[sizo]

So i have finally moved out of my parents place since coming back from uni and i'm looking to refresh my kodi setup. at the moment i have:

usenet download server/mkv merge track extraction

• Aerocool EN57103 Predator X3
  
• Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H
  
• Intel Core i3 3220
  
• 3x 3TB SATA
  
• SanDisk 64GB SSD <-- OS
  

this runs windows 8.1 as i use it to run sabnzb, re-render the downloaded mkvs using mkvmerge and have the 3TB drives in a storage space (raid 5 equiv).

however i feel like this is a waste of cpu power as its not being used for playback - this webpage details how kodi uses the power from the client and not the server which i wasnt aware of. Also this rig is not ideal to put in a cupboard to run 24/7 as its rather power hungry.

i view the files stored on:
Acer Aspire Revo 3700 Desktop PC

• Intel Atom D525B Dual Core
  
• 3 GB RAM
  
• 500 GB HDD
  
• NVIDIA ION 2 Graphics
  

no thrills, can handle most things. runs kodibuntu


my new idea for a setup would be:

Media Server

• HP ProLiant Gen8 G1610T MicroServer
  
• Replace the CD-ROM with a SSD for the OS (Windows 8.1)
  
• Re-use 3x3TB SATA drives in storage space (raid 5 equiv) config
  

this will hold all my mkvs and share out via smb. this will also run 24/7 to provide access to movies

usenet download server/mkv merge track extraction
reuse the i3, mobo and ssd but put into a smaller case.

this rig will download the files so i can re-render them then move them over to the HP microserver.
i will also use this instead of the revo 3700 to watch movies to utilise that i3!

the revo will probaly go into a spare room as a alternative device.

would love to get some opinions on what im planning to do. have i misunderstood something? would you do something different?

Thanks,
Simon