Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on replacing my existing hodgepodge USB “storage array” with a rack-mounted solution for my media library. Also posted in r/homelab and r/PleX

Primary Use: Plex media storage

Been running Plex in one form or another off Macs + USB-attached storage for a decade now. My current setup:

  • Plex Media Server : dedicated Mac mini m2 pro (10 core)
  • Storage : 20 3.5” SATA disks of varying sizes on five of these 4 bay enclosures in JBOD. Disks are mostly 4 TB, with some 8 & 12 TBs
  • Storage connects to the Mac via a USB hub

I’m nearing max capacity on my existing drives and don’t want to get another external USB enclosure. I’ve done some research, but I need to ask you homelab wizards because I really have no clue what I’m doing.

My ask to the community: What storage solution should I buy (but more importantly, buy into)? I’d like this solution to satisfy the following:

  • Rack mount enclosure(s) with at least 16 bays in aggregate to replace my existing storage solution. I’ll be replacing some of the 4TB’s as part of this process to trim number of 3.5” disks to 16
  • Files to be accessible by the Mac hosting PMS at a minimum. Bonus points if it’s on the LAN for things like TimeMachine
  • Agnostic on operating system but thinking Unraid, or QNAP via their hardware?
  • Ability to add additional enclosures down the road
  • Option for RAID 5
  • (Optional) NVR
  • Fits in a 12U rack that’s 18” deep. I have 7U available. Not opposed to scrapping my current rack for a deeper one if easier
  • If I take the homelab plunge at a later date, this server won’t have to be scrapped

Synology and QNAP seem like the easiest solution, but $$$$. If they’re worth it, then I’m willing to spend.

I looked at alternatives like used HP DL20s and Dell R220s, which seem more complicated? If I were to go down the used server route, is Unraid the best solution? Conceptually, how would I add more enclosures if I go down this route?

Thank you

PS: I also have a Mac mini (late 2014 2.6 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5) laying around that I’m willing to dedicate to this.

  • ixidorecuBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Get the specs for a md1400 or dell sc220 or netapp or hp or whatever disk chassis. Pretty sure they are too deep.

    It say look at a supermicro chassis, but it’s too deep. 18" deep and rack mount… I’m not sure much of that exists.

    Synology/qnap both make rackmount that should fit the bill… but it’s going to be $2500+, more than almost any other solution. Plus also the multiple drives … that’s going to be a problem. Synology hybrid raid will work, but you be limited to lowest drive size.