Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In my first video, I unboxed the 45HomeLabs HL8 NAS from 45Drives and gave you my first impressions. Now it’s time for a follow-up. In this video, I set up the HL8 with four Seagate Exos 20TB drives, configure RAIDZ2 with ZFS using the Houston UI on Rocky Linux, and share what it’s been like running this system for months in my homelab. If you want to see how this open-source NAS really holds up against Synology and QNAP, this is the video to watch. @45Drives @CtrlIQ
45HomeLab HL8: store.45homelab.com/configure/hl8
Rocky Linux Supported by CIQ: ciq.com/products/rocky-linux
CompTIA Linux+ Certifcation Course
youtu.be/qNxuTRCRjoQ
Remember to Like, Share, and Subscribe if you enjoyed the video! Also, if you are interested in more Linux content, please consider becoming a channel member so I can continue to produce great content!
✔️RECOMMENDED LINUX BOOKLIST
-------------------------------
Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands: amzn.to/3xGPvsK
CompTIA Linux+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide: Exam XK0-004 amzn.to/3uQ3wmh
101 Labs - CompTIA Linux+ amzn.to/3vtj7rb
How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know amzn.to/3vrLkOO
Linux Bible amzn.to/3rwEkPH
✔️SOCIAL NETWORKS
-------------------------------
KeepItTechie: keepittechie.com
Facebook: facebook.com/KeepItTechie
Twitter: twitter.com/keepittechie
Instagram: instagram.com/keepittechie
Discord: discord.gg/RjZWuyd
--------------------------------
✔️RECORDING EQUIPMENT
-------------------------------
Insta360 4K Webcam - amzn.to/3RddfgZ
Rode Procaster Microphone - amzn.to/42RSInF
RØDE RØDECaster Duo - amzn.to/4ct1T1X
Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator - amzn.to/4ic7BXv
Logitech LED Streaming Light - amzn.to/4j7Z8FT
--------------------------------
00:00 — Follow-Up Intro & Why the HL8
01:15 — Installing the Seagate Exos 20TB Drives
03:00 — Direct-Wired Backplane & Drive Setup Experience
04:30 — Power-Up, Cooling & First Impressions
06:00 — Rocky Linux & Houston UI Overview
07:15 — Building a ZFS RAIDZ2 Pool
08:30 — Real-World Use: Homelab & Content Creator Workflow
10:10 — Pros, Cons & Final Thoughts
In my first video, I unboxed the 45HomeLabs HL8 NAS from 45Drives and gave you my first impressions. Now it’s time for a follow-up. In this video, I set up the HL8 with four Seagate Exos 20TB drives, configure RAIDZ2 with ZFS using the Houston UI on Rocky Linux, and share what it’s been like running this system for months in my homelab. If you want to see how this open-source NAS really holds up against Synology and QNAP, this is the video to watch. @45Drives @CtrlIQ
45HomeLab HL8: store.45homelab.com/configure/hl8
Rocky Linux Supported by CIQ: ciq.com/products/rocky-linux
CompTIA Linux+ Certifcation Course
youtu.be/qNxuTRCRjoQ
Remember to Like, Share, and Subscribe if you enjoyed the video! Also, if you are interested in more Linux content, please consider becoming a channel member so I can continue to produce great content!
✔️RECOMMENDED LINUX BOOKLIST
-------------------------------
Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands: amzn.to/3xGPvsK
CompTIA Linux+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide: Exam XK0-004 amzn.to/3uQ3wmh
101 Labs - CompTIA Linux+ amzn.to/3vtj7rb
How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know amzn.to/3vrLkOO
Linux Bible amzn.to/3rwEkPH
✔️SOCIAL NETWORKS
-------------------------------
KeepItTechie: keepittechie.com
Facebook: facebook.com/KeepItTechie
Twitter: twitter.com/keepittechie
Instagram: instagram.com/keepittechie
Discord: discord.gg/RjZWuyd
--------------------------------
✔️RECORDING EQUIPMENT
-------------------------------
Insta360 4K Webcam - amzn.to/3RddfgZ
Rode Procaster Microphone - amzn.to/42RSInF
RØDE RØDECaster Duo - amzn.to/4ct1T1X
Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator - amzn.to/4ic7BXv
Logitech LED Streaming Light - amzn.to/4j7Z8FT
--------------------------------
00:00 — Follow-Up Intro & Why the HL8
01:15 — Installing the Seagate Exos 20TB Drives
03:00 — Direct-Wired Backplane & Drive Setup Experience
04:30 — Power-Up, Cooling & First Impressions
06:00 — Rocky Linux & Houston UI Overview
07:15 — Building a ZFS RAIDZ2 Pool
08:30 — Real-World Use: Homelab & Content Creator Workflow
10:10 — Pros, Cons & Final Thoughts
