I want a server to replace my current Synology DS216j NAS. I can't decide on whether it's worth buying a new entry-level server or use my existing hardware, so I'm hoping for advice. It will be used as a Plex server (maximum 3 simultaneous streams, possibly transcoded to include subtitles but not to resize the video), network file storage and backup.
Reuse: Asus P8-H77I mobo, Core i3-3225, 2x WD Red HDDs from the Synology NAS. Will need a new case, PSU, more RAM, total cost about £250
New: Dell PowerEdge T30 (Xeon E3-1225 v5, 8GB DDR4 ECC RAM). Will probably want to add another 8GB RAM. Total cost about £750-850
Additional requirements in either case: two more HDDs, possibly 1-2 2.5" SSDs to hold Plex server itself (i.e. to get a performance boost over spinning disks). Total number of drives will be at least 4, perhaps 6.
Pros and cons that I've thought of:
Reusing the old hardware is cheaper, but it's not server-grade. Spending money on it may be wasted if it's not really capable of doing the job long-term. I've confirmed that FreeNAS and Plex do run on it already. It has 6 SATA ports, enough for my expected setup.
The Dell is probably overkill. It's much more expensive and only has 4 SATA ports as standard. It can take 4x 3.5" drives, but adding a couple of 2.5" will require an add-in card to provide the ports. It's (entry-level) server hardware, though, so should be more reliable when running 24/7.
So: are there any strong arguments one way or the other? Thanks in advance.
Reuse: Asus P8-H77I mobo, Core i3-3225, 2x WD Red HDDs from the Synology NAS. Will need a new case, PSU, more RAM, total cost about £250
New: Dell PowerEdge T30 (Xeon E3-1225 v5, 8GB DDR4 ECC RAM). Will probably want to add another 8GB RAM. Total cost about £750-850
Additional requirements in either case: two more HDDs, possibly 1-2 2.5" SSDs to hold Plex server itself (i.e. to get a performance boost over spinning disks). Total number of drives will be at least 4, perhaps 6.
Pros and cons that I've thought of:
Reusing the old hardware is cheaper, but it's not server-grade. Spending money on it may be wasted if it's not really capable of doing the job long-term. I've confirmed that FreeNAS and Plex do run on it already. It has 6 SATA ports, enough for my expected setup.
The Dell is probably overkill. It's much more expensive and only has 4 SATA ports as standard. It can take 4x 3.5" drives, but adding a couple of 2.5" will require an add-in card to provide the ports. It's (entry-level) server hardware, though, so should be more reliable when running 24/7.
So: are there any strong arguments one way or the other? Thanks in advance.