A tale as old as time, I'm sure. I'm currently running ~15tb in random drives attached via USB to an old Optiplex (i3 3220) running Windows. Obviously I'd like both more storage and some kind of protection against failure like RAID. I've also just begun getting into Plex so I'd ideally be streaming to a TV, single screen at a time. At any rate, I'd like to keep it's power draw similar if not less.
I also remote into the computer to access it. For example, I can plug an Mp3 player or emulation handheld into the Optiplex and transfer files from laptop or tablet. I know I'm likely doing this "the hard way" but I like a desktop that stays put, no matter what device I access it from.
I think I'd like to do 4x 12tb drives. Should I replace the drives with a DAS and call it a day? Do the same with an n100 mini PC? Stuff the drives in a full size Opti (i5) I have? Spring for an all-in-one NAS box?
I fear I'm getting lost in the weeds here... TIA for any guidance.