Advice on Hardware/Setup for Home Media/Plex Server

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RedRaiderGrad

Commendable
Jul 14, 2016
1
0
1,510
I currently use Plex and have the server running off a laptop I leave running 24/7. I'd like to build a dedicated machine to run the server, store media, backup laptops, store/backup photos and home video. I eventually might use this for TV DVR, security system DVR, and potentially torrent client as well. I access from iPhone/iPad, Roku, and smart TV. I'd prefer to let the machine transcode (rather than store multiple versions of the media files). I also would prefer a quiet and small/medium case as it will like go in/near my entertainment center. I have really just started researching builds and am thinking of going with FreeNAS/FreeBSD and some version of RAID (5, or maybe 10). I'd prefer to stay under $1000, and ideally under $750 if possible. This will be my first full build. I have done some minor PC upgrades before, but am interested in going hands-on for this build. Sorry for rambling and I know this is a really broad request, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
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greens
That seems quite expensive for what you'll need.

My server is a Core2duo with 4GB of ram, 120GB OS SSD, 4TB Buffer HDD, and a 1TB backup for sensitive stuff i'd be sad if i lost. It uses an Intel ITX board inside of a cute little Lian Li case. I use WHS 2011 which is a garbage OS, but honestly having a windows based system is nice because you can use RDP, there is plenty of software available for it, and the GUI is nice and familiar.

I don't think you should use RAID because it will be software raid, which is pretty unreliable and difficult to rebuild if you can't get at the OS. I would high recommend staying away from RAID 5 for your purposes.

That said, even my build is overkill. An integrated ITX mobo with an Intel Atom would...
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greens

greens

Splendid
Jan 27, 2012
3,773
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That seems quite expensive for what you'll need.

My server is a Core2duo with 4GB of ram, 120GB OS SSD, 4TB Buffer HDD, and a 1TB backup for sensitive stuff i'd be sad if i lost. It uses an Intel ITX board inside of a cute little Lian Li case. I use WHS 2011 which is a garbage OS, but honestly having a windows based system is nice because you can use RDP, there is plenty of software available for it, and the GUI is nice and familiar.

I don't think you should use RAID because it will be software raid, which is pretty unreliable and difficult to rebuild if you can't get at the OS. I would high recommend staying away from RAID 5 for your purposes.

That said, even my build is overkill. An integrated ITX mobo with an Intel Atom would probably be more than enough to stream video, etc.



 
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