Replacing NAS With Windows PC - Need Recommended Custom-Build Site


Since Fry's closed I only go to Microcenter and in my experience, they have smarter employees than Fry's ever had.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 (up to date)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i5 12400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z690 UA
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On Board the Z690
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    43" Samsung tu7000
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG SSD 1TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    Thermaltake smart 500w 80+
    Case
    LIAN LANCOOL_205M
    Cooling
    Bunch of fans . . . :o) (lights dont work)
    Keyboard
    Unicomp: Ultra Classic White Buckling Spring USB
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps on Ethernet
    Browser
    Fire Fox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    Love this computer but I still prefer Win-7 like I love my old Lazy Boy Recliner . . . it just feels better.
  • Operating System
    WIN-7-64BIT and Win-11 pro for testing on unsupported hardware
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3801 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Motherboard
    GA-Z77-HD3
    Memory
    16 GB - Crucial Ballistick 4GB PC3-14900 DDR3-1333 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VP278
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    4 - internal Samsung 2.5" SSD, 1 WD HDD 7200 and some external drives
    PSU
    EVGA 550w
    Case
    Old Gygabyte Tower
    Cooling
    Yes
    Keyboard
    Unicomp - UNIOP4A USB (like the old IBM Model H that I started with)
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    The only thing it lack is USB-3.2 on the front face but it has 3.0 on the back
john1955 said:
Since Fry's closed I only go to Microcenter and in my experience, they have smarter employees than Fry's ever had.
Click to expand...

At least you don't have to open your bag and show them your receipt like a criminal. I don't miss that.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    📷🔈🎧 🪛 DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    i9 14900K P/E 5.8/4.5 GHz, cache 5.0 GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    🐏 96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    🔊Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    🖥️🖥️ Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768
    Screen Resolution
    🖥️🖥️ 2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    💾 WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    ⚡️ 850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    ❄️ EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    ⌨️ Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    🖱️ Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    ⬇️ 500 Mb/s ⬆️ 12 Mb/s
    Browser
    🔥🦊 Firefox
    Antivirus
    🦺 Defender, Macrium Reflect X 🏆
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
john1955 said:
Since Fry's closed I only go to Microcenter and in my experience, they have smarter employees than Fry's ever had.
Click to expand...
I've never been to a Micro Center but the closest one to me is 35 miles away.

But, oh, how I long for the days where I could run to RadioShack, CompUSA, Circuit City, The Good Guys, and Fry's! 😭
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
PerpetualCycle said:
At least you don't have to open your bag and show them your receipt like a criminal. I don't miss that.
Click to expand...
This brings back memories, lol! 😄

But I appreciated all the checkout counters they had, though! 👏

On the other hand, returns was intentionally a pain in the backside! It was a very slow process. 😠
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
nuspieds said:
This brings back memories, lol! 😄

But I appreciated all the checkout counters they had, though! 👏

On the other hand, returns was intentionally a pain in the backside! It was a very slow process. 😠
Click to expand...
Oh, the returns... I had blocked that out of my mind.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    📷🔈🎧 🪛 DIY Photoshop/Audio/Game/tinker
    CPU
    i9 14900K P/E 5.8/4.5 GHz, cache 5.0 GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
    Memory
    🐏 96GB (2x48) G.skill Ripjaws 6800 MT/s
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    🔊Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 speakers; Audiolabs 7000a integrated amp; RSL 10S Mk2 sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    🖥️🖥️ Eizo CG2730 ColorEdge, ViewSonic VP2768
    Screen Resolution
    🖥️🖥️ 2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    💾 WDC SN850X 4TB nvme, SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme,. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black HDD
    PSU
    ⚡️ 850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850 ATX 3.0/PCI-E 5.0
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    ❄️ EK Nucleus black 360 AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 2 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan, 1 T30-120 fan cooling memory
    Keyboard
    ⌨️ Keychron Q3 Max TKL with custom GMK Redsuns Red Samuri keycaps, TX Stabs
    Mouse
    🖱️ Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    ⬇️ 500 Mb/s ⬆️ 12 Mb/s
    Browser
    🔥🦊 Firefox
    Antivirus
    🦺 Defender, Macrium Reflect X 🏆
    Other Info
    Phangkey Amaterasu V2 Desk Mat
  • Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    💻 Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
nuspieds said:
I've never been to a Micro Center but the closest one to me is 35 miles away.

