2024-10-05, 05:00 AM
I am trying to convert an old gaming computer to my first Jellyfin/media server. I would like to add a couple of 6TB HHDs to the system for storage, along with a smaller ssd for the OS.
The trouble I'm running into is that, while there are enough SATA connections, the computer only has room for one 3.5" drive and two 2.5" drives. Theoretically I could just use a couple of SSDs, but that would blow my budget out of the water, not to mention that it would negate any cost savings from repurposing an old machine. So, I'm contemplating pulling out the GPU to make room for a second 3.5" drive, but I'm concerned that it would make transcoding impossible, given the age and specs of the machine. (See below.) Then again, the card I have may not do much either?
Other options I've considered:
* Remove the built-in optical bay and use a portable drive to rip DVDs & Blu-rays.
* 3D print some kind of spacer between the chasis and back panel to make more room.
* Use a DAS for storage via USB.
* Try to find a physically smaller graphics card that will still do the job (I don't even know if this is possible.)
* Run SATA and molex cables to the outside of the case and 3d print some sort of container for the hard drive(s) and a fan.
Current Computer Specs:
Alienware x51 R1
i5-3330 (considering upgrading to i7-3770)
4 cores, 4 threads (i7 would give me 8 threads)
8GB RAM (will probably upgrade to 16)
Geforce GTX 660 graphics card
The trouble I'm running into is that, while there are enough SATA connections, the computer only has room for one 3.5" drive and two 2.5" drives. Theoretically I could just use a couple of SSDs, but that would blow my budget out of the water, not to mention that it would negate any cost savings from repurposing an old machine. So, I'm contemplating pulling out the GPU to make room for a second 3.5" drive, but I'm concerned that it would make transcoding impossible, given the age and specs of the machine. (See below.) Then again, the card I have may not do much either?
Other options I've considered:
* Remove the built-in optical bay and use a portable drive to rip DVDs & Blu-rays.
* 3D print some kind of spacer between the chasis and back panel to make more room.
* Use a DAS for storage via USB.
* Try to find a physically smaller graphics card that will still do the job (I don't even know if this is possible.)
* Run SATA and molex cables to the outside of the case and 3d print some sort of container for the hard drive(s) and a fan.
Current Computer Specs:
Alienware x51 R1
i5-3330 (considering upgrading to i7-3770)
4 cores, 4 threads (i7 would give me 8 threads)
8GB RAM (will probably upgrade to 16)
Geforce GTX 660 graphics card
