So... looking to setup a network-based file sharing / file backup system for home use. Been looking at some NAS units but the WHS units seem to be easier to use/maintain. Any recommendations/suggestions/experiences ?
These are features/things that I want to do with the setup:
- Centralized file storage that is accessible by any client PC on the network
- Data redundancy (if one HDD fails, no data loss occurs)
- BitTorrent-friendly so I can save the files directly to the storage device
- FTP-friendly, but not a must
- DLNA compliant so the PS3 can see the files
- Runs software that will transcode media files to stream to the PS3
- External HDD backup, basically backup of my backup lol
- Cost effective, my budget for a complete setup with at least 1TB of storage is around $400
From what I can gather, these are pros and cons of each:
NAS
Pros:
- cheaper
- RAID capable
- no OS involved
- low power consumption
Cons:
- limited functionality (compared to a server)
- if it's a pre-built NAS box you can't upgrade the parts if needed
- Data read/write speed is slower on entry level NAS boxes
WHS
Pros:
- easier to use, basically a stripped down version of Windows Server
- some WHS boxes let you upgrade RAM or CPU
- DLNA compliant on most boxes
- Daily backup of your client PCs file systems, kinda like Norton Ghost
Cons:
- more expensive
- data storage space is less if folder backup option is set to on
- higher power consumption than NAS, but most boxes seem to run on Intel Atoms so they should be better than straight-up PC towers?
Right now I can buy the D-link DNS323 2-bay NAS from NCIX, plus 2x500GB WD Green HDDs for just under $300. Add a 1~1.5TB external HDD for about $100 and it'll add up to $400
If I go with a WHS unit, the Acer H340 unit seems like a decent deal at $400, with 1TB drive included and 4 bays in total. Same 1~1.5TB external HDD and it'll add up to $500. Basically $100 more than the NAS option.
Any feedback would be great, and please correct me if any of my points were wrong. Thanks guys!
