mini ITX PC instead of NAS

skelesan · 12 Apr 2008 at 13:52

Hi,

After much research on the web, I don't think (correct me if I'm wrong!) it's possible for any of the current NAS systems to transcode flac to lpcm/wav on the fly such that they can be streamed to a PS3. However, this can be done by a PC running the right media server software. In light of this, I'd like some help spec'ing out a PC that would work just as a NAS would: quiete and low on power consumption.

I'm estimating a nas with 2x500Mb disk space would be approx. £300. (?)

Can anyone highlight the main Pro's and Con's of going the PC route? What are the alternatives given my requirements?

Many thanks,

Skelesan

lsg1r · 12 Apr 2008 at 17:23

whats the software that can do the translation as some of the nas can install 3rd party apps.

skelesan · 12 Apr 2008 at 17:54

You're right, there is some media server software that can be installed on a nas, e.g. twonkymedia, but I'm lead to believe the transcoding requires more CPU than what is available on a typical NAS.

Tversity is another example that requires a PC.

I've learnt this from research, not from practice, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

lsg1r · 13 Apr 2008 at 13:19

some of the higher end nas devices use mobile cpu's such as mobile celerons - thecus 5200 pro does iirc, so it might be worth looking into them a little more before deciding for definate.