WhyAyeMan
Prominent Member
Hello all I have been weighing up my options for the past few weeks on what to do about increasing storage. Currently I am using my laptop with 100 Gb hard drive as my device for storage, obviously its not enough..
I could get a bigger hard drive for it, but to be honest, I am thinking bigger than what that can handle.
I've had a good long think about this, and the three options boiled down to the following.
1. Increase laptop to 250 - 320 Gb, and get external hard drive similar size for backups.
Problem with that is I see it as a somewhat short term solution - the capacity will no doubt soon run out, and I dont like relying on my laptop as a server.
2. Invest in a NAS box with embedded servers such as the QNAP 109 with built in Squeezecenter.
Problem is, it seems like a nice solution, but I've read about a few problems people have had and to be honest I think it could be a nightmare to configure if it goes wrong. Also, I believe a PC gives more ultimate flexibility.
3. A cheap server
This is my favoured option and the one I am asking about as I think it is cost effective and very flexible.
What would I want it for?
1. Squeezecenter server
2. Bit-torrent server
3. Video / Picture streaming server for my PS3
What do I want from it?
1. Must be as cheap as possible - I dont mind running Linux - I am running Ubuntu on my laptop at the moment!
2. Must be as compact as possible - Needs to fit alongside my home cinema kit.
3. Must be as quiet as possible - Dont want anything noisy.
4. Must be good for backups - ideally an external SATA port would be included.
So, I'm guessing a Shuttle style or similar PC would be my best option. I'd very much doubt I'd need anything but the bare minimum processor and memory for heat purposes.
I'd love some suggestions from AVforums, or indeed any comments on any aspect of my post
I could get a bigger hard drive for it, but to be honest, I am thinking bigger than what that can handle.
I've had a good long think about this, and the three options boiled down to the following.
1. Increase laptop to 250 - 320 Gb, and get external hard drive similar size for backups.
Problem with that is I see it as a somewhat short term solution - the capacity will no doubt soon run out, and I dont like relying on my laptop as a server.
2. Invest in a NAS box with embedded servers such as the QNAP 109 with built in Squeezecenter.
Problem is, it seems like a nice solution, but I've read about a few problems people have had and to be honest I think it could be a nightmare to configure if it goes wrong. Also, I believe a PC gives more ultimate flexibility.
3. A cheap server
This is my favoured option and the one I am asking about as I think it is cost effective and very flexible.
What would I want it for?
1. Squeezecenter server
2. Bit-torrent server
3. Video / Picture streaming server for my PS3
What do I want from it?
1. Must be as cheap as possible - I dont mind running Linux - I am running Ubuntu on my laptop at the moment!
2. Must be as compact as possible - Needs to fit alongside my home cinema kit.
3. Must be as quiet as possible - Dont want anything noisy.
4. Must be good for backups - ideally an external SATA port would be included.
So, I'm guessing a Shuttle style or similar PC would be my best option. I'd very much doubt I'd need anything but the bare minimum processor and memory for heat purposes.
I'd love some suggestions from AVforums, or indeed any comments on any aspect of my post