Thanks to Waveshare’s PCIe 4-channel NVMe board, the Pi can support up to four NVMe SSDs.

This setup can be expanded for many other uses as well: a local movie server, a music library, a ROMs hub, or a dedicated storage node for specific tasks. And since it’s powered by a Raspberry Pi, the overall cost is far lower than a traditional NAS. That makes it perfect for lightweight, dedicated storage needs without relying on a bulky, expensive full-size NAS system.

This article covers the whole build process of this Pi NAS, so let's begin with the build.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Below were the materials we used in this project:

• Raspberry Pi 5 - 4GB Variant
• Waveshare's 4 CH NVME board
• ICE Cooler
• M2 screws
• 3D-printed Parts
• M.2 SSD Gen3 500gb (using Crucial SSD Here, which is no longer being made thanks to AI)

RASPBERRY PI

For this NAS project, I’m using the Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM variant. This model offers enough memory for smooth file handling, background services, and running CasaOS without any performance issues.

The Pi 5 unit I’m using does not include onboard eMMC, so the operating system is installed directly on the NVMe SSD, taking advantage of the Pi’s PCIe interface for faster boot times and overall responsiveness.

For the OS, I’ve installed Debian 12, which provides a stable and lightweight base for running CasaOS and managing network storage tasks. Combined with NVMe storage, the system feels noticeably quicker compared to a traditional microSD setup.

ICE COOLER FOR RASPBERRY PI 5

The ICE Cooler is an active cooling solution designed to keep the Pi 5’s powerful new hardware running at safe temperatures. It combines a metal heatsink with a small, high-speed fan that pulls heat away from the CPU, GPU, and memory chips. Compared to regular heatsinks or passive cooling, the ICE Cooler provides much better thermal performance, especially during tasks that put the Pi under heavy load—like running NVMe storage, hosting a NAS, or performing continuous file transfers.

The ICE Cooler kit includes everything needed to properly cool the Raspberry Pi 5. Inside the box, you get a heatsink unit, a 40 mm × 40 mm RGB fan, M2.5 PCB standoffs, retaining metal brackets, silicone thermal pads, and a set of bolts for mounting.

We followed the included instructions to assemble the heatsink and mount it onto the Raspberry Pi 5 using the metal retaining brackets. The RGB fan connects directly to the Pi’s built-in fan header, making installation simple and clean.

With the ICE Cooler installed, the Raspberry Pi 5 can now run at higher performance levels without worrying about overheating. The cooler efficiently pulls heat away from the CPU, helping prevent throttling during heavy workloads like file transfers or NAS operations.

The fan also features built-in RGB LEDs on its PCB. Since the fan housing is made from transparent material, the entire fan lights up when spinning. This adds a subtle gamer-style aesthetic to the build, making the NAS look more visually appealing while staying functional.

Check out the ICE Cooler from the below link!

https://www.waveshare.com/ice-tower-fan-for-pi.htm?&aff_id=Arnov

WAVESHARE 

Special thanks to Waveshare for providing the hardware used in this project. The PCIe to 4-Channel NVMe Adapter Board and supporting accessories were supplied as review units for testing and evaluation.

Waveshare is a leading global provider of electronic components, modules, and development tools used across robotics, IoT, automation, education, and many other fields. With a strong focus on quality, reliability, and continuous innovation, Waveshare has earned the trust of engineers, designers, hobbyists, and makers worldwide.

Their extensive product lineup, from displays and HATs to expansion boards and embedded modules, makes them a go-to choice for both professional builds and DIY projects.

Waveshare had no involvement in the build process, configuration, testing...