Is there a good Mini PC for a file/Plex server?

[dragonpoo]

Hi everyone!

Just thought I'd try a discussion on this to see where it takes me. I have a decent amount of Mini PCs I've acquired over the last few years, and I think my biggest complaint is the storage on them is limited - some can handle more than one m.2 drive, and others can handle a SATA port for a laptop 2.5" drive. However, I haven't seen any that can handle a 3.5" desktop hard drive. Because a desktop hard drive requires both a SATA and power connection, and most of the connectors for SATA ports lack the power piece, they just seem inadequate for that use. Has anyone found anything different?

I currently have an old 2011 Dell SFF desktop computer running as a Plex server (i5-2400, 16GB RAM, 4TB desktop hard drive, DVD drive), but it's feeling its years, being used for both media conversion and hosting files. I would love to use a Mini PC for full capabilities, instead of simply getting a Synology or similar NAS, but it seems all the Mini PCs are limited on internal drive space. The most I can see myself doing is getting a 4TB SSD, but that's not much of an upgrade since I already have 4.

Is this a dream? Anyone tried something similar?

[Gabe]

Your only option is likely an external 3.5" HDD with its own power. I use an 8TB WD Elements drive with my TV for mp4 movies and TV shows, though it's nearly full already and I'll have to get something with at least twice the capacity soon.

[dragonpoo]

Thanks for replying! I've considered that. I typically view external storage as short-term, not long-term constant storage. Especially when I've had multiple external drives (2.5 and 3.5) die on me. It feels like they aren't as stable as internal drives, even if the drives inside are similar.

[hsehestedt]

There is zero difference between eternal drives and internal drives. But there is a difference between standard drives and so called "NAS" drives. These drives are designed a bit more rugged to withstand heavy usage in 24 x 7 scenarios, although you won't be hammering them that hard with a Plex server.

The main thing in an external chassis is simply to make sure you have decent cooling. After all, even so called "internal" drives are still drives in a chassis - it's just a bigger chassis that shares space with a motherboard and other components.

But, for any serious Plex server, I cannot see a Mini PC as being appropriate without some external storage. My Plex library is now at 60TB+ so that's simply not happening without external storage .
 

[dragonpoo]

My Plex library is now at 60TB+ so that's simply not happening without external storage .

What are you hosting your Plex server on? Got any details about specs?

I understand your comment about external versus internal storage; the drives shouldn't behave differently. However, I suspect you're right about cooling. Even for a small portable (2.5") drive, it can feel somewhat hot. I know internal drives can get warm as well, but when I've had more external drives act up, than internal ones, it makes me feel like external has other issues as well.

[brandoman]

@Dragonpoo



Aoostar R1 might be what you are looking for as it allows for 2 3.5inch drives to be installed. Aoostar is supposed to be launching a few "NAS" products this month (assuming it doesn't get delayed and assuming their blog post is correct).

Rumor is a 4 and a 6 bay Nas.

If it's intel you can use quicksync to transcode and you should be off to the races.

You could also buy a DAS usb storage, but I've heard mixed reports from people trying these (essentially they are a unit that takes sata drives and "converts" them to USB)

[dragonpoo]

Thanks Brandoman! That looks pretty cool. I like what options they have (like N100 or Ryzen) and will wait for the 4 and 6 bay versions to have details, and possibly get one.

[Mordred]

Thanks Brandoman! That looks pretty cool. I like what options they have (like N100 or Ryzen) and will wait for the 4 and 6 bay versions to have details, and possibly get one.

I recommend create your own NAS. It is easy, you have the possibility to choose/upgrade the hardware and the price is not too much. For example, I have a z270 itx motherboard, with an qtj1 (a laptop CPU but modified to be used in a desktop motherboard) with 32gb of ram and 4tb of space (plus PSU and case) for 350~400 dollars. For the OS you can use open media vault, or truenas.

You will have more performance, more customisation and you can improve on the future with more ram, more space or better cooling system or use in the future as homelab o something similar.

[dragonpoo]

I recommend create your own NAS. It is easy, you have the possibility to choose/upgrade the hardware and the price is not too much. For example, I have a z270 itx motherboard, with an qtj1 (a laptop CPU but modified to be used in a desktop motherboard) with 32gb of ram and 4tb of space (plus PSU and case) for 350~400 dollars. For the OS you can use open media vault, or truenas.

Hey Mordred, thanks for your response! What model motherboard and CPU is that? I won't claim they don't exist, but Google/Bing, Amazon, and Newegg are leaving me dry looking for a z270 in the price you said you got; and I can't find any details about the legendary QTJ1 (intel's ARK doesn't show a mobile processor, just the i5-10600T that matches your specs).

As I said, I have an old Dell desktop currently serving as my Plex server. I also have an old Dell workstation running TrueNAS, but it's quite power hungry and I was hoping for something more customizable than a Qnap or Synology, but with more drives (specifically, 3.5") than most minipc options have. So far, the Aoostar looks closest, once they release their 4x and 6x bay systems.

[Mordred]

I recommend create your own NAS. It is easy, you have the possibility to choose/upgrade the hardware and the price is not too much. For example, I have a z270 itx motherboard, with an qtj1 (a laptop CPU but modified to be used in a desktop motherboard) with 32gb of ram and 4tb of space (plus PSU and case) for 350~400 dollars. For the OS you can use open media vault, or truenas.

Hey Mordred, thanks for your response! What model motherboard and CPU is that? I won't claim they don't exist, but Google/Bing, Amazon, and Newegg are leaving me dry looking for a z270 in the price you said you got; and I can't find any details about the legendary QTJ1 (intel's ARK doesn't show a mobile processor, just the i5-10600T that matches your specs).

As I said, I have an old Dell desktop currently serving as my Plex server. I also have an old Dell workstation running TrueNAS, but it's quite power hungry and I was hoping for something more customizable than a Qnap or Synology, but with more drives (specifically, 3.5") than most minipc options have. So far, the Aoostar looks closest, once they release their 4x and 6x bay systems.

The motherboard is asrock z270 mini itx ( I bought it one year ago in AliExpress) and the CPU is equivalent to i9 10980hk (also in AliExpress, in Google is the first link when you search qtj1).

For a NAS is an overkill, but I use it as homelab with proxmox. So I run a few VMs, with one NAS, a few projects/databases, jellyfin and OPNsense.