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A cheaper single-board computer can form the core of a DIY NAS, but the board alone does not determine the cost or capability. The storage interface, drive power, networking, cooling, enclosure and backup plan all matter—and the exact rival board in this build is not identified in the available project details. That means there is no verified bill of materials, price comparison or transfer-speed result to claim. Here is what the documented options do establish, and what to check before choosing a board.
What the available build details establish
The title describes replacing a Raspberry Pi with a cheaper rival SBC, but no project parts list or measurements identify which board was used. It would be misleading to name a model, state how much it cost, or claim that it transferred files faster than a Raspberry Pi. The useful decision is whether a specific board can support the storage setup you want.
In a NAS, the SBC is only one component. Compare the complete assembled system: board and memory, storage interface, drives, power supplies, boot media, cooling and enclosure. A board advertised at a lower price may not make the complete NAS cheaper if it needs additional adapters or a different power setup.
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Two practical ways to connect NAS storage
External drives over USB
A USB-drive setup is a relatively direct way to build a small NAS. Raspberry Pi’s official tutorial uses a Raspberry Pi 4 8GB running Raspberry Pi OS Lite, Ethernet and external USB storage. For consistent drive power, the tutorial recommends a powered USB hub; it also recommends Ethernet for best performance in its setup. These are details of Raspberry Pi’s example, not evidence that the unnamed rival-board build used the same parts or achieved the same results. Read Raspberry Pi’s NAS tutorial.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
The tutorial cautions that a microSD card is probably too small for NAS storage unless the files are very small. It also warns that partitioning can erase a drive. Back up any drive you plan to partition before following setup steps, and confirm the instructions match your board and operating system.
Multiple drives through a SATA HAT
For a multi-drive arrangement, Radxa’s Penta SATA HAT provides four SATA interfaces and one eSATA interface, for up to five HDD or SSD connections. Radxa documents support for Raspberry Pi 5 and specified ROCK boards: ROCK 2A/2F, ROCK 3A/3C, ROCK 4 variants, and ROCK 5A/5C. Its documentation describes a 12 V input, HDD suspend, an optional fan and OLED, and software RAID 0, 1 and 5. These are product-documentation specifications, not independent performance tests. Check Radxa’s Penta SATA HAT compatibility and setup documentation.
That compatibility list is specific to the HAT; it does not establish that an unlisted SBC can use it. Before buying, verify the exact board model and revision, HAT kit, cabling, operating system and kernel. Radxa also has a Penta SATA HAT product page.
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Drive power
Drive power is a design requirement, not an afterthought. Radxa advises checking the peak current of a large 3.5-inch drive and recommends a peak current below 1.7 A for drives used with the Penta SATA HAT. Treat that figure as Radxa’s guidance for this product, not as a general limit for every SBC or storage adapter. Confirm the requirements of the board, HAT, drives and power supplies together.
Rank #3
![Arduino® UNO™ Q 4GB [ABX00173]- Hybrid Board, Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 microprocessor (MPU) & STM32U585 Microcontroller(MCU), AI Vision, Voice, IoT, Robotics, Linux Debian OS, Wi-Fi 5, USB-C](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cl4xygwGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Dual-Brain Hybrid Power: Combines the Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 MPU (Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHz CPU, Adreno GPU, AI acceleration) and the real-time, low-power STM32U585 MCU for advanced applications like object recognition, voice commands, and motion detection.
- AI & Linux Capabilities: Unlocks AI-powered vision and sound solutions; runs Linux Debian OS for coding in Python and supports the Arduino ecosystem with libraries and Sketches; quick start with Arduino App Lab.
- Advanced Features: Equipped with 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, 32 GB eMMC built-in storage, ideal for single-board computer (SBC) mode, running multiple simultaneous high-level processes, more complex AI or ML models, extensive logs. Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, and high-speed headers for vision, audio, and display peripherals.
- Seamless Expansion & Connectivity: Features the classic UNO form factor for shields compatibility, an 8x13 LED matrix, and a Qwiic connector for easy expansion with Modulino nodes; power and connect via the USB-C connector.
- Intended Use & Development: The perfect platform for prototyping robotics or IoT projects, empowering innovators with a unified development experience to mix Arduino Sketches, Python scripts, and containerized AI models in a single interface.
Cooling and enclosure
A compact board and several drives still need a suitable physical setup. Check whether the board and storage interface require active cooling, whether an optional fan is included or must be added, and whether the enclosure can accommodate the drives, cabling and power connections. The cited documentation does not establish the cooling, enclosure, noise level or complete parts list for the titled build.
