Choosing external storage for an always-on mini home server
An MLLSE G2 Pro mini PC is being set up as a small . The goal is to run basic services such as Pi-hole, Jellyfin, and the , then see whether this level of hardware is enough before possibly moving later to a stronger mini PC or a used desktop.
The extra storage will mainly hold media files for Jellyfin, and the machine is expected to stay on all day and night. The storage choices under consideration are a 2TB or 4TB WD Elements or Seagate Expansion portable external drive, a 4TB Seagate Expansion Desktop drive, or a 3.5-inch SATA connected through a USB .
The mini PC only has three USB 3.0 ports, so the connection method matters. The main question is whether a basic such as a Barracuda is good enough for a simple , or whether it is worth paying more for a NAS/CMR drive such as SkyHawk, IronWolf, WD Red, or WD Purple even when it is attached over USB.
Key points
- The setup is a mini PC used as a small .
- The storage is mainly for Jellyfin media files.
- Options include portable external drives, a desktop external drive, or a 3.5-inch SATA drive in a USB .
- The mini PC has only three USB 3.0 ports and will run 24/7.
- The core choice is between a basic consumer drive and a NAS/CMR drive made for heavier use.