Cheap 4K home media servers run into storage limits fast
A setup needs to play 4K video smoothly on a TV and also handle one to three 1080p streams on iPhones or iPads. TV playback should be easier with Apple TV and Infuse because the video can often be sent directly without heavy work by the server. The harder requirement is handling 4K files that need while also supporting several smaller streams at the same time.
An 11th gen Intel small office PC may be enough for that kind of media work. Used mini PCs such as OptiPlex, , and EliteDesk systems are possible low-cost choices. The main concern is storage, because these small computers usually cannot hold many drives inside.
The practical question is whether a JBOD setup, or another expandable storage method, is the best way to add more space later.
Key points
- The target setup is 4K TV playback plus one to three 1080p mobile streams.
- Apple TV with Infuse can reduce server load through .
- is an important requirement for some 4K files.
- Used OptiPlex, , and EliteDesk mini PCs are being considered as cheap options.
- Small PCs and Mac minis need a separate plan for expandable storage.