I have a 1u server that I got from work that I’m using as a NAS, currently it only has space for 2 drives inside the case due to its weird layout. Whats the best way to add reliable external bays to expand the storage? I would love to use a disk shelf but they’re too expensive and my 1u server isn’t in a rack. Is there something like a 4 bay direct attach slimSAS box?

One thing i've learned over the years is the way I did something when I was learning is usually not the best way of doing it, and I later go back and redo everything now that I have gained experience and knowledge. I have decided to ditch google photos, and was lucky enough to snag a free rackmount 2017 server from work with an i7 installed and 2 6tb drives on the way. But now comes the hard part of deciding what software I am going to end up learning on and hopefully living with. First and foremost I want a photo backup service, and I have debated between immich and xpenology, I also know that I want to run Pihole and would really like to self host my own website documenting my projects, even if no one will ever look at it.

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If you had to start from the beginning, which OS, which container manager and which containers would you build. I would love the recommendations from those who walked so that I can run