But, oh, how I long for the days where I could run to RadioShack, CompUSA, Circuit City, The Good Guys, and Fry's! 😭
Click to expand...
I live half way between two Micro Centers, 30 miles to either one, but I would never drive to the one in Santa Monica. If it were not a traffic jam getting there, it would be getting home. Fry's was only 10 miles
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 (up to date)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i5 12400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z690 UA
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On Board the Z690
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    43" Samsung tu7000
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG SSD 1TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    Thermaltake smart 500w 80+
    Case
    LIAN LANCOOL_205M
    Cooling
    Bunch of fans . . . :o) (lights dont work)
    Keyboard
    Unicomp: Ultra Classic White Buckling Spring USB
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps on Ethernet
    Browser
    Fire Fox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    Love this computer but I still prefer Win-7 like I love my old Lazy Boy Recliner . . . it just feels better.
  • Operating System
    WIN-7-64BIT and Win-11 pro for testing on unsupported hardware
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3801 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Motherboard
    GA-Z77-HD3
    Memory
    16 GB - Crucial Ballistick 4GB PC3-14900 DDR3-1333 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VP278
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    4 - internal Samsung 2.5" SSD, 1 WD HDD 7200 and some external drives
    PSU
    EVGA 550w
    Case
    Old Gygabyte Tower
    Cooling
    Yes
    Keyboard
    Unicomp - UNIOP4A USB (like the old IBM Model H that I started with)
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    The only thing it lack is USB-3.2 on the front face but it has 3.0 on the back
john1955 said:
I live half way between two Micro Centers, 30 miles to either one, but I would never drive to the one in Santa Monica. If it were not a traffic jam getting there, it would be getting home. Fry's was only 10 miles
Click to expand...
Really?! When I use their Store Locator, only Tustin and Santa Clara are listed, with Tustin being the closest one.

Fry's was only 7 miles for me, and it was easy to get to/from there via surface streets.

When I first moved to SoCal and was looking for places to live, Santa Monica was one of those places I loved. However, what a traffic congestion nightmare! So, it was definitely off my list! 😊
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
nuspieds said:
I'm looking to replace my 5-bay QNAP NAS with a Windows 11 Pro PC....
Click to expand...
nuspieds said:
...I'm on my second QNAP and I've loved them but the major issue I have is blink and next thing you know your device is end-of-life and no longer supported. 🤬
Click to expand...
Have you considered giving your QNAP a new lease of life by putting a different OS on it? TrueNAS for example, it is open source.

nascompares.com

How to Install TrueNAS SCALE On A QNAP NAS

How to Install TrueNAS Scale on a QNAP NAS Drive - Step-By-Step Guide If you are reading this guide on making the switch inside your QNAP NAS from QTS/QuTS to TrueNAS Scale, then chances are that you are well aware of what exactly this impressive piece of open-source software is capable of! TrueNAS
nascompares.com nascompares.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven below to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package. Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
nuspieds said:
Really?! When I use their Store Locator, only Tustin and Santa Clara are listed, with Tustin being the closest one.
Click to expand...
Google tricked me . . . it's a Micro Computer Center Inc. not Micro Center
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 (up to date)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i5 12400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z690 UA
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On Board the Z690
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    43" Samsung tu7000
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG SSD 1TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    Thermaltake smart 500w 80+
    Case
    LIAN LANCOOL_205M
    Cooling
    Bunch of fans . . . :o) (lights dont work)
    Keyboard
    Unicomp: Ultra Classic White Buckling Spring USB
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps on Ethernet
    Browser
    Fire Fox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    Love this computer but I still prefer Win-7 like I love my old Lazy Boy Recliner . . . it just feels better.
  • Operating System
    WIN-7-64BIT and Win-11 pro for testing on unsupported hardware
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3801 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Motherboard
    GA-Z77-HD3
    Memory
    16 GB - Crucial Ballistick 4GB PC3-14900 DDR3-1333 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VP278
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    4 - internal Samsung 2.5" SSD, 1 WD HDD 7200 and some external drives
    PSU
    EVGA 550w
    Case
    Old Gygabyte Tower
    Cooling
    Yes
    Keyboard
    Unicomp - UNIOP4A USB (like the old IBM Model H that I started with)
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    The only thing it lack is USB-3.2 on the front face but it has 3.0 on the back
Just install a decent Linux distro -- for this type of stuff why waste time any more on proprietary OS's like QNAP etc. You can even use a low end laptop that doesn't officially support Windows for file serving etc etc. Linux distros have advanced loads in the last few years.

The big problem in using a Non server version of Windows for any type of NAS duties is that Windows is a single user system so you need to be logged in as it runs under your user-id.

