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Build a low-budget Home Server 2U Rackmount NAS

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Written by: pcmasterx
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Guide: Upgrading a Low-Budget Home Server: Swapping to a Powerful Mini-ITX NAS Motherboard

Building or upgrading a home server doesn't have to break the bank. If you want to turn a standard setup into a high-performance, rack-mount Network Attached Storage (NAS), choosing the right motherboard is everything.
In this guide, we will walk through the unboxing of a specific white CW-NAS-WL motherboard and the step-by-step process of upgrading an existing home server setup.
The New Hardware: CW-NAS-WL Overview
The CW-NAS-WL is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard that packs a serious punch for storage enthusiasts. Here is what makes it stand out:
  • Processor: Integrated Intel Core i5-8265U.
  • SATA Storage: 8 SATA outputs dedicated to hard drives.
  • M.2 Expansion: 2 onboard M.2 slots for high-speed SSDs.
  • PCIe Versatility: 1 PCIe X4 slot (can be used for a third M.2 SSD via an adapter or a 10G SFP+ LAN card).
  • Networking: 2 integrated 2.5 GbE LAN ports.
  • Connectivity: 2 USB 3.0 ports on the back, a front-panel USB 3.0 header, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, and a Micro SD card slot.
This video shows: ideas so that you too could make a NAS for yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing the Motherboard
1. Out with the Old
Before installing the new hardware, the old system needs to be dismantled:
  • Open the server case and disconnect all power, SATA, and front-panel cables from the existing motherboard (in this case, an Intel N5105-based BK-NAS-N5105-MB).
  • Unscrew and remove the PCIe LAN card.
  • Unscrew the old motherboard, carefully lift it out, and remove the old I/O shield.
2. Salvaging Components
To save money, you can transfer compatible components from your old board:
  • Remove the M.2 SSD and RAM memory modules from the old Intel N5105 board.
  • Install them directly onto the new CW-NAS-WL motherboard.
3. Installing the New Board
With the new motherboard prepped with RAM and storage, it is time for installation:
  • Snap the new I/O shield into the back of the case.
  • Place the motherboard inside, align it with the standoffs, and tighten all the screws.
4. Wiring and Expansion Cards
Now, connect everything back together:
  • Plug in the front-panel cables (power switch, reset switch, and power/HDD indicators).
  • Install a 10G SFP+ PCIe LAN card into the PCIe slot for lightning-fast network speeds.
  • Connect the main motherboard power cables.
  • Plug in the 8 SATA cables for your hard drive array.
  • Connect the front-panel USB 3.0 cable.
Conclusion:
With the hardware securely mounted and wired, this low-budget rack-mount NAS is ready for massive storage capacity and fast network speeds. Upgrading to a dedicated board like the CW-NAS-WL breathes new life into a home server, providing the perfect balance of processing power, connectivity, and storage expansion.

Photos: Pictures to see how it looks assembled.

Mainboard: CW-NAS-WL This motherboard is a small Mini ITX, has a specific white color, has 8 SATA outputs for hard drives, it comes with a Core i5 8265U processor, has two M.2 slots for SSDs, it is possible to add a third M.2 SSD to the PCIe x4 slot with an M.2 adapter or to put a 10G SFP+ LAN card in that PCIe slot. The board has two integrated 2.5GbE LAN ports, and it also has a slot for a micro SD card. It has two USB 3.0 ports on the back panel, but the motherboard also has a USB 3.0 output, for connectors located on the front panel of the server case.

Motherboard being tested before being inserted into a 2U Rackmount NAS enclosure.

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