Stuck with my Plex server build

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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A few months back I built this Plex server for my family. It is a used HP SFF.

System specs:
i7-6700
8gb RAM
1x 256gb SSD for OS and metadata
4tb x 2 storage drives
Ubuntu

I love it! It works perfect for 2-3 transcodes that I do. My movies are all 1080p with moderate bitrate. I haven’t had a single problem with it.

The problem is that I have run out of SATA ports. This only has 3 SATA ports and all are filled. Plus the form factor won’t allow for more HDDs. I know I could have bought bigger HDDs but they are very expensive and I would have a mini heart attack if a 10tb hdd were to die.

What do you guys suggest I do? My goal is 6 to 8 4tb drives. Should I sell this pc and get a different one? I am perfectly ok with the specs of this one it just the storage that is limiting. Any recommendations??

2

Consider a NAS for storage. It does not need to run Plex, just serve up files. Also, RAID provides protection from drive failure.

You can upgrade your Plex server as needed, independently of your NAS.

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I added direct attached storage (DAS) to my server.

This was done by adding an LSI Host Bus Adapter with external connectors into my server and connecting it to another PC case via a pair of SFF8088 cables to a 8088 to 8087 pass-thru connector. From there a pair of forward breakout cables connect to up to eight new drives in the PC case. An ordinary power supply provides power to the new drives.

Note, the new PC case does not have a motherboard and OS. It’s not a NAS, it’s a DAS.

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I second the NAS suggestion. Get a decent multi-bay unit, and add to it as needed.

5

Why spend the money for a motherboard, memory, CPU, OS, and a monitor and keyboard (if it isn’t headless) to run a NAS when only more disks are needed?

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My NAS has minimal CPU, and has no head at all. All it does it serve up files. Just add drives.

I have something similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/Synology-bay-DiskStation-DS416slim-Diskless/dp/B00LB0E9B4

7

It is a personal choice. What best fits your needs and how much effort you want to spend building, maintaining, etc.

DAS vs NAS

With a NAS, you can access the data from many systems. If/when you replace your Plex server, you can run old and new side by side. You can also leverage the storage for other purposes, such as backing up all computers in the house.

With a DAS, you can share files (turn on file sharing on the computer), but at some point you’ll want to move the storage to the new system and shutdown the old. You’ll have to deal with drive mappings, etc. Also, if you built your own DAS, you’ll have to move the HBA, maybe install drivers, etc. Not rocket science. Just more work.

Off the shelf vs roll your own

An off the shelf NAS (Synology, QNAP, etc) deals with the OS, updates, hardware/software for RAID, etc. It has built in applications for backup, cloud sync, etc. It is managed via a web browser. Dedicated keyboard, etc not required. A new one will have a warranty for the entire box, not just individual components, so it is easier to deal with if something breaks.

With a home built system I get none of that. Fine if you want to go that way. I built my home PC and have had to replaced failed components. For storage, I went the other way and use a Synology NAS. It does everything I need. The original unit, a DS414, had a hardware problem while still under warranty. They shipped me a replacement, I moved the drives, turned it on, and was back in business.

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I will be different that everybody else, don’t get a NAS, that sucker fails you’re toast. I have a SSF PC with a bunch of USB3.0 ports and a dual NIC working as a Team. I also have 2 x 4 Bay HardDrive Box with 8x3TB hds. Installed Ubuntu, zPool RAID, put movies on one Box and Show on the other. I use two 128GBs SSD internally to be the cache drives for zpool. The speed of USB 3.0 is fast enough for my whole house. I also have an Antenna and HDHomeRun Tuner where I let Plex be my DVR for shows.

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