Plex Server - Dell Optiplex + DAS setup recommendations?

pointless martyr on 10/10/2024 - 19:50

Have an Optiplex 7060 and would like the simplicity of a DAS 4/5 bay USB 3 enclosure attached to it to transfer my Plex server operations and media HDDs from current 13 year old HTPC rig.

After researching I am uncertain on what make models are suitable and reliable, with conflicting reviews and opinions form a range of internet randoms across forums/youtube etc.

Obviously HDD spin up times/ firmware sleep mode interruptions etc are all consideration for a dedicated Plex system.

Does anyone have much experience with such a setup?

And makes such as Yottamaster, Orico, Terramaster, Qnap, Icy-Box etc?

The setup is/will be only used on local home network, not interested in feeding family and friends oveer the internet :)

cheers!

Computing Computer Dell Desktop Computer

Comments

  • ALBastru on 16/10/2024 - 15:12

    If you have a mini tower or a sff Optiplex you should have at least 3 SATA, right? This way you may skip the DAS and have everything in the Optiplex. In case you think there is no space for 3.5" HDD in there there is always something like this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007791884067.html that theoretically allows you to have the HDD placed in the case.

    • pointless martyr on 16/10/2024 - 21:26

      thanks for reply, you are right but i have too many drives to cram in the case!

      i never seen those pci brackets before though so thanks for teaching me something new that i am sure will be useful in future…have a great night!

      • ALBastru on 17/10/2024 - 09:15

        Thanks. Let us know after you have the DAS how it works for you.

  • fatherofcats on 17/10/2024 - 15:15

    My dedicated Plex server is a MFF Optiplex 7060 + QNAP TR-002 over USB.

    After spending too much time deliberating about the best DAS I pulled the trigger on the TR-002.

    • Reasonable price.
    • USB 3.2 gen 2.
    • Bought from Aussie retailer.
    • Not a nameless company on Amazon.
    • Yottabox, Orico, Terramaster had lots of complaints about overheating.
    • This is a stop-gap solution and doesn't house sensitive/mission critical data.

    I have it set in RAID0 with 2x10TB WD Red Plus (I think, I can never remember). The drives are salvaged from work and only contain Linux ISO's, it's also been running without a hitch 24/7 for about a year so I haven't been inclined to take any special care of it.

    Never seen an issue with streaming performance, some stuttering/buffering issues occasionally but I think that's more to do with streaming 4K over WiFi than the hardware. I don't do any encoding.

    That's about it!

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