Media Center Storage Problem... Please Help!

[ashleyc]

Hi,

I currently have two media boxes using the NVIDIA's Zotac ION chipset (http://www.mini-itx.com/reviews/zotac-ion/images/zotac-ion-0001.jpg). Also here is a shot of the case (http://www.mini-itx.com/news/images/story0492-01.jpg). Both boxes are set up to only run XBMC.

Specs;

Processor Intel® Atom™ Processor 330
(1M Cache, 1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)
Chipset MCP7A-ION
Memory 4 GB
Graphics Onboard NVIDIA® ION (NVIDIA® GeForce 9400M) with NVIDIA® PureVideo™ HD, CUDA™, PhysX™ and nView™ support (up to 2 monitors)
Audio 5.1 Channel HD Audio
LAN 1x Gigabit LAN
Integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi (ION-ITX-A only)

Current Storage Setup:

Right now I am using external HDDs to store all of my content on. I have 8 drives from a range of manufacturers. I have bought drives as I needed them and they are also in a range in sizes (1TB x4, 1.5TB x2 & 2TB x2). Having all of these drives have now become unmanageable due to plugging them all in and space. Plus I have no backups of any of the drives which is always worrying if one was to fail.

What I am looking to achieve:

I would like to have a single storage NAS box that i can connect both of my media boxes too. My house is fully networked with RJ45 sockets in every room with a 16 port switch in my office on the third floor along with my modem and router. I would like to be able to connect my media boxes to the network and connect them to a central resource of content. I have been looking at cases and so far I have found this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRfV2Sm9Kwc) which looks great given the 8 drive slots, air flow options and sound proofing.

Questions:

Is it possible to build a NAS using HDDs from a range of manufacturers and sizes?

Given that i have 8 drives now and i am running out of space a depending on question 1 above could you recommend x2 2TB drives that i could buy to add more space to the NAS?

The Fracture case I found is just a shell what else do I need to buy to make this into a NAS? I really need a shopping list of components/software that i can go out and buy in order to fulfill my dream of having a real media center storage setup.

I would prefer to be working with windows software than Linux as i have little no experience in using Linux as an OS. I have a pretty reasonable budget but i wouldn't want to be wasting money on things i don't need.

Thanks in advance to anyone that could spare the time to help!

Ashley

 

[ashleyc]

Hi,

Yes you can build a NAS with disks of custom sizes.

What you will need to do is to build a PC with the case you've linked (not looked at it), e.g. buy Motherboard, CPU, Memory and then run an operating system.

You have a number of options with the operating system FreeNas, Windows Home server etc.

You also have the option of buying a dedicated NAS box which you can just plug in the drives. But for 8 drives it's not going to be cheap.

I have server built with Antec P180 mini that run Windows Home Server 2011 and I also have a Synology DS1511+ . Both do their job as required.

How much are you looking to spend?

Thank you so much for taking the time to offer advice!

Given that i wanted to have 8 drives i am thinking that building this myself will be a lot cheaper! My budget is pretty large and as i am building this for the long term i am confident of it earning its money back over the years of having it.

 

[ashleyc]

Have you looked at the HP Micro Server? You could possibly have 5 x 3TB disks in there with OP system running from internal USB stick and have your 2x2TB connected via USB for backups

Matty,

Thanks for the suggestion!

I have looked at the HP Micro Server and it is impressive. The only thing i am trying to do at this early stage was to not spend too much cash on replacing out the drives that i have. I do have several 1TB drives which i do see as needing replacing and i will do some more research on the costing involved in the 3TB option coupled with the small amount space required when using much larger drives!

 

[ashleyc]

ashleyc,
I would build a pc with low power components something like an Atom. If you want to be able to install all your hard drives then you'll need an extra i/o card to connect the hard drves.

Once it's setup then choose your Operating System. I would go for FreeNas.

If you need to know what components to purchase then I can look and suggest something - or I'm sure someone else might help you out.

My media boxes use the Atom processor and i have been pretty impressed with them.

If you could spare the time to list the components that would be a great help... your time would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ashleyc]

Hey Raptor and Shaf,

Thanks for all this advice i have been away for a couple of days and will start looking at the options you have both suggested.... ill start by checking out the Rimblock lists!

Thanks again guys and ill keep you updated with my progress!

Ashley