If you use Linux you can logoff and the thing just runs in the background and any authorised user can access shares etc etc -- I'm not having a go against Windows but for these sorts of tasks you really need a multi-user OS -- Windows server is hideously expensive for normal domestic users unless you can get "freebies" from work etc - but Linux is fine, multi-user, free and plenty of reasonably easy distros to use, and loads of good support forums.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,11 Linux Fedora Rawhide pre-release 45
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
    Screen Resolution
    4KUHD X 2

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Intel NUC12WSHi7
    CPU
    12th Gen Core i7-1260P
    Motherboard
    NUC12WSBi7
    Memory
    64 GB Micron PC4-25600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    on-board Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3219Q
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB
    Crucial MX500 2 TB
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
jimbo45 said:
The big problem in using a Non server version of Windows for any type of NAS duties is that Windows is a single user system so you need to be logged in as it runs under your user-id.
Click to expand...
pseymour said:
Absolutely false.
Click to expand...
In Windows XP the maximum number of concurrent user connections was 10. For Windows 7 and all versions since that was increased to 20. Only one user can sign into windows on the PC, but that has nothing to do with the shares. They are available on the network whether or not anyone has signed in on the PC itself.

In Windows 11 Pro, the maximum user connection limit for connecting to network mapped drives is the same as Windows 10, which is 20 connections. This means that up to 20 devices or users can connect to the same network share or mapped drive at the same time.

If you need to support more connections, you may need to upgrade to a Windows Server version that has a higher connection limit.
Click to expand...
learn.microsoft.com

Mapped Drive User Connection Limit - Microsoft Q&A

What is the maximum user connection limit in windows 11 pro, to connect to the Network mapped Drive in LAN? Currently Windows 10 has 20 connection limit...
learn.microsoft.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven below to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package. Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
Interesting thread...

But i did not figure out what TS plan on using the "NAS" for more then keeping one set of backups on it.
64GB ram and NVMe disks for backups, is like buying an sports-car to deliver pizza..... you can but.. why.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Linux: Debian, Kali-linux, Alma, Win: 7, 8.1,2012R
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Elitebook 840, AsusX53, Aspire E1-572. AsusUX32A, HP Pro3130mt+3010mt, HP Proliant ML150, 3xCustom-PC, i3, i5, i7
    CPU
    i3, i5 and i7 From 2gen to 9th gen... Server dual Xenon
    Hard Drives
    Sata, M.2, SAS
  • Operating System
    Retro: 2003server.XPpro, Win2000, Win98SE, Win95, Win3.11, MS-DOS, IBM-DOS
    Manufacturer/Model
    Commodore, AST, Fujitsu, Compaq, etc etc. etc Around 15 desktops and 20 laptops in the collection
    CPU
    Oldest intel 8088 up to P4 dual core
    Hard Drives
    MFM, IDE, SCSI
nuspieds said:
Do you have any recommendations as to which site from which I should buy?
Click to expand...


Here's a few... in no specific order...

Falcon Configurator

www.falcon-nw.com www.falcon-nw.com

www.cyberpowerpc.com

Shop Gaming PCs: Prebuilt & Custom Gaming Desktops | CyberPowerPC

Shop CyberPowerPC gaming PCs. Customize your gaming PC with the latest hardware or select a prebuilt gaming computer.
www.cyberpowerpc.com www.cyberpowerpc.com

xoticpc.com

Custom Gaming PCs | RTX 5090 Gaming Computers | Xotic PC

Shop custom gaming PCs with RTX 5090 graphics cards, AMD Ryzen & Intel processors. Budget to high-end gaming computers built for performance. Free shipping & Lifetime warranty.
xoticpc.com xoticpc.com

MAINGEAR | High-performance custom PCs

MAINGEAR is a boutique PC integrator that creates the best gaming experiences through superior products and exceptional service. With over 20 years of crafting the industry's most awarded gaming PCs, MAINGEAR consistently pushes the boundaries of PC gaming hardware innovation forward.
maingear.com maingear.com

www.dell.com

Alienware Gaming Desktops | Dell USA

Experience peak gaming with Alienware desktops. Unmatched speed, stunning graphics, and sleek designs. Shop on Alienware.com.
www.dell.com www.dell.com

www.pugetsystems.com

Homepage

Puget Systems specializes in tailor-made computing solutions for all business needs. We build quality workstations and servers for your unique workflows.
www.pugetsystems.com www.pugetsystems.com


And this is a relatively NEW company that make configurable "modular" laptops and desktops...

