Recommend: High Capacity Server Build

[abcd0_12340]

I am currently into photography and videography with a few close friends. We are currently considering options to store our pictures and videos, which may be large in file size. More often or not we will be using the build for transfering our work into the system (archiving) and to access our files remotely (off-site). We have listed external drives, NAS and a server build.

Personally I am leaning towards a server build in a long run. However, we are tight in budget, as such, second hand parts will be ideal. I was looking into articles suggesting running a M-ITX motherboard and what not for power savings, but it may not be a must for us. The Operating System is not of a concern as I have a copy of Windows or may be going for Freenas. The case and motherboard should ideally support at least 6 hard drives (don't really like the idea of having a controller card to manage the drives unless justifiable). If possible, we are thinking of running with 5 to 6 WD Reds, probably in Raid, in the future.

Budget for now is approx. S$500 to S$600, without the drives.


Thanks in advance for all advice.

 

[Piezoq]

IMHO, save the headache and get a proper NAS.

Not worth the hassle especially with data that's not easily replaceable. Don't try to save $$$ on stuff like this. Cameras, vidcams and lenses cost a lot more than that.

 

[tony_ong]

i think go with a proper NAS will be easier

 

[abcd0_12340]

For a NAS set-up, which brand and model would you all suggest?

 

[silencer13]

I have installed 2 Synology 1513+ NAS in 2 different offices, and I can vouch for them.

Super easy to setup, and they are very reliable. Much better than a server (which they replaced). They also fulfill all your requirements easily.

 

[cloudbp]

and they are no slouch at security too

 

[Jian19]

Ur budget get nas better

 

[Piezoq]

Synology. Go with the 8-disk model and run Raid 6, with failure tolerance of 2 disk.

Any other Raid config like Raid 0, 1 or 5 result in too much compromise.

The model is also expandable with additional slave units.

One can never have too much storage space, especially when a Blu Ray video is 25GB or more.

 

[Swiftbladez]

$500-600 budget can get those 5 Bay onwards nas from Synology? Don't have access to local price list now but a search on Amazon tells me otherwise.

 

[silencer13]

$500-600 budget can get those 5 Bay onwards nas from Synology? Don't have access to local price list now but a search on Amazon tells me otherwise.

Nope, you need $1k+.
1513+ is around $1.2k if I remember correctly.

Frankly, $500-$600 can't even get you the software you need.

 

[yukita]

better invest in proper nas than save $ using second hand product....
later data corrupt .... will cry till bleed ....! totally not funny

 

[t258jgn]

Can also consider Asustor NAS alternative to Synology

 

[magix]

Sorry to crush in here.

So anyone used the Asustor nas?

 

[abcd0_12340]

Sorry to crush in here.

So anyone used the Asustor nas?

No worries man. All open for discussion.

We are currently working towards the path of having a NAS in the future.
Thanks all for your advice.