Home Server Project : Multi TV + Multi PC + NAS = Help

[The_Gas_Man]

Hello Overclockers!

Looking for some professional support with a Home Server / Network build....system is as follows :

Setup :

• 1 x Gaming PC Office
• 1 x Sony Smart TV Office
• 1 x Drobo 5D (USB - no Ethernet) with 24 TB Media connected to Gaming PC Office
• 1 x Sony Smart TV Living Room
• 1 x Samsung Tablet S2 Mobile Device
• 1 x Asus Router Living Room

I currently don't have a dedicated Server PC

What I Want :

• I want to be able to watch stored content across all devices. I'll probably use PLEX or similar software to achieve this.
• I do not require to be able to access my content from outside my house.
• I want to be able to upload new content from the Gaming PC to the server.
• Minimal cabling

Help Needed :

1. Do I need a dedicated Server PC? If not, would one be recommended ?
2. What other Hardware / Software do I need ?
3. Can I keep the media stored on the Drobo ?
4. Can I achieve Netflix like streaming via Wi-Fi ?
5. Would you recommend PLEX or another software ?

Thanks In Advance!

 

[The_Gas_Man]

Hello Gents,

Thanks a lot for the responses, very helpful. I've got some follow up queries!

1. Do I need a dedicated Server PC? If not, would one be recommended ?

Seems a proper NAS plugged into a Router would suffice but I love the idea of a second PC in the house; even if it is absolutely unnecessary. Will look into some machines. Might even water cool it

2. What other Hardware / Software do I Need ?

Despite being an OG Hard line water cooler ; I've never actually setup a proper Server.

• Would I need the Server version of Windows 10 ?
• How would I actually go about creating the server ? Take it there is a "Server / Network Wizard" inside Windows, but are there better third party programs?
• In terms of dropping new files into the server (from the Gaming PC) - I take it I'd just "share" the contents of the server PC which would facilitate the drag and drop media feature.

3. Can I Keep The Media Stored on the Drobo ?

Drobo's use a specific file storage type that makes the data stored on the Drobo drives unusable on any other system.

• Will accessing Media from the Drobo (while it is connected via USB 3.0 to the Server PC) be slower than accessing it directly from an internal RAID?

If streaming the files from the PC directly is faster; I can manually offload my Drobo storage to internal PC drives and lose the Drobo.



4. Can I achieve Netflix like streaming via Wi-Fi ?

I think I'll stay Wi-Fi until my setup is done then evaluate speeds. I have a solid 1Gbps connection here in Singapore but 2Gbps is optional and relatively cheap.

If I am completely unsatisfied with performance, I'll have to go via the LAN Route.

• If I eventually decided to go the Wired LAN route, would I need any other hardware? Lan Controller maybe?

4. Would you recommend PLEX or another software?

I currently run KODI and one of it's UI's on my gaming PC and I do like the software. It doesnt seem to have the same flexibility as PLEX - In terms of server side / client side versions - plus as mentioned by @Steveocee - I'll definately look at the Plex Pass as a viable option.

Thanks Again