Verified Build Plans — $39

Pre-configured NAS build plans written by the Need to Know IT team. Each plan covers hardware, drives, RAID config, network setup, and backup strategy. Ready to follow from the day your gear arrives.

Each plan is a complete, step-by-step build guide for a specific NAS device and use case. Hardware list, exact drive model recommendations, RAID configuration, network setup, and backup strategy. Written for the build, not a general guide.

Every plan includes
  • Exact hardware and drive recommendations
  • RAID configuration with rationale
  • DSM or OS first-boot setup walkthrough
  • Network config (shares, permissions, remote access)
  • Backup strategy (3-2-1 implementation)
  • AU pricing and where to buy
  • Common mistakes to avoid for this specific build
  • Instant PDF download. No subscription.
Available Now
Available Now
Synology DS225+
Beginner Home NAS Build Plan
The complete first-NAS setup for home users. Photos, documents, media backups, and phone auto-upload. Covers everything from unboxing to first remote access.
Ideal for: Home users setting up their first NAS. 2-bay Synology DS225+.
$39 AUD one-time · instant PDF
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Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Synology DS925+
Small Business NAS Build Plan
Shared storage, client backups, and Synology Drive team collaboration for small teams. Covers ACL permissions, Active Backup for Business, and offsite DR strategy.
Ideal for: Small teams (2-10 users), professional services, trades businesses.
$39 AUD one-time · instant PDF
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Synology DS425+
Home Power User Build Plan
4-bay build for Plex, Docker, surveillance, and household backup. Covers Plex transcoding limits, container setup, and multi-user share permissions.
Ideal for: Home lab users, Plex enthusiasts, Docker self-hosters.
$39 AUD one-time · instant PDF
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
QNAP TS-464
Home Lab Build Plan
NVMe-cache build for QNAP QTS or Unraid. Docker, VMs, and fast local storage. Covers drive tiering, app setup, and network isolation for self-hosters.
Ideal for: Home lab users, self-hosters, Docker and VM enthusiasts.
$39 AUD one-time · instant PDF
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Platform-Agnostic
3-2-1 Backup Implementation Plan
A step-by-step 3-2-1 backup strategy for homes and small offices. Covers primary NAS setup, USB offsite rotation, and cloud sync. Works with any Synology or QNAP device.
Ideal for: Anyone who wants a real backup plan, not just RAID.
$39 AUD one-time · instant PDF
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Synology DS925+
Video Editing Studio Build Plan
High-throughput shared storage for video editors on Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Covers 10GbE setup, RAID throughput, multi-editor permissions, and archive strategy.
Ideal for: Freelance editors, small production teams, content creators with growing libraries.
$39 AUD one-time · instant PDF
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Synology DS1525+
Business Compliance Build Plan
5-bay build for accounting firms, medical practices, and professional services with compliance requirements. Covers encryption, audit logging, ACL, and offsite replication.
Ideal for: Accounting firms, legal practices, healthcare, any business with data retention obligations.
$39 AUD one-time · instant PDF
Coming Soon
Not sure which plan fits your situation? If you’re undecided between builds or want a plan built around your specific use case and budget, the Build Review service ($149) covers a full written assessment with a custom hardware and config recommendation.

Looking for free planning resources? Free NAS planning downloads are available with no email required.

Last updated: 17 May 2026