100TB NAS for Professional Videography: Why We Built Our Own

How a compact custom build solved our Pacific Northwest video storage crisis

The Problem: Storage That Actually Scales

Wedding videographers in the Pacific Northwest generate massive files. Multi-camera 4K shoots at venues from Mount Rainier to the Columbia River Gorge create 500GB-1TB per wedding. With 50+ weddings annually, plus corporate work, you're looking at serious storage needs.

Cloud storage? $400+ monthly for real capacity. External drives? We've all lost projects to failed drives. Commercial NAS solutions? Overpriced and underpowered.

Our 90TB Solution: Specs That Work

Core Hardware

• CPU: Intel Core i5-11600K 3.9 GHz 6-Core
• Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX Z590-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX
• RAM: Kingston FURY Beast RGB 32GB DDR4-3200
• Storage: 5x Seagate IronWolf Pro 18TB (90TB usable in RAID 6)
• Case: Jonsbo N2 Mini ITX Desktop
• PSU: Cooler Master V750 SFX GOLD 750W
• Total Cost: $4,200

Why This Build Works

Compact Powerhouse: The i5-11600K provides serious processing power while the Jonsbo N2 case maximizes drive density in minimal desktop space.

RAID 6 Protection: Two drives can fail simultaneously without data loss. Critical when storing irreplaceable client footage.

IronWolf Pro Drives: Built for NAS workloads with 300TB/year rating. Consumer drives die quickly under constant video workflows.

Software Stack: Beyond Basic Storage

Unraid: Maximum Flexibility

• Mixed drive sizes: Add capacity as budget allows
• Docker containers: Run Nextcloud, Syncthing, Plex natively
• GPU passthrough: Hardware acceleration for transcoding
• Cost efficiency: Use existing hardware, upgrade incrementally

Nextcloud: Professional Client Portal

• Branded interface: Custom domain (files.example.com) instead of generic cloud links
• Client collaboration: Real-time video review and approval
• Team access: Multiple editors accessing projects simultaneously
• Mobile apps: Native iOS/Android for client convenience

Syncthing: Seamless Team Sync

• Field laptop sync: Proxy files auto-sync to laptops for remote editing
• Multi-location teams: Files instantly available across offices
• Bandwidth optimization: Only syncs changes, not entire files
• No VPN required: Encrypted direct sync between devices

Real-World Performance

Workflow Transformation

Before:

• Import files to external drives (2-3 hours)
• Email drive locations to team
• Burn files to drives for client delivery
• Archive to labeled drives in closet

After:

• Direct upload to project folder (45 minutes)
• Team accesses same files simultaneously
• Client portal delivery within hours
• Instant access to any project from past 5 years

ROI Analysis

• Hardware cost: $4,200
• Monthly cloud savings: $425
• Payback period: 9.9 months
• Productivity gains: 10+ hours/week saved

Platform Comparison: Choose Your Path

Unraid: Best for Customization

Pros: Mixed drive sizes, Docker integration, hardware flexibility, community supportCons: Learning curve, configuration time, community-based supportBest for: Technical teams wanting maximum control

Synology: Best for Simplicity

Pros: Plug-and-play setup, enterprise reliability, professional support, security updatesCons: Hardware lock-in, higher cost, limited customizationBest for: Teams wanting reliability over flexibility

QNAP: Best for Mixed Workloads

Pros: Virtualization built-in, competitive pricing, container supportCons: Interface complexity, occasional bugs, security concernsBest for: Teams needing virtualization capabilities

Advanced Features That Scale Business

Automated Workflows

• Hot folders: Drone footage auto-imports and transcodes
• Client notifications: Automatic delivery alerts
• Backup verification: Automated integrity checking

Revenue Opportunities

• Premium client portals: Branded delivery as paid service ($200+ per wedding)
• Consulting services: Help other PNW videographers build similar systems
• Equipment rental: Mobile storage solutions for large productions

Pacific Northwest Considerations

Weather-Resistant Strategy

• Offsite backup: Critical projects replicated to remote location
• Power protection: UPS system for frequent outages
• Climate control: Maintain optimal drive temperatures year-round

Seasonal Workflow Management

• Summer surge: Handle 15-20 weddings per month
• Winter editing: Extended collaborative editing periods
• Remote venue support: System stays safe while team travels

Bottom Line: Stop the Storage Struggle

Every month you delay proper storage infrastructure costs money and productivity. Our compact 90TB build transformed chaotic external drive management into a professional operation that scales with our Pacific Northwest video business.

The initial investment pays for itself through cloud storage savings while eliminating the monthly bleeding of subscription fees. More importantly, it enables collaborative workflows that increase capacity and improve client satisfaction.

Ready to build your own professional storage solution? Contact us for guidance on creating a system that fits your specific workflow and budget. Our experience building and optimizing this compact powerhouse helps fellow PNW creators avoid expensive mistakes and build systems that actually work.

About Minic Media: Professional videography and photography serving the Pacific Northwest from our Tri-Cities base. Specialists in wedding cinematography, corporate video production, and the storage solutions that make it all possible.

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