The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/allthemolecules on 2024-07-09 18:40:20.
I'm not looking to be a "data hoarder" per se, but I trust y'all's perspective.
Problem
I started a Plex server/*arr stack on an unused M1 Mac Mini a year ago, and for the most part it's been grand: no problems with transcoding or running a ton of Docker containers. The performance-per-watt of the M1 is incredible, and the main reason I've been attached to it as a server. There are some quirks and limitations of macOS, but I've gotten things mostly pretty stable.
The weak point is getting to be my storage setup. I have a 12TB 3.5" WD Elements external that has been very flaky, and the 5TB 2.5" external I had before was as well.
I deal with random and frequent disconnections, and worry about eventual data corruption. I don't know if it's the stock enclosure, a configuration issue that's increasing disk wear, the macOS USB controller, or what.
I'm also at ~70% capacity, and need to think about that as well. (I could probably make ~32TB last awhile, since I mostly do 720p/1080p media).
Options
As I see it, attempting to optimize for storage stability, storage space, future-proofing, and cost, I'm looking at the following options:
- Shuck the 12TB into a new enclosure to buy a bit more time. (cheap, bandaid)
- Shuck the 12TB into a 2- or 4-bay DAS and add drives over time, eventually moving to RAID. (cheapish, but will it fix my problems?)
- Get a low-power 2- or 4-bay NAS and either DAS it or throw it in a closet with ethernet. (pricier, but doable if it'll fix my problems)
- Get a transcode-capable 2- or 4-bay Intel NAS, move the stack over, and decommission the Mac. (much pricier and a little sad, but I can recoup some cost by selling the Mac. my main concerns would be power usage and initial expense)
- DIY a low-power, high-performance NAS with unRAID and decommission the Mac. (I worry about stability of a DIY solution, as well as wondering if I just ran in circles compared to the M1 Mac + DAS approach)
- Something else I haven't thought of.
I know the fun thing is to shit on Macs, but I'm really pretty fine with macOS and love the M1, though I know a Linux setup would probably be more stable for my use case. I'd gladly entertain being pushed in that direction as long as I knew it wasn't automatically coming from a Mac-hate place.
Budget
My budget... I dunno. Probably $300-400 to make the problem go away now, and invest more over time. I'd prefer to only spend near the upper end of that range (and especially more) if I can replace my Mac outright. I've been looking at Synology 220+, 224+, 420+, and similar.
Thoughts?