Cheapest Way to Expand Storage on a Simple Home Server Mini PC

Bohlin on 03/10/2024 - 17:34

Howdy,

I recently picked up this mini MSI PC deal:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/866242

I popped ubuntu desktop on it and I have turned this into a simple home server which runs Jellyfin. I have also set this up as a simple file server over my network and I am using it as a convenient middle man to store and transfer files over my local network.

I’m wanting to expand the storage, but from what I can tell there is only one nvme slot. Doing research, I get into the territory of full on NAS builds and that’s not quite what I want to get into. I don’t need redundancy or anything.

What would be the cheapest way to expand the available storage on the device? Leveraging the USB A and USB C slots?

Ive noticed that it would be dramatically cheaper (like $100) to get an NVME drive and stick it in one of those USB C enclosures as opposed to getting a portable SSD - is there a catch?

Computing Computer Mini PC

Comments

  • spackbace on 03/10/2024 - 17:48
    +5

    You haven't said how much storage you need, and what the storage is for…

    • spackbace on 04/10/2024 - 10:40
      +2

      Last Seen
      1 hour 10 min ago

      Good chat

  • freefall101 on 03/10/2024 - 18:16
    +3

    Why are you expanding storage with nvme drives for Jellyfin?

    Just get external spinning rust.

    • iDroid on 03/10/2024 - 20:34

      I'd typically say the same but if the goal is for always on energy efficiency - the NVME is going to be an order of magnitude better then the spinning disk.

  • Loot N Plunder on 03/10/2024 - 18:48
    +3

    It looks like you can open it up and also install 1 x 2.5" HDD/SSD

    https://www.amazon.com.au/MSI-Cubi-ADL-007BAU-Business-Bareb…

  • whitepuma on 03/10/2024 - 20:24
    +1

    Cheapest method would be to buy an external HDD that plugs in by USB. WD elements go on sale every now and then

    However remember, cheapest isn't always the best.

    I think it's worthwhile exploring getting redundancy, or a dedicated NAS or Chassis to fit everything you want in it.

  • OMGJL on 03/10/2024 - 22:04

    https://www.amazon.com.au/SATA3-0-Adapter-Card-Dissipation-D…

    and a HDD cage + desktop PSU…. you can short the green wire + black wire on 24 pin to turn it on.

    I got this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006374516077.html myself, and installed into an old PC Case along with 5 HDDs.

    Case is an old cases for free from friend's old PC, PSU is a 450w corsair ATX I bought years ago. Mobo was from China (shipped over form Taobao) around 700rmb (~150AUD), and $56 DDR5 16G Crucial.

  • AustriaBargain on 03/10/2024 - 22:04

    How much storage you got on there and how much do you need?

  • trongy on 04/10/2024 - 08:32
    -1

    The specs say it has a 2.5" SATA bay. A cheap 2.5" SSD might be the simplest option if you want to avoid external drives.

    There's also adapters for 2.5" to M.2 - example

    Note that these don't take NVME M.2 drives. They can only take an M.2 SSD that can operate in SATA mode. See the specs where it talks about M-key or B+M key.

    • OMGJL on 05/10/2024 - 02:21

      you don't even know what you talking about so stop giving wrong informations.

      that adapter you posted is SFF-8639, not even close to 2.5" SATA.

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