frame.work

Order a Framework Desktop with AMD Ryzen™ AI Max

Framework Desktop: A simple, quiet, mini PC with performance far beyond its size, powered by a highly-integrated processor from AMD.
frame.work frame.work


And ofc, you can always "customize" a DELL desktop or laptop...

www.dell.com

Top Deals

Refresh your tech with Dell's top deals on high-performance laptops, desktops, monitors and gaming PCs with free shipping and our price guarantee.
www.dell.com





Some are far more expensive than others... do your research, shop around... etc. :-)
 
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My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8457 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
Bree said:
Have you considered giving your QNAP a new lease of life by putting a different OS on it? TrueNAS for example, it is open source.
Click to expand...
No, I truly want to upgrade to a new box with Windows as the OS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
john1955 said:
Google tricked me . . . it's a Micro Computer Center Inc. not Micro Center
Click to expand...
Ah, ok, yes, that I had found in Santa Monica when I did a search for "Micro Center Santa Monica."
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
jimbo45 said:
Just install a decent Linux distro -- for this type of stuff why waste time any more on proprietary OS's like QNAP etc. You can even use a low end laptop that doesn't officially support Windows for file serving etc etc. Linux distros have advanced loads in the last few years.

The big problem in using a Non server version of Windows for any type of NAS duties is that Windows is a single user system so you need to be logged in as it runs under your user-id.

If you use Linux you can logoff and the thing just runs in the background and any authorised user can access shares etc etc -- I'm not having a go against Windows but for these sorts of tasks you really need a multi-user OS -- Windows server is hideously expensive for normal domestic users unless you can get "freebies" from work etc - but Linux is fine, multi-user, free and plenty of reasonably easy distros to use, and loads of good support forums.

Cheers
jimbo
Click to expand...
No, there's a reason after so many years of using a non-Windows NAS that I now specifically want it to be Windows-based.

There are Windows features and functionality that I now want on my NAS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
Marie SWE said:
Interesting thread...

But i did not figure out what TS plan on using the "NAS" for more then keeping one set of backups on it.
64GB ram and NVMe disks for backups, is like buying an sports-car to deliver pizza..... you can but.. why.
Click to expand...
But what if I can afford that sports car and I prefer the ride, luxury, and features it provides? 😉

The point is that I've been using a NAS for about 20 years now and I know what I'm looking for in my next system.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
Ghot said:
Here's a few... in no specific order...
...
Some are far more expensive than others... do your research, shop around... etc. :-)
Click to expand...
Thanks and, yeah, most definitely! 😊

A couple of those I had already checked and, agreed, prices and customization options can vary significantly.

Interesting enough, when I checked Dell, Lenovo, etc., I couldn't get the exact configuration I wanted and that's why I started to look into custom-build services.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
    Memory
    32GB
    Hard Drives
    1TB
nuspieds said:
But what if I can afford that sports car and I prefer the ride, luxury, and features it provides? 😉

The point is that I've been using a NAS for about 20 years now and I know what I'm looking for in my next system.
Click to expand...
That i totally understand. 🤓(y)
There is two reasons for go way overkill.. For education purposes and the second one, the pure nerd factor.. just because i can. :cool:
as 16GB ram and HDD's 7200rpms in raid5/6 would work fine up to 2.5Gbit Lan.. Sata3 SSD's up to almost 25Gbit Lan.
But for the nerd factor.. Then i just say.. Go for it. ;-)
Consider win server or LTSC workstation so you get an LTSC version that will be long term stable instead of pro that is a rolling version that will have bad uprolls as it have had in the past. it will get in the future.... as MS wont change its approach on pushing updates that isn't really ready to be pushed.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Linux: Debian, Kali-linux, Alma, Win: 7, 8.1,2012R
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Elitebook 840, AsusX53, Aspire E1-572. AsusUX32A, HP Pro3130mt+3010mt, HP Proliant ML150, 3xCustom-PC, i3, i5, i7
    CPU
    i3, i5 and i7 From 2gen to 9th gen... Server dual Xenon
    Hard Drives
    Sata, M.2, SAS
  • Operating System
    Retro: 2003server.XPpro, Win2000, Win98SE, Win95, Win3.11, MS-DOS, IBM-DOS
    Manufacturer/Model
    Commodore, AST, Fujitsu, Compaq, etc etc. etc Around 15 desktops and 20 laptops in the collection
    CPU
    Oldest intel 8088 up to P4 dual core
    Hard Drives
    MFM, IDE, SCSI
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