Seeking Advice: Using a 2019 MacBook Pro as a NAS for Media Production

Hello everyone,

I run a small media production company and am currently exploring efficient ways for remote collaboration with my editor. I’m considering setting up a NAS system and need some advice.

I have a top-of-the-line 2019 MacBook Pro that’s currently underused, and I’m thinking about repurposing it as a NAS server. Before I proceed, I’d love to get some insights and experiences from the community.

Here are some specific questions I have:

Has anyone here used a MacBook Pro as a NAS? What was your experience like in terms of performance and reliability?
What free NAS software would you recommend for a Mac setup? I’m considering TrueNAS, but open to suggestions.
For those who have used both a dedicated NAS (like Synology) and a repurposed computer, what are the pros and cons you’ve observed?
Any recommendations on external storage solutions (like SSD arrays or enclosures) compatible with a MacBook Pro?
What network setup considerations should I be aware of, especially for handling large video files?

Any advice, tips, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated, especially from those in the media production field.

It’s worth mentioning I’m considering this as an alternative to buying a dedicated Synology NAS.

Thanks in advance!

3 comments

What is the network/other system you are connecting it to, 10G? Sell the MacBook and get a mini with 10G.
No, this is trying to solve the wrong issues.

What's the internet connection like?

How do you currently store files? Qualify what you think is large - 10gb, 100gb, 1tb. What is a project size currently? How many cameras & at what resolution/codec?

What editing tools are you working in? Have you looked at cloud editors that allow for collaborative remote editing?

Do not install TrueNAS on the Mac - it's not going to work. A dedicated NAS like a Synology will be cheaper than anything done on the Mac. What is the total storage you have currently & how much does it grow per month?
This is a bad idea. Why not use the Macbook for what it was designed, namely editing things instead of hosting things?

A run of the mill PC can run TrueNAS way more efficiently and everything in one box instead of having a laptop with tons of cables coming and going from it.