Summary of GnuBee Personal Cloud 2
The GnuBee Personal Cloud 2 (GB-PC2) is a low-cost, open-source NAS device designed for users seeking full data control and privacy. It supports six 3.5-inch drives and runs free software like Debian and openmediavault. Unlike cloud services, it eliminates external risks by keeping data local on hardware you own.
Parts used in the GnuBee Personal Cloud 2:
- MediaTek MT7621A Processor
- 512 MB DDR3 RAM
- SD card slot
- Six 3.5-inch drive bays
- Three Gigabit Ethernet ports
- One USB 3.0 port
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- Serial port (J1 connector or audio jack)
- Two mainboard fans
- 12 VDC power supply
- Anodized aluminum side plates
- Threaded brackets and screws
- Drive screws
The GnuBee Personal Cloud 2 (GB-PC2) is a network-attached storage (NAS) device specifically engineered to run free, libre, open source software (FLOSS). The GB-PC2 has all the functionality of any commercial, proprietary NAS, but at a much lower cost and with the transparency, reliability, and accessibility advantages that come with using FLOSS.
Personal Cloud 1 vs 2
The GB-PC2 is the big sibling of the GB-PC1 in the sense that it accommodates 3.5” drives instead of 2.5” drives. The GB-PC2 design is based on the GB-PC1 design, but is modified to handle both the larger size and greater power requirements of the 3.5” drives. The chipset and capabilities are otherwise the same.
Features & Specifications
- Processor:
- MediaTek MT7621A
- dual-core, multi-thread (Linux kernel sees four cores)
- 880 MHz, overclockable to 1.2 GHz)
- Memory:
- 512 MB DDR3 RAM (maximum amount for the MediaTek chip)
- soldered to mainboard
- Storage:
- SD card slot (tested up to 64 GB cards so far)
- 6 x 3.5” drives (HDD, SSD, or mix and match; drives not included)
- recommended RAID levels are 0 and 1 under LVM and MD, and Linux MD RAID 10
- Connectivity:
- 3 x Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports can support Ethernet bonding)
- 1 x USB 3.0 port
- 2 x USB 2.0 port
- serial port (3-pin J1 connector or 3.5 mm audio-type jack)
- 2 x mainboard fan
- Power:
- 12 VDC @ 8 A maximum
- 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm, center-positive barrel jack
- Dimensions:
- weight: ~454 g (1 lb) without drives
- Enclosure:
- 2 x anodized aluminum side plates
- 6 x threaded brackets and screws
- 24 x drive screws (four per drive)
- Software:
- Sources & Documentation:
Why a NAS?
Whether you’re a developer or a digital artist, chances are you have a lot of essential data, from music tracks to application code. So you probably already know that data loss is a fact of modern life, and backing up your data is the surest way to prevent it. You could use an online service for backups, but doing so exposes you and your data to a wide range of privacy, security, legal, and financial risks beyond your control. For example:
- What are the data limits and how much does more storage cost?
- Who really owns the data? Does the online provider gain some license to use your data?
- What kind of security is protecting your data? How can you audit that security?
- What kind of changes will the online provider make to their terms of use?
- What people (e.g., employees of the online provider) or organizations (e.g., governments) could also gain access to your data?
All these questions and more make a strong case for using not only a NAS, but a NAS over which you have complete control – a FLOSS NAS! Enter the GnuBee Personal Cloud 2.
Read More: GnuBee Personal Cloud 2
- What is the primary advantage of using a FLOSS NAS over online services?
A FLOSS NAS provides complete control over your data, eliminating privacy, security, legal, and financial risks associated with third-party providers. - How many 3.5-inch drives can the GB-PC2 accommodate?
The device accommodates six 3.5-inch drives, which can be HDDs, SSDs, or a mix. - Can the processor on the GB-PC2 be overclocked?
Yes, the MediaTek MT7621A processor is rated at 880 MHz but is overclockable to 1.2 GHz. - Does the GB-PC2 support Ethernet bonding?
Yes, two of the three Gigabit Ethernet ports can support Ethernet bonding. - What operating systems are supported by the GB-PC2?
The device supports Debian, openmediavault, LEDE, and libreCMC. - What are the recommended RAID levels for this device?
The recommended RAID levels are 0 and 1 under LVM and MD, as well as Linux MD RAID 10. - Is the storage included with the GB-PC2 enclosure?
No, the drives are not included; the enclosure requires separate purchase of HDDs or SSDs. - What type of power connector does the GB-PC2 use?
It uses a 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm center-positive barrel jack requiring 12 VDC at up to 8 A.
