Hardware shape

Choose NAS drive bays from the next expansion

Choose the enclosure around the next storage decision, not just the smallest array you can assemble today.

Decision 01

Two bays are a different path

A two-bay mirror is straightforward, but capacity growth eventually requires replacing both drives or replacing the enclosure.

Decision 02

Four and six bays can support different redundancy layouts and staged growth, but every layout still needs a separate backup target.

Decision 03

Platform rules determine when larger replacement drives add usable capacity. Confirm the exact expansion path before making a partial upgrade.

Continue planning

Capacity

Expansion

Sources and scope

Last reviewed 2026-07-13. This page separates the decision it supports from the facts that still require a platform or model-specific check.

Applies to

NAS enclosure and vdev planning before a first purchase or expansion.

Does not cover

Exact chassis compatibility, performance, acoustics, or regional availability.