I kicked my Synology NAS to the curb and replaced it with a custom-built server running Proxmox and I should have done it sooner

I Replaced My Synology NAS with a Custom Server Running Proxmox

It was time to take full control of my data. When I first started with a Synology NAS years ago, it mainly stored image files for work and media for Plex. It was never meant to be a home lab, but over time it evolved into one—until it stretched itself too thin and failed.

Building a custom server for my home lab was always on my agenda, and now it's finally happening. The NAS will now focus solely on archiving files, while the new server handles demanding tasks. What surprises me most is how long it took to recognize my needs had outgrown the NAS.

About This Project

Hardware for this build was provided by SilverStone, Asus, and Kingston. None of these companies reviewed or influenced the article’s content prior to publication.

Why Replace the NAS?

My home lab needs have outpaced the capabilities of both my Synology NAS and mini PC. The mini PC tops out at 12GB of non-upgradable RAM, while the NAS can support up to 64GB but lacks GPU acceleration options and has no free drive bays left.

The simple fact is that my home lab needs have outgrown the available resources on my Synology NAS or on my mini PC.

These limitations, along with some missteps by Synology, accelerated my decision. However, the move to a dedicated server was inevitable.

Summary

This transition reclaims control of data and boosts performance by dedicating roles: the NAS for storage and the new server for intensive workloads.

Author’s Note

Replacing my NAS with a custom Proxmox server was overdue and now matches the growing demands of my home lab setup.

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XDA XDA — 2025-11-02

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