Upgrading Home Media and Backup Server

[nadav.goldenberg]

 

Introduction

A couple of years ago I wanted to own a home media server, that would store all of my family photos and home videos, as well as downloaded movies and other media. Also, I wanted to use it as a "sandbox" Ubuntu computer for development purposes. AND, I wanted it to function as a TV streamer for YouTube, Netflix etc.

So without going deep into what I need or what was the perfect solution, I bought a slim Intel NUC (7i3BNK) which has an Intel i3 processor, and bought 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB m.2 SSD. I installed Ubuntu Desktop on it because it is convenient (I use Ubuntu daily at work as a developer), and Plex Media Server, And plugged it in to my TV in my bedroom.

I don't really know what I was thinking back then but this PC had only that one m.2 SSD slot for storage. So, I figured I'd have my portable external 500 GB HDD as the main storage for my server.

A few months later my dad didn't have any use for his 1 TB external HDD, so I took it because I thought it would be nice to not have all of my media on a single drive. So, I started using BackInTime to backup my media every two hours, if any changes are made to the file system.

TL;DR

My current setup:

In the middle of my closet I have a TV, and on the shelf above it I have my router, my NUC and other accessories, with 6 inches of clearance above. See photos:

And as for the server, the specs are:

• Intel NUC with i3
• 8 GB of RAM
• 256 GB internal SSD storage
• 1 TB external HDD with my media on it
• 500 GB external HDD as a backup drive.

THIS IS BAD

The limitations

Since realizing I have such a bad setup (around when I started watching LTT's solutions and guides), I started looking for better solutions for my situation, which can fit within the limitation I have:

• I don't have ethernet port around the house, so a NAS in a different room isn’t an option.
• Also, I don't want to spend money on a NAS (pre-built or custom built).
• The server should be in my bedroom, so it must be quiet.
• I only real feasible space I have is that 6 inches tall shelf above my TV.

Conclusion

I need a DAS (direct attached storage) for my NUC.

Required features

• Quiet, as it is my bedroom.
• Fast, preferably using the USB 3.1 gen 2 type C connection of the NUC.
• Reliable hard drives.
• Enough storage (a few TB will suffice).
• Less than 6 inches tall.

Nice-to-have features

• RAID: if a disk is lost, I have time to replace it before data is lost forever.
  • RAID 1 in case of a 2-bay DAS.
  • RAID 10 in case of a 4-bay DAS.

Yes, I've read a thousand times that RAID isn't a backup, but I believe it would be nice to have a mirror copy of the data nevertheless. Also, it would be beneficial with reading speeds.

The solution

So, after a lot of thinking and searching, this is what I've come up with:

• Yottamaster Aluminum 3.5" 2 Bay Type C Hard Drive Enclosure (amazon link) – 85.99$
• 2x WD Red 3TB NAS Hard Drive (amazon link) – 2x 70$ (140$ total)

For a total of 225.99$ including shipping.

Side note: I live in Israel, and shipping and import fees are a big concern. Luckily, Amazon just announced a free shipping to Israel promotion so yay Amazon .

Why?

• The Yottamaster aluminum DAS:
  • Short enough to fit with the height limitation.
  • Has a USB 3.1 gen 2 type C connection.
  • Has hardware RAID support.
• WD Red 3 TB Drives:
  • I think having 3 TB is enough storage, as I don’t reach even 1 TB currently.
  • Best value for money.
    • 2x 2TB would cost 92.26$ including shipping.
    • 2x 4TB would cost 138.7$ including shipping.

Why am I sharing all of this?

Learning from the past, I want to consult people that may have experience with solutions to my situation and can help. Also, my solution may help others with their setups.

All in all, please comment your opinions below

Thanks, Nadav.