So my plan based on reading was to get a mini pc and a nas. But then I realized... what is the best way to connect them. So I started doing more reading. And I confused myself.

So a NAS has it's own CPU and such, and other computers can talk directly to it over the network. But if I am using a mini pc to run the server, then I assume I would want a really fast direct connection to the storage. So it seems like I would want the NAS to be on the network as well as directly connected to the mini PC. And of course the mini pc would need to be on the network as well. Stuff I saw about connecting them directly seemed to pretty much use the Ethernet ports and a crossover cable. So that would mean that both devices would have to have two Ethernet ports, right?

And the bonus question is, would it just be better for the NAS to really be a dumb DAS for the mini pc instead?

Edit to summarize: For having two devices, the consensus is that LAN is good enough (just make sure you have a decent switch between them). A few like doing it all on one device for a variety of reasons.

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[–] Bronzie@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

If you’re going to run the NAS as the media server, you need to go with Intel to get quicksync. This because any file not compatible with your clients will require transcoding and you want that done with hardware, not software. It’s a lot faster. I’m using Synology as the referance point. No idea what the Qnap lineup looks like.

If the NAS is only the file host, then I’d say get at least 4 bays so you have some room to grow and that the CPU is less relevant. Depending on your use case, RAM could be more relevant if you’re running loads of containers. I’d at least get one with an extra slot and/or non-soldered RAM, just in case. You most likely won’t ever need more than stock, but the option is nice. I’m running stock still.

I have the 923+ and have been very happy with it, but Jellyfin is migrated to a N100 NUC. The NAS runs the .arr-suite, qBittorrent, autobrr, Flaresolver, all in Portainer, and I’m installing two 4k cameras soon for Surveilance Station. It’s barely breaking a sweat.

Sorry for the long answer

[–] SailorsLife@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Thanks for all the info...