replacing Drobo5D3 on iMac

[Enquiries]

I have an iMac (10 core i9 ~2020 issue) and I have my Drobo5D3 hooked up via thunderbolt. I'm looking for a replacement DAS. My dream would have 12TB or more tiered storage solution that I can use to store my iTunes library for media streaming to my house. All the units I see all require RAID HDD or expensive SSD solutions. I have an old QNAP TS-1685 and I'm playing with TrueNAS scale and Unraid for backup storage. I find those servers too slow to use as network shares to stream from. I'm IT OAP hence this is my hobby, so I am limited in funds.

[ed]

Thanks for reaching out! Given your requirements and current setup, here are a few suggestions for a DAS (Direct Attached Storage) solution that can provide you with the tiered storage you need without breaking the bank:

1. TerraMaster D5-300C
Capacity: Up to 60TB with five 12TB drives.
Connectivity: USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C for high-speed transfers.
Features: Supports RAID 0, 1, JBOD, and Single Disk modes, allowing for flexible configurations based on your needs.
Price: Approximately $300-$400, depending on the drives.
2. OWC ThunderBay 4
Capacity: Can hold up to four drives (up to 64TB with 16TB drives).
Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 for fast data transfer rates.
Features: Supports RAID configurations and has a user-friendly interface for setup.
Price: Around $399 without drives; you'll need to factor in the cost of HDDs or SSDs.
3. LaCie 2big Dock
Capacity: Up to 20TB with two drives, but can be expanded with additional storage solutions.
Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, with additional ports for peripherals.
Features: RAID support and the ability to daisy-chain multiple units for added capacity.
Price: Approximately $549 for the 20TB version; look for discounts or used options to fit your budget.
4. Drobo 8D
Capacity: Supports up to 64TB with eight bays and allows for mixed drive sizes.
Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3, which provides the speed you need for media streaming.
Features: Offers automated tiered storage and a simple setup process.
Price: Typically over your budget, but worth checking for refurbished models or sales.
Additional Considerations:
Since you're looking to store your iTunes library for media streaming, ensure that whatever solution you choose has good performance ratings for read speeds, especially if you're streaming high-definition content.
If you're considering a NAS solution instead of DAS, keep in mind that the performance may vary based on your network setup. You may want to explore models with SSD caching if you choose a NAS, which could improve speed for streaming media.
Budgeting Tips:
Look for refurbished or second-hand options to get a better deal.
Consider starting with a smaller capacity and expanding over time as needed.
Check for sales or discounts around major holidays for potential savings.