WlLKO73

RAID 10 does look the better option, thanks for that. It'll be for media playback so speed isn't really a priority. I'll not use a RAID controller, sounds like the software will sort out most issues. Thanks for the help, it's much appreciated.

Hi, I've been here for almost a year now, mainly looking at those gorgeous build logs, but I need some help with a potential build I'm planning. My growing collection of media files is growing out of hand, and my ageing external hard drive isn't sounding healthy. The plan is to build a small scale NAS, around 8TB with some redundancy (RAID6) leaving me 4/5 TB of usable space. It will live next to the TV, connected over HDMI. I've had an Apple TV in the past and would like it to be as simple as that to view movies and TV shows if possible. The main questions I have are; 1) Expandibility With a decent RAID card, can an array be expanded with additional drives and how easy is it? 2) Components I've pretty much decided on 3TB WD Red drives, but does anyone have any other preference and why? I've heard 4TB drives sometimes don't play well, is this true? 3) Software So far looking at freeNAS, but do I need some form of 'front end' to actually view the files? Would something else be a better option? XMBC I've looked into I'm not experienced with these things. So the bits and pieces I'm looking at so far: MB + CPU - Gigabyte GA-J1800N http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-483-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2803 Case - Lian Li PC-Q25B http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-433-LL&groupid=2362&catid=187 PSU - Corsair 430 (Already own from a previous build) Fans - Some form of Noctua I think, something quiet. RAID Controller - HELP! Storage - 16GB stick for OS - 4 * 3TB WD Red Drives in Raid 6 (With more to come when needed) Ok, there we go. I'd appreciate any help anyone can offer.