept on all the time in and used like a small . A dummy HDMI plug is attached, and the setup is currently working well for a small Plex library and Plexamp. is handled through Tailscale, along with the Mac’s built-in feature.
Files can also be reached from an iPhone while away from home using Apple’s built-in tools. A dedicated NAS is under consideration, but the cost of the NAS box plus is too high for the current budget. A 4-bay Orico hard drive and costs about 150 Australian dollars, which is a more manageable option.
The main question is whether adding a multi-drive enclosure to the Mac is a sensible substitute for buying a NAS.
Key points
- An unused Mac is already running full time as a small personal server.
- The setup hosts Plex and Plexamp and is reachable remotely through Tailscale.
- Files are also accessed from an iPhone using Apple’s built-in tools.
- A dedicated NAS is considered too expensive because it needs both the unit and .
- A 4-bay Orico drive enclosure at about 150 Australian dollars is being considered as the cheaper path.