PiNAS

Author(s): Louis Ouellet

PiNAS is a compact, modular, 3D-printable Network Attached Storage system designed around the Raspberry Pi platform.

It blends functional engineering with an angular, industrial design inspired by modern embedded hardware. The goal is simple: build a powerful, customizable NAS that looks as intentional as it performs.

This project focuses on:

• Clean mechanical design
• Proper airflow for 3.5“ HDD cooling
• Modular storage configurations
• Full documentation for replication and customization

PiNAS is not just a Raspberry Pi in a box. It is a purpose-built storage appliance.

• 3D Printable: Fully printable enclosure designed for standard FDM printers. Optimized for strength, airflow, and ease of assembly.
• Various Combinations: Supports multiple drive configurations (2x, 4x 3.5” HDD, future 2.5“ variants). Modular internal layout allows flexible hardware arrangements.
• Raspberry Pi Foundation: Designed for Raspberry Pi 5 compatibility, with proper mounting, cooling clearance, and I/O access.
• Radxa Penta SATA HAT: Native support for the Radxa Penta SATA HAT for multi-drive setups with proper cable routing and backplane alignment.
• Airflow Engineered: Dedicated intake and exhaust paths to maintain safe operating temperatures for both HDDs and the Raspberry Pi.
• Tool-Friendly Assembly: Uses standard screws, threaded inserts (optional), and minimal hardware complexity.

Complete build instructions, hardware lists, configuration guides, and performance tuning documentation can be found here: PiNAS Documentation