NAS in the form of a virtual machine or a better separate physical server?

Question

NAS

Hello everyone, there is a need to create a server that will store data from all sorts of rubbish to photos / movies. I can’t decide what to do better: either build a powerful home computer, install vmware on it with the necessary virtual machine, or is it still better to build a separate server? The most resource-intensive thing that is planned to be put on the server is Plex, for broadcasting streaming video. As far as I know, there are always drawdowns in virtualization compared to a real physical machine. I would like to hear other people's opinions on how best to organize such a server (physical or virtual), including about the pros and cons of this or that method. The main advantage of creating a virtual machine, in my opinion, is that, it seems to me, it will turn out cheaper. Since a large amount of RAM and a good CPU will already be available, which will allow you to work comfortably, and keep the VM stable (the computer is still on 24/7 anyway). In addition, if anything, you can always take a snapshot and move somewhere else.

Answer 1

1. Try watching a movie while playing on PC. If the rules - stay on the virtual machine.
No - a separate device for NAS.
2. More reliable and more expedient (in terms of energy consumption 24/7) - a separate device. So that OS failures / reboots / shutdowns of the computer do not interfere with watching a movie, etc.

Answer 2

A separate server is usually allocated for storage. And if there is something at least conditionally valuable, they usually set up a raid. An entry-level synology / qnap is taken, two screws are stuck in and off we go. Webmord management. You can also pile a broadcaster on it, if it pulls - usually entry-level shelves are not very powerful.

Answer 3

As an option - buy a ready-made NAS, they often have virtualization support