Looking for the best possible solution for my server

by clowncracker

Right now I have my main PC (that I use for gaming & seeding) set up as my Plex Media Server. I own an Nvidia Shield 16g (which is rooted) that I use in the other room to watch videos from my Plex library.

Right now all of my videos are stored on my computer via 10TB Raid 0 (two 5TB drives), but I plan on removing the raid on my PC soon (for data safety). I have a spare Raspberry Pi 2 that is not in use as well, so I'm just trying to figure out my best solution. I also randomly have this computer just sitting around doing nothing (I could scrap it for parts). I'm not sure if it matters, but I currently use MoCA to keep my Shield and PC connected to the network. I wanted to set up a seedbox so I wouldn't need my PC on while I torrent, so I was thinking about using the Pi for that. I want to take my Plex server off of my main PC, since it's a power hog. At this point, I think I have a few solutions:

  • I could make the shield my Plex server, remove a 5TB drive from my PC and buy another 5TB drive and use both drives as 10TB of adaptive storage. I could then use the Raspberry Pi as a seedbox.
  • I could make the shield my Plex Server, remove a 5TB drive from my PC and buy another 5TB drive and connect both to the Raspberry Pi. I could use the Raspberry Pi as a pseudo NAS and have the video files stored on the Pi (and have the Shield gain access to them through the network).
  • I could potentially set up a separate NAS, but I think this solution would probably be pricey and I would prefer to use the tools already at my disposal.
  • I could do nothing and leave my PC as the server, but I would prefer to not need to keep my main PC on basically all the time (to play videos and seed).

I want to have at least 10TB of data for my server, since I'm already up to 6TB in video. I've heard mixed reviews about using a shield as a Plex server. I know about the metadata cap, but I think I can keep that under wraps. I've heard there are issues with accessing a Nvidia Shield server when you are away (Wake on LAN doesn't always work/some issue with sleep mode), is that still the case? I'm the only person using my Plex server, so no need to support multiple streams. I have a 4k TV, but most of my video files at 1080p (due to the lack of 4k content). It would be nice if my setup was somewhat future proof, so I could play 4K videos when they become more readily available.

What do you think is the best solution? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

mondocu

in my opinion, if looking for the best, you will need a NAS that will be your storage and seedbox, or you could use your raspberry acting as a nas but you will not be able to play 4k content as it use 10/100 internet port. if not looking for transcoding your videos, apps like SPMC (Kodi) or Archos video player are great too

fraseyboo

A dedicated NAS is definitely the best bet, make sure you get one with a gigabit ethernet port and appropriate CAT6 cables to ensure a quick enough transfer rate for 4K video. A gigabit switch is also a good idea but not essential.

Empty NAS enclosures are cheap as the drive itself is the bulk of the cost, you should be able to place your HDD from your PC directly into the NAS no problem but be aware that consumer grade HDDs aren't really designed for NAS applications.

Using an NAS also helps in terms of transferring content, the shield can host a drive over a network but I've always found it a tad temperamental.

ATM I use a combination of a 4TB NAS and a 1TB USB drive for my content, both handle 4K content fine and my RPi can access the NAS just fine (although I prefer to torrent on my laptop).

PS; Don't use adaptable storage for the large drives, only the shield can read it which makes your data unreadable if your shield ever dies.

CaptZ_3148

Just use the Shield as a Plex server. Don't use them as adaptive storage though. It will reformat and erase them. Just plug them in like normal, set up Plex from your computer and stream away. I never had any issues when I used it.