Looking for some advice on my journey to expand my local storage. Currently, I have a mini PC running my Arr setup with Plex and I have an external enclosure with a HDD connected through USB. I can reliably push 4K to my Android TV. This is the system’s only use and purpose.
I need to continue to be able to Hardlink files so that I can seed back while Arr programs are sorting and renaming for Plex.
I’m not too concerned with a file backup solution or relying on this setup for sharing important files across my home network.
Would a DAS be sufficient for this? Is there any reason I should avoid this and invest in a NAS solution?
Adding my obligatory “why Plex over Kodi?” comment.
Kodi only needs file access, and handles video files more gracefully, even if you keep the filenames as downloaded. Includes sub search addons, all the same meta features that Plex does (watch history, resume from where you left off, ratings, cast and crew, trivia, trailers), and is free and open. Plus, no forced upgrades of server or client app or phone home.
But either way, have fun building out your storage!
It’s just what I’ve been using for so long. And I have a lifetime Plex Pass.
Good answer. I jumped ship when they started ramming Plex Pass and required login down my throat, but I had been having issues with their app and server for about year before I switched. Glad you’re getting value from them!
Depends on what you’re running on your current solution I suppose. There’s no real appreciable difference between either. A NAS is just an OS with a storage array, and hooking a disk array up to your current solution is essentially the same thing. One benefit of a productized NAS would be simplicity for managing storage and apps made for the device, and I guess community. Rolling your own is just that difference. Plenty of FOSS solutions for building your NAS to simplify that as well.
I may go down the DAS path then. I was eyeing a QNAP 4-Bay DAS. Perhaps a NAS later on if I’m in need of a home network storage solution that is a bit cleaner and user friendly.
Why QNAP over Synology?
No reason other than price. Everything I see listed for Synology is a NAS setup.
That sounds fine. The only concern is the sub speed? As long as it can handle everything… yeah cool.
I’ve got my seed box on a pi4 separate from my Plex server, but it really should be fine without a NAS.
The real question is are you backing up?
USB speed? Everything has been completely fine with the USB enclosure I have it running on right now.
I’m not doing any backups with this setup. This would solely be for media that will be streamed through Plex. While having a drive fail will be annoying, it wouldn’t be catastrophic as nothing personal or important would be stored here. I would rely on the Arr setup to rebuild.
Honestly, I’m just trying to squeeze out any HDD space I can use. I’m trying to keep the cost down where I can.
