2025-05-05, 12:10 AM
(2025-05-04, 11:56 PM)bitmap Wrote: A few things here: mini PCs with newer-generation Intel processors can be a good option. So can old workstations like Optiplex machines. However, these are not expandable unless you get another device to run your drives. Additionally, I don't know whether your dorm will monitor network traffic, but you're asking a lot to sap 60 Mbps of upload + more locally. That's not likely to work very well. If you don't need transcoding (spoiler alert: it will definitely happen, so be prepared to explain why things don't work) you can skimp a little bit on processor generation. Keep in mind that the more you cheat now, the less future-proof your server is later.
Most recent-ish machines with a decent network card (10/100/1000) should work fine, but again, you're very unlikely to get that sort of upload speed. Even locally, depending on client, streaming 4K (remux) can be problematic due to peak bitrates not matching average (duh). Trying to find something within the last few generations of Intel that supports QuickSync will allow you to utilize that machine for much longer should transcoding be necessary.
My current server uses a Meshify case with like 11 bays for 3.5" HDDs plus two more mounts for 2.5" SSDs. Super easy to expand if you have the hardware to hook it up to.
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/meshify/
I try to avoid mini PCs, since I won't be able to add more hard drives later on easily. I looked into old office PCs in tower form on a german marketplace website called Kleinanzeigen, but I'm not sure what exact "minimum" specs for my needs to look for.
Regarding internet, the traffic here is not monitored and got my own 1Gbit up and down port in my room and a WiFi 7 Huawei router so local traffic shouldn't be any problem and shouldn't require any transcoding the way I understood.
Do you maybe have any specific recommendations what to look out for if I was going for some machine on the used market?
Thanks a lot for your extensive reply!