F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Create AdviceNAS *and* emulation. Proxmox? A Linux build? Classic Windows Home Server?

Create AdviceNAS *and* emulation. Proxmox? A Linux build? Classic Windows Home Server?

Create AdviceNAS *and* emulation. Proxmox? A Linux build? Classic Windows Home Server?

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09-12-2020, 08:51 AM
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I'm aiming to assemble a combo rig featuring NAS capabilities, while also supporting emulation for PS2, GameCube, and older systems.
Currently, I have: AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB DDR4 memory, an ASUS Rog Strix mobile motherboard (likely B550), a GT610, 6GB RAM, GT610 and a few Dell Optiplexes that are "Vista Ready" with Core2Duos.
I’m planning to purchase additional HDDs, though I’m comfortable handling that.
My main concerns are whether the Ryzen 5 can handle the upgrade to at least 32GB of RAM (likely pushing the maximum available in the motherboard), and whether I should avoid a full tower case—my existing CoolerMaster 500P mesh with front-mounted fans seems too bulky.
Switching to a low-profile GPU might be enough for emulation, possibly a 1050 model.
For hardware, an optical drive would be useful for direct access to NAS or server operations.
Budget-wise, I’m targeting around £500 (UK), excluding NVMe drives, and will include one for OS and system needs. I’ll opt for a RAID configuration with redundancy.
Use case 1 focuses on storage: lossless formats like FLAC for about 200 CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays—roughly 100 high-quality 4K copies. I also plan to store files over the past three decades, replacing DVD rips as new formats emerge.
Use case 2 is about emulation—supporting NES, SNES, PS1, PS2, GameCube. I’m not keen on Xbox or anything beyond that since I own the hardware.
Use case 3 is for home cinema: ideally connecting directly to a TV for emulation and using the PC for media playback. If streaming is preferred, I can also use external devices like a TV soundbar or PS5.
Use case 4 covers extra features such as changing DNS servers, VPN support, ad blocking (PiHole), external file access, home automation via Home Assistant, and possibly running an OS inside Proxmox containers.
I’m not overly concerned about standby power consumption—my setup uses a modest "bachelor pad" and energy use is low.
Should I consider buying a full workstation like a Lenevo/HP with a Xeon?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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S
subgold
09-12-2020, 08:51 AM #1

I'm aiming to assemble a combo rig featuring NAS capabilities, while also supporting emulation for PS2, GameCube, and older systems.
Currently, I have: AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB DDR4 memory, an ASUS Rog Strix mobile motherboard (likely B550), a GT610, 6GB RAM, GT610 and a few Dell Optiplexes that are "Vista Ready" with Core2Duos.
I’m planning to purchase additional HDDs, though I’m comfortable handling that.
My main concerns are whether the Ryzen 5 can handle the upgrade to at least 32GB of RAM (likely pushing the maximum available in the motherboard), and whether I should avoid a full tower case—my existing CoolerMaster 500P mesh with front-mounted fans seems too bulky.
Switching to a low-profile GPU might be enough for emulation, possibly a 1050 model.
For hardware, an optical drive would be useful for direct access to NAS or server operations.
Budget-wise, I’m targeting around £500 (UK), excluding NVMe drives, and will include one for OS and system needs. I’ll opt for a RAID configuration with redundancy.
Use case 1 focuses on storage: lossless formats like FLAC for about 200 CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays—roughly 100 high-quality 4K copies. I also plan to store files over the past three decades, replacing DVD rips as new formats emerge.
Use case 2 is about emulation—supporting NES, SNES, PS1, PS2, GameCube. I’m not keen on Xbox or anything beyond that since I own the hardware.
Use case 3 is for home cinema: ideally connecting directly to a TV for emulation and using the PC for media playback. If streaming is preferred, I can also use external devices like a TV soundbar or PS5.
Use case 4 covers extra features such as changing DNS servers, VPN support, ad blocking (PiHole), external file access, home automation via Home Assistant, and possibly running an OS inside Proxmox containers.
I’m not overly concerned about standby power consumption—my setup uses a modest "bachelor pad" and energy use is low.
Should I consider buying a full workstation like a Lenevo/HP with a Xeon?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Reply
Reply