HELP! - HTPC / HTPC + NAS for Plex?

[Masa27]

Hello Pros,

I am new to the HTPC world and would need help on deciding which route to take.

Requirements - 2 to 3 1080p streams with transcoding via Plex & storage for photos.

Current plan is to build a computer to act as a HTPC and storage as well (1 SSD [OS] & 2 HDD [RAID1]). Not sure if this is achievable via software raid.

Alternatively, is it better to run a HTPC for transcoding & NAS for storage?

Current parts I have on hand
- Maximus III formula w: i7-860
- 4gb ram
- SSD
- 2 x 8TB HGST Deskstar
- WD Livebook duo NAS

Would prefer to keep cost as low as possible.

TIA

 

[hawthorne]

Most cost effective is still a dedicated PC.

However, home NASes in the market nowadays give u more convenience, compared to administering your own HTPC/server

 

[Masa27]

Ignoring convenience, I suppose you are saying to proceed to with my current plan.

How do I check whether does a particular MOBO can run raid? Is it all modern MOBO comes with this function?

Most cost effective is still a dedicated PC.

However, home NASes in the market nowadays give u more convenience, compared to administering your own HTPC/server

 

[Ah Ken]

Hi bro, it will depend on how good you want for your HTPC. I am built a PC for that, as I am using a home theater system with 5.1 Speakers, I want to enjoy DTS MA or DD TRUE HD. This is personal preference.

Some just want watch and they enjoy what they having then you just use any form of multi-media pc or NAS. I don't think NAS will be capable to stream those sound quality thru USB or Lan network. But as mention, is up to personal preference, for me I would like the sound to be good too, so I went for HTPC.

 

[absolutepitch828]

Ignoring convenience, I suppose you are saying to proceed to with my current plan.

How do I check whether does a particular MOBO can run raid? Is it all modern MOBO comes with this function?

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/hardware-clinic-2/file-server-nas-build-path-5660555.html

You can check out my current build. for plex get a better cpu. OS i suggest unraid. actually i realise i've little need for plex as the devices i stream to are mostly full-fledged HTPCs (intel i3/i5). decoding can happen on the playback device.

file server can be running on any lousy cpu. streaming 3 1080p streams no issue as long as u r running on gigabit lan (well at least for me)

no need care if MB support raid. just use software raid, performance just as good.

i'm curious whether there are professionals you can engage to do all this config and what price. hurhur.

 

[hawthorne]

Ignoring convenience, I suppose you are saying to proceed to with my current plan.

How do I check whether does a particular MOBO can run raid? Is it all modern MOBO comes with this function?

Most cost effective, Just go for software raid. Almost all Mobo can run software raid nowadays.

 

[Masa27]

Thanks bros!

 

[rahul49]

I am also having similar requirement but considering two options without HTPC.

NAS with hdmi output.: QNAP 453a
HDMI out to Denon AVR

NAS (Synology 916+) to Nvidia Shield TV to Denon AVR.

Need the dedicated NAS as it's more efficient and can use other items like IP camera and online file sharing besides the data backups in Raid. Also want to ensure I can get full audio decoding for my AVR and 7.1 sound setup

 

[etoilebiscuit]

considering too, mostly steraming remux, netflix to 4k tv.
wanna use the htpc as storage for photos too.