I have about 12 Easystore external hdd's of varying sizes, half of them shucked and inside my 8700k HTPC, and the other half plugged into every available USB port. It runs 24/7 as my media server, I guess it would also be called my front end since I operate it with a wireless keyboard using the TV. I play games and watch movies with it.

I have another computer that I also leave on 24/7 to download media, it's a first gen i3 with windows 7 that isn't shared on the network. I download media to an unshucked Easystore and when it's full I unplug it and take it up to live with the HTPC, which is now a sprawling mess and generating serious aggro from the wife.

I don't think a worse setup is possible, I know I need some kind of server, or NAS, or Jbod, but I'm not sure what. What would you guys do in this situation? To add to the problem I'm also going to need a few security cameras soon.

I have plenty of space and money, but not much free time or experience. I'm an instrument tech by trade so I'm not scared of technical stuff, I just don't want to to bite off more than I can chew with my limited time.

Any advice?