NAS HTPC combo advice

[Arzy]

2 issues cropped up recently.

The clonky old laptop I've been using to run Plek and Kodi has started asking to be put out of its misery. Its sounded like a jet engine for a while but the warnings on boot and in windows of an imminent HDD failure really makes me think its like to put the old girl to pasture.

Secondly, I've filled up another 2TB external and I'm getting tired of them just sitting there.

So my thinking was I may as well get a proper NAS / HTPC setup done once and for all. The missus can then also stop hinting that I need to do a backup for her as well again.

First though that came to mind was just to get a WD MyCloud Mirror as it can run Plex natively. I've seen lots of mentions though that the HDD's aren't to be trusted.

Next option would be an HP MicroServer, not sure how this would handle Plex transcoding though.

Lastly would be a custom built desktop but I'm trying to keep this small.

Advice is appreciated, ideally I'd like to go for something off the shelf if possible.

 

[DramBuddy]

Have a look at the QNAP, I've got the TS-251 and it works brilliantly, it's got a HDMI port so it's your HTPC as well.

Solved your phone backup issues as the QNAP app allows automatic backup of the phone when connected. No technical ability required.

Check out the unit, take note that there's a compact version that has 1 memory slot that supports a 8GB so-dimm.....and the compact is cheaper.

Mine runs a single 6TB WD red drive and 2x4GB so-dimm.

Take note that the processor would probably not support X265, I doubt any NAS supporting PLEX can handle it right now.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Microserver isn't great for live transcoding but with the new Media Optimizer you can pre optimize your stuff.

But then you might as well buy a WD EC2 or whatever it's called. No idea how it compares in cost but comes with RED drives.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Have a look at the QNAP, I've got the TS-251 and it works brilliantly, it's got a HDMI port so it's your HTPC as well.

Solved your phone backup issues as the QNAP app allows automatic backup of the phone when connected. No technical ability required.

Check out the unit, take note that there's a compact version that has 1 memory slot that supports a 8GB so-dimm.....and the compact is cheaper.

Mine runs a single 6TB WD red drive and 2x4GB so-dimm.

Take note that the processor would probably not support X265, I doubt any NAS supporting PLEX can handle it right now.

So it runs Plex Media Player as well?

How much? *** R4777 I see.

Oh I see it runs VM's so you can do what you want. Pretty cool.

But then a Microserver with UnRAID would do similar.

 

[DramBuddy]

So it runs Plex Media Player as well?

How much? *** R4777 I see.

Oh I see it runs VM's so you can do what you want. Pretty cool.

But then a Microserver with UnRAID would do similar.

Yes it runs plex media player, Kodi and a whole lot of other apps to play media. Check out the available apps to gauge the functionality. It's got a torrent client and serves as a NVR as well. My router the only supports paid DDNS so the QNAP allows me to use a free DDNS service as well. It's also supports on the fly transcoding for your mobile devices if needed.

I don't use iTunes due to the functionality of the QNAP.

 

[Arzy]

Had a look at the qnap and it seems like a great device. The 251 would meet requirements but the 451 just seems so tempting, 10k without drives is harsh though.

Will look around a bit more but should be able to out together an 8 or 12tb 251 with Red drives for around 10k.

What would the alternatives be at that price point?

 

[DramBuddy]

Had a look at the qnap and it seems like a great device. The 251 would meet requirements but the 451 just seems so tempting, 10k without drives is harsh though.

Will look around a bit more but should be able to out together an 8 or 12tb 251 with Red drives for around 10k.

What would the alternatives be at that price point?

I was lucky, picked up the 251 and on the forum second hand for R3000 and the 6TB RED drive for R2800. If you're patient you could find it cheaper. I think there was a 451 advertised on the forum around Jan/feb.

U could save yourself a little cash by getting the compact version but u don't get the lan ports and dual memory benefits.

Bear in mind that the 8gb ram is around R700 and the remote control should be around R500.

I based my purchase on the processor and max ram specs when looking at NAS' available. Other devices support plex but don't come near to the other functionality that the processor and ram specs that the 251 offers.

Drop me a little my pm if you wanna come over and play with it, I'm in the northern suburbs of joburg.