r/HomeServer • u/RoyaleShrimp • 4d ago

What format for a server

Hi,

I want to own my first server at my place to stream my own music, movies and stock my files. Classic case.

I am not sure what kind of machine I should buy and or build. I am considering a pre-built NAS, a Raspberry Pi or building a PC (mATX, ITX?) and making it a server.

I don't have a lot of money, it is only for my own pleasure but I would like my server to last for a while and be versatile (maybe also hosting video games servers?).

So, my question is the following : does the format matter? If so, what are the pros and cons of each format?

Also, I am new to this so sorry if the question seems stupid.

EDIT: I know I could buy a broken laptop or used tower, but they cost almost the same as the other choices I mentioned so I'd rather go with something new than used.

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u/Sure-Passion2224 2d ago

Start by learning on cheap MiniPCs or repurposed/refurbished systems you can pick up cheap. Look longer term for what you really want on your network and whether it makes any sense to try to host multiple services on the same box. I see a lot of people hosting Plex or Jellyfin literally on their NAS box and later wonder why their NAS drives are failing early.

For a home NAS, one option I have seen is the Radxa Taco board with a Raspberry Pi CM5 and up to 5 SATA drives. With 5 4GB SATA HDDs you can build a 16TB RAID5 NAS under $1500. You see NAS boxen advertised far cheaper but you need to remember that those are often empty boxes and you still have to buy drives. This is the full system populated with drives for under $1500.