Create Your Own Personalized NAS Bay: The N5 Mini Offers Compatibility for Five Drives and Customizable Exteriors
Affordable 3D-Printable NAS Solution: The N5 Mini
The N5 Mini, a budget-friendly, 3D printable version of the Minisforum N5 NAS, has been making waves in the maker community. This compact device, standing at around 175mm high, offers a cost-effective solution for network-attached storage (NAS) needs.
The N5 Mini received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in a recent review, highlighting its quality and value. The device comes with a power supply, cables, and a fan for cooling, making it a complete package right out of the box.
One of the key advantages of the N5 Mini is its open-source nature. Thanks to Harvest, makers can save significant work as the N5 Mini project has been created and shared freely. This means anyone can build their own N5 Mini at home, without any licensing fees.
When it comes to 3D printing the N5 Mini NAS enclosure, the Bambulab A1 Mini is a recommended option. Its print bed dimensions (175mm high) match the N5 Mini's design perfectly, ensuring a seamless fit. Other printers with a build volume of at least 175 x 175 mm in XY and Z, good layer resolution, and filament compatibility with PLA or PETG would also be suitable.
For instance, the Snapmaker U1, with its build volume of 270 x 270 x 270 mm, offers multi-filament/toolhead switching, precise printing, and good temperature controls, making it suitable for larger or more complex prints like the N5 Mini.
When choosing a printer for the N5 Mini NAS enclosure, prioritize minimum print bed clearance of at least 175mm vertical height, good print quality and precision for the smooth and rounded enclosure surfaces, and filament compatibility matching the recommended materials for the case.
The N5 Mini's design is compatible with various mini PCs, while maintaining the signature smooth, rounded shape of the Minisforum N5. The case is primarily constructed using PETG filament, with TPU needed for the feet and offsets to get the correct texture.
It's important to note that the cost of the N5 Mini does not include the cost of the mini PC, which varies depending on the choice. The official Minisforum N5 NAS devices cost between $730 and $1300 (USD), while the N5 Mini can be produced for about $215.
The Bambulab A1 Mini, considered one of the best 3D printers for beginners, is an ideal choice for building the N5 Mini due to its direct mention and design compatibility with the device. Moreover, custom face plates can be 3D printed for personalization, adding a unique touch to your N5 Mini build.
References: [1] Bambulab A1 Mini Review [2] N5 Mini Build Guide [3] N5 Mini Compatibility with Bambulab A1 Mini [4] Snapmaker U1 Review
The N5 Mini, with its cost-effective nature, is a budget-friendly solution that incorporates technology in a compact gadget designed for network-attached storage (NAS) needs. For 3D printing the N5 Mini NAS enclosure, the technology-driven Bambulab A1 Mini, designed for beginners, is an ideal choice due to its compatibility with the device.
