Cheap low power server/torrent machine

[Mbrady92]

Hi everyone,

I'm after a low cost, low power consumption build that can remain on almost 24/7. Needs to be able to act as a plex server direct streaming over local network. It also needs to be able to perform basic tasks like torrenting 24/7. It'll be hooked up via ethernet to modem. Hopefully these parts will be able to last a long time as well. Will the cpu be able to direct stream plex content at original res(bluray 1080p bitrates of 10,000kbps-15,000kbps and maybe some 4k movies too) I don't want any potential struggles streaming my movies in original quality.

Option 1: External Storage plugged in 24/7 with a small SSD windows drive. Should I be worried about longevity of an external hard drive constantly being used?(torrents writing to it constantly)
Option 2: Internal Storage, am I better off with a 4TB Seagate 3.5" 5900rpm SATA IronWolf NAS HDD? With the option of adding more storage later etc.

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply!


CPU:Intel S1151 Core i3 8100 3.6GHz 4 Core
MB:ASUS S1151 MicroATX PRIME H310M-E DDR4 Motherboard
RAM:8GB DDR4 G.Skill F4-2133C15S-8GNT (1x8G) 2133Mhz Value RAM
Storage:4TB WD 3.5" SATA 6Gb/s Blue HDD PN WD40EZRZ
Case:Thermaltake MicroATX Versa H17 Case Black
PSU:550 Watt Thermaltake Litepower Power Supply

 

[Darkbreeze]

While I'm unsure about the legitimacy of your intentions, I know nothing for sure so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and not report you for promoting piracy or asking for help with it in any way on Tom's Hardware. It's not allowed, just so you are aware.

As for the build, you can maybe get by with that configuration but if this is to be a 24/7 machine, you absolutely don't want that Litepower unit. They are not examples of what a power supply should be, not even for an entry level model. You would be well advised to find one of the better models, and not all models by ANY manufacturer are guaranteed to be good just because of the name on the sticker, by Seasonic, EVGA, Corsair, Antec, Super Flower or some models made by FSP.

 

[cryoburner]

Downloading Linux Distros I'm sure. >_>

As for the drive, internal would probably be better, as many external enclosures can get quite hot under a constant load, which could affect the durability of the drive.

 

[BFG-9000]

For over a year now, people have been removing the HGST-made, helium-filled WD Red internal drives from ~$150 external WD Easystore 8TB drives.

No idea why they cost more for the bare drives than in the external enclosures, but should run cool when mounted as an internal in any case with decent airflow.

Usually when people say "low powered torrent machine" they mean those horrible NAS units with the router CPU or repurposing an old router to do the same, which would give terrible performance as torrenting can be quite CPU-intensive. OTOH the i3 is pretty much overkill for this, but the other issue is torrenting hammers the router itself with thousands of simultaneous connections, so you'd need a fast one.

So with such a powerful processor it may a good idea to also use it as the wired router (it's always-on anyway, relegate your current router to AP duty), in addition to torrent client and Plex Media Server for your public domain 4k movie collection.