Hi all, first post on this forum. I’m someone who really wants to have a Plex Server.
At the moment I have a 2010 White MacBook, that’s my main computer. I’m going to upgrade my computer most likely to a 2018 or 2019 MacBook Pro. Anyhow, what I’d like a NAS for would be to serve 2 primary uses: 1) A NAS to store files that I don’t need on my internal hard drive. I currently have an external drive with my photos, documents, iTunes (don’t use it that much though) and backup of my computer HD and 2) A Plex Media Server with TV shows and movies.
Currently, I use the following services on my Mac to help manage my data:
- Carbon Copy Cloner - Essential for making my backups. I run this every night and weekly for my other stuff.
- BackBlaze B2 - My online cloud backup solution. Years ago was a Crashplan user but have switched to Backblaze B2 and have been rather happy with it. In the case of a Plex Server, I wouldn’t back my movies and tv shows to B2 as it would get really expensive.
- Arq - I use this to encrypt my backups to Backblaze B2. Also helps with retention and getting data from B2 as opposed to Backblaze’s 30-day retention policy.
- Daisy Disk - Helps me to see what all is on my HD’s.
- Genimi 2 - Helps to manage duplicates
- Diskwarrior - In dire cases helps to figure out drive health.
- Disk Utility - Always a good one to use as a first catchall to issues that might crop up.
My Vision and Thoughts/Dilemmas
I’m at the point where I’d like to use a NAS to manage my data that’s not on my internal HD. I’d also like to set aside an external HD to back up this data on a daily or weekly basis just for peace of mind. I’m due for a computer upgrade (hopefully a new MacBook Pro!) though currently my computer (2010 White MacBook with SSD and 8 GB of Ram) has run my backups and my uploading (scheduled to not clog the network at home) well though at times the fans have been running a bit hot and louder. I guess my dilemma is that I’d rather not tax my computer with doing all this and seemingly run 24/7. Hence why I think I’m in the market for a NAS.
In looking at various stuff, I was debating picking up a Synology that would have 2 bays. Then I thought that’s too little and I’d want at least 4 bays given if an HD fails. I am leaning towards a DiskStation DS1019+ or a used DS918+. If I went the UnRaid route as it would (correct me if I’m wrong) more powerful if I built my own system, I would go with this build https://www.serverbuilds.net/anniversary. I also like the possibility of upgrading the UnRaid server with various parts as I need.
If I build an UnRaid system and buy an 8TB HD or 2, I’d then transfer all the data I have on the external drives onto it. In digging and asking it seems that someone came up with running a VM of Windows 10 to then upload to Arq for B2. Arq doesn’t run on Linux though Duplicati does if I’m willing or wanting to switch to it. From this stemmed the idea of running a Mac Mini as a 24/7 server and running Plex on it and then point my Plex Server to the data on a Synology or UnRaid NAS. The other positive is that I can still use Arq for backing up to B2 (Backblaze). Another goal I have would be to take a load off my internal computer while also when necessary doing more intensive tasks on my NAS if possible.
In terms of costs, it seems if my math is right the following scenarios not including drives:
Option 1: Purchase a Synology DiskStation DS1019+ or a used DS918+ for $649 and $549.99. Haven’t checked eBay prices.
Option 2: Mac Mini Server 2019 Model would be $1,299. 8Gb Ram, i7 Processor, 512 GB SSD HD.
Option 3: Mac Mini 2014 Model for $549 or so used on eBay 8GB Ram, i5 Processor, 256GB SSD HD
Option 4: UnRaid Server from the Anniversary Build above at $400 or less through purchasing parts off eBay.
I’d appreciate any and all nitpicks. questions, and suggestions.
This post was adapted from a post I’d made on the Mac Power Users forums. That thread is here https://talk.macpowerusers.com/t/help-me-figure-out-my-usage-for-a-nas-and-my-backup-strategy/6845 if anyone wants to see that.
