I’ve been convinced to build my own NAS again instead of going with a Synology and I’m thinking there are probably parts that don’t matter if you buy used vs new but I’m curious what your thoughts are?
Aside from drives, the rest of the components are fine. But honestly, I use what I had for a computer before upgrading to my current one. Old components you have around can be a good idea.
I don’t really like buying drives second-hand, but I suppose it shouldn’t be an issue if the drive is relatively new and has had little use.
My NAS is almost filled with used parts, mostly lightly used. Only the power supply is brand new as the form factor is hard to find.(flex ATX, I bought an FSP FlexGURU)
IMO excluding HDD, most hardwares can be used without much consequence: CPU, RAM(I only trust original/major grade sticks), case and perhaps power supply(from reputable brand and known good model)
Power supply and case I’ve always bought new. Everything else has been 100% used enterprise parts off eBay, or used hand-me-downs from my gaming rig. No issues in 15 years doing this.
Got any good key words to make sure I’m finding desirable used enterprise stuff?
I always shop with specific model numbers I’m looking for based on research.
I’ve purchased almost everything used except for the case (using a Fractal Design Define 7 XL and Fractal Design R5).
Used/retired enterprise hardware has virtually zero market, so it’s dirt cheap.
I’m using Dell Precision motherboards and Intel Xeon CPUs in both of my main production servers because each motherboard/CPU combo ran about $30 each.
For hard drives specifically I almost always buy used, but I always buy enterprise/NAS drives (HGST DC, Seagate Exos, and Western Digital Red Plus to name a few).
I am going to have the Define 7 XL case for a long, long time. It is built like a tank.