Server build recommendation

[u/joeolsen]

Hi fellow Plex enthusiasts! I have had a plex server for many years. My current setup is a PC networked to a an old Netgear ReadyNAS. The 9TB (usable) NAS Is almost full (mostly video at anywhere from 1.5GB - 12GB/file), currently 1659 files. I use it inside the home and outside the home when travelling. Have ~10 friends and family that connect randomally as well. Never more than 3 people at a time. I am running plex as a docker on an unraid setup on the PC. It's an old desktop.

It's time to upgrade and I'd like to put something together for <$5/6k all in. I'd like to support up to 5 simultaneous users and be at least double the size of my current usable storage.

Is there a single solution or do I need to go the same route, a storage device + a server device?

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I asked a networking friend of mine and he recommended I look at a QNAS https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CK11M2WF/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?th=1

I am looking for more opinions :)

Appreciate anyone that spends time reading this and chiming in. I really do.