Build Your Own Minisforum N5 Inspired Mini NAS: A Comprehensive Guide
9 months ago
- #NAS
- #3D-printing
- #DIY
- The N5 Mini is a 3D-printed 5-bay NAS designed for 3.5" drives, measuring 175x175mm.
- It allows users to reuse their existing mini PC, avoiding the high cost of purchasing a new Minisforum N5.
- Key goals of the build include fitting on a Bambulabs’ A1 Mini 3D print bed (180x180mm), reflecting Minisforum N5's charm, and being power-efficient.
- The design was created from scratch in Shapr3D, utilizing PETG and TPU prints for durability and flexibility.
- The build includes a 5-bay backplane PCB, magnetic faceplate grabbers, and a mini PC drawer zone for motherboard installation.
- Power management involves using two power cables (19V for the mini PC and 12V/5V for the drives), with detailed instructions for wiring.
- The total estimated cost for parts (excluding the mini PC) is around $215, making it a budget-friendly alternative to commercial NAS solutions.
- The design files are hosted on Makerworld, with plans to release the raw Shapr3D files after a few months.
- The build has received positive feedback for its innovation and practicality, inspiring others to create similar projects.