Planning an 88TB SAS NAS beside a Mac mini server
The setup starts with 11 free 8TB , for a total of 88TB of raw storage. The drives are Dell/HGST Plus models with SAS 12Gb/s, 4Kn formatting, and 7200RPM speed. The intended system is a NAS running Unraid for Plex, family photos and videos, general backups, and file storage.
SATA drives are familiar, but SAS, HBA cards, and disk shelves are new territory here. Expansion beyond 12 drives is not expected. The goal is a reliable home setup that does not waste too much power, rather than a large rack full of equipment.
The main decision is whether to use a 12-bay disk shelf or JBOD, or instead buy a large computer case and put all drives in one machine. Other open questions are which HBA fits these drives, whether 4Kn causes issues, and which shelves are worth choosing or avoiding.
Key points
- The plan uses 11 8TB , giving 88TB of raw storage.
- The NAS would run Unraid for Plex, family media, backups, and file storage.
- The drives use SAS 12Gb/s, 4Kn formatting, and 7200RPM speed.
- The target is no more than 12 drives, so a compact and efficient setup is preferred.
- The key choices are a 12-bay disk shelf/JBOD versus one large case, plus the right HBA.