Network link
File access depends on the whole path between the NAS and client, including the network connection. Raspberry Pi recommends Ethernet in its tutorial for best performance in that setup. That does not establish a comparative speed result for another board. To make a meaningful speed claim, test file transfers under a stated, repeatable setup and identify the board, drive, filesystem, network link and test conditions.
Rank #4
![Arduino UNO R4 WiFi [ABX00087] - Renesas RA4M1 + ESP32-S3, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, CAN, 12-bit DAC, OP AMP, Qwiic Connector, 12x8 LED Matrix for Advanced IoT & Embedded Projects](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416S910MpBL._SL160_.jpg)
- Dual-Core Processing with Renesas RA4M1 and ESP32-S3: The Arduino UNO R4 WiFi combines the Renesas RA4M1 microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M4) and the ESP32-S3 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip, delivering powerful dual-core processing capabilities. This combination offers flexibility for a wide range of projects, from high-speed communications and wireless control to real-time data processing and edge AI applications.
- Comprehensive Wireless Connectivity: Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, the UNO R4 WiFi ensures robust wireless communication for IoT projects, remote sensors, smart devices, and wireless control applications. Whether connecting to the cloud, other devices, or local networks, the board offers stable and high-speed wireless connectivity for seamless operation.
- Modern USB-C, CAN, & Qwiic Connector: The USB-C port enables efficient power delivery and fast programming, improving ease of use compared to traditional USB connections. The Controller Area Network (CAN) support allows for reliable, real-time communication in industrial, automotive, or robotic systems. Additionally, the Qwiic Connector makes it easy to add I2C sensors and peripherals, simplifying the connection process and reducing the need for complex wiring.
- High-Precision 12-bit DAC & OP-AMP: For projects that require high-quality analog output, the 12-bit DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and integrated operational amplifier (OP-AMP) provide precise analog signal generation and amplification. This feature is ideal for audio projects, sensor interfacing, or applications where analog signal control and processing are necessary.
- Integrated 12x8 LED Matrix: The UNO R4 WiFi includes a built-in 12x8 LED Matrix, enabling users to display dynamic visuals, messages, or real-time data on the board itself. This makes it perfect for projects that require immediate visual feedback, such as status indicators, event displays, or interactive user interfaces.
How to compare the real cost and performance
No verified, matched price or throughput comparison is established for the unnamed build. A useful comparison needs the complete assembled costs and measurements from the options being compared—not just the purchase price of each SBC.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Cost: Include the SBC and memory, storage interface, drives, power supplies, boot media, cooling and enclosure. State purchase date, region and currency, and clarify what each quoted price includes.
- Storage: Compare the board’s documented storage interfaces, the number and form factor of drives supported, and any required HAT, USB hub or adapter.
- Compatibility: Check official board and storage-interface documentation, including operating-system and kernel support, before assembling a parts list.
- Performance: Use reproducible file-transfer tests and report the drive, filesystem, client, network connection and test conditions. Do not infer NAS throughput from processor specifications or a product-page claim.
- Operating needs: Account for drive and board power, cooling, enclosure space and noise alongside capacity and speed.
RAID is not a backup plan
Radxa documents software RAID support for the Penta SATA HAT, but that specification does not establish which RAID level, if any, the titled build uses. RAID and backup solve different problems: RAID may help maintain access after certain drive failures, depending on its configuration, while a separate backup is needed to recover from accidental deletion, theft or loss of the NAS. The available build details do not establish a redundancy or backup plan, so do not assume either is included.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM: Model SC1112 featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz. Enhanced Connectivity: Includes dual 4K micro HDMI ports, USB-C power input, and high-speed USB 3.0 ports. PCIe Expansion Support: FPC connector enables M.2 NVMe SSDs when using compatible adapters. Fast Storage Options: Works with microSD cards for booting, or optional NVMe storage for advanced projects. Built for Projects & Learning: Ideal for programming, home labs, DIY electronics, automation, and Linux-based development.
What to verify before choosing a rival SBC
- Identify the exact board model, revision and memory variant, then check its official documentation for storage and network interfaces.
- Choose USB storage or a compatible SATA add-on. If using a HAT, verify the specific board is on its supported list and confirm the required cabling and software support.
- Check drive power requirements against the storage interface and power supply. For a 3.5-inch drive on Radxa’s Penta SATA HAT, apply Radxa’s stated peak-current guidance.
- Plan the enclosure, cooling and boot media, and include them in the total cost.
- Decide how data will be protected: distinguish any RAID configuration from a separate backup, and confirm the actual build implements both if both are claimed.
- If comparing speed, record the complete setup and run repeatable file-transfer tests over the intended network connection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
