A home media server is upgraded by migrating its existing Unraid configuration to a new Beelink ME Pro mini PC and expanding its storage capacity. The upgrade process involves backing up the boot drive, transferring NVMe drives to the new hardware, and integrating four additional 4TB hard drives into the existing storage array. The server, which has been running continuously for nine and a half months, is successfully migrated to the new hardware with minimal downtime. The new Beelink ME Pro features two internal SATA drive bays and a faster Ethernet connection compared to the previous setup. The user also reconfigures the Unraid array to include the new drives, which requires a clearing operation to prepare them for parity. The media server remains functional during this process, allowing for continued access to Plex and other Docker containers. The user notes that while this setup is not ideal due to potential points of failure from using multiple USB enclosures, it serves as a cost-effective way to repurpose existing hardware.
The media server was successfully migrated to a new Beelink ME Pro mini PC with minimal downtime. The upgrade added four 4TB hard drives to the existing storage array, increasing total capacity.
The Unraid operating system allows for easy expansion of storage by adding new drives to the array. The new hardware includes two internal SATA drive bays and a faster Ethernet connection than the previous model.
The server remained functional during the drive clearing and integration process, allowing continued access to media. The user plans to further optimize the setup by adding a second parity drive for increased data protection.
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Worth noting
- The creator disclosed that the Beelink PCs and the Wavlink storage array were provided free of charge by the manufacturers.
- The creator noted that this is not an ideal Unraid setup due to the reliance on multiple USB enclosures, which represent potential points of failure.