I currently have a pretty simple media server. It runs on a desktop made of old parts and has 4 6 TB drives in a raidz1 array. It is used by a lot of friends who add a lot of media, so its been nearly at capacity for a while. The desktop has no more open SATA ports or drive enclosures, so I’m not sure what the best option for adding more drives is.

I know the most obvious answer is buying NAS, but I think it might be a little complex for what I need, because no other devices need any access to this storage. I was considering purchasing a DAS, as it seems like a simple option, but I’ve seen many people say its not worth purchasing a DAS over a NAS. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Edit: Thanks for the suggestions! I’m likely going to go with a new case for some extra drive bays and a PCI-E SAS controller, this seems like the best option for the simplicity and price!

  • CmdrShepard42@lemm.eeEnglish
    1·
    5 days ago

    I use a Fractal Design Define R6 but their newer model is around the same price (it actually appears to be $60 cheaper than the Silverstone case on NewEgg) and can hold the same number of drives. They’re solid cases.

    https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/define/define-7/

    For your lack of SATA ports, you can either buy a new mobo (use PCPartPicker and filter by SATA ports) or an LSI SAS HBA card to gain additional SATA ports.

    • priapusOPEnglish
      1·
      4 days ago

      I didn’t know that case could fit that many drives! I’m a fan of Fractal Designs cases, have used and recommended them for a few gaming PCs before. Thanks for the recommendation!

      • CmdrShepard42@lemm.eeEnglish
        1·
        4 days ago

        Yeah it only comes with 6 trays, so you’ll need to order more, but you can fill out the entire front section with drives.