[wvmci]

I am currently using XBMC for windows on an acer revo 3700(Win 7). I am pulling m2ts files from my Home PC which has an I5 750 processor and 4gb ram (Win 7). Not wanting to backup my video files. What advantage would I have with a nas build other than power consumption. Also if I build a NAS, would a atom suffice or should I consider an AM3 x2 or I3 540. I would like to back up pictures.

[Targettio]

Hardware requirements for a NAS/File server are very low. Basically anything will manage it. But if you want to set up a fully fledged server (your own website, couchpotato, media ripping/renaming/management, automated back ups etc) then you might need a low end desktop cpu rather than atom.

[maxinc]

Not wanting to backup my video files. What advantage would I have with a nas build other than power consumption.

If you are the occasional download - watch - delete kind of user, there isn't much sense to get a server as you current desktop can do a lot more for you than any media server.

If however, your library is growing and you like to keep files organised and available at all times to multiple device, a server might start to make sense as new issues arise from such a setup like expandability, backup, library and download management etc.

[wvmci]

Thanks for the info.
I currently play my rips on my revo.
Rips are stored on my desktop.
Just bought a netgears gs108 to hardwire network my home.
I am planning expanding my xmbc to a couple more areas of my home with laptops if possible.
After reading about NAS/Servers it sparked my interest.
However I'm not worried about losing data so Raid setups do not interest me.
It seems like when I'm ripping a Blue Rayon desktop. It causes stuttering with my XMBC on Revo.

[maxinc]

If you happen to often rip Blu Rays while watching media, having a separate storage device would definitely help.

Before considering getting a server (which I would always recommend) you can try having a dedicated internal hard drive for ripping to avoid simultaneous read and write operations on the same physical disk.

[wvmci]

Thanks again for the info. I'm going to try to use an old pc for a nas. If it works out I will Consider a case with icydock 3 in 2 trays or a norco case. I just need to work out whether I will use ubuntu or unraid.

[CASHMON3Y]

I prefer Ubuntu just because its been around a lot longer and I have more experience with it. You can build a server that runs Ubuntu Server for very little money. Mine is running on an old Lenovo desktop that has a 1.8GHz dual core AMD, with 2GB of RAM. It also hosts my webserver and some other stuff. The CPU usage barely goes over 1% and its setup with a RAID 5, and streams 1080P MKV's to multiple PCs.