NAS storage for HTPC?

[littfam]

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I'm using a Mac mini 2010 for my HTPC. What considerations should I use to upgrade my external HD. Rpm, buffer, brand, connectivity, etc. Is there an advantage to NAS? All input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Wavell]

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I'm using a Mac mini 2010 for my HTPC. What considerations should I use to upgrade my external HD. Rpm, buffer, brand, connectivity, etc. Is there an advantage to NAS? All input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi, I went through a similar process and after some trial and error with various NAS scenarios, ended hooking up a DRobo device via FireWire. I didn't find that a NAS gave any particular advantage, I can still share files via the mac mini and FireWire speeds are good enough for my needs

 

[littfam]

Hi, I went through a similar process and after some trial and error with various NAS scenarios, ended hooking up a DRobo device via FireWire. I didn't find that a NAS gave any particular advantage, I can still share files via the mac mini and FireWire speeds are good enough for my needs

ok I'll look into drobo's then. Something like this: http://www.drobo.com/products/drobo.php
Could you give me a little info on how these work if you have time. Do you have to supply your own drives or does the drobo come with drives? Thanks .

 

[Wavell]

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The Drobo is supplied without drives - you'd need to provide your own. Luckily it's not fussy about type/capacity etc

Be aware though, the Drobo uses it's own proprietary format on the drives so once used, you can't just plug them into something else and expect to read the data.

Drobo works for me - but others on this forum prefer RAID NAS solutions and I'm sure would add their input to this

 

[roidy]

I'll give you an opposing view. While I admit I've never actually used a Drobo, I've read/heard too many horror stories about poor performance, reliability and data loss to believe they are worth the high price.

For the price of an unpopulated Drobo you could buy a NAS with the same number of bays and be well on your way to filling it with drives.

For me the main advantages of a NAS is the fact that it's a standalone box and so it can be accessed from any computer on the network without having to have other computers switched on, where as if you connect a Drobo to your Mini and then want to access it from another computer you need to keep the Mini switched on and have file sharing setup. The second advanage is that when I want to add content to the NAS I can do it from any computer on the network.

 

[littfam]

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Ok....I see advantages to your setup. And really like the fact that you can access files without having a host on. Do you have any recomendations for a good NAS unit? Do they use 3.5" drives? maybe a link or two? Thanks.