nas/media server help- build new machine or make my main desktop dual use

[evident]

hi everyone... I have a first world problem. Recently, I decided to make a plunge and purchase parts for a DIY NAS. I was going to use my laptop to stream movies to my TV from this NAS, and use my main rig to rip and download movies to the NAS. this plan got turned upside down, as we decided to get a cablecard and get rid of our DVR. my DIY NAS build ended up as a HTPC build.

the HTPC is a i3-3225 with a 128GB ssd and 500GB for recording live TV.
I have a main desktop with windows 7 that i use for gaming and general use.
It's an i7-2600k with a z68 motherboard (gigabyte z68ma-d2h-b3). I also purchased 3 3TB hard drives to use in my now defunct NAS.

my question is should i now put those 3 3TB hd's into my i7 rig and have it double as a file server? would it be possible to just raid those drives and nothing else? or would it be easier to build another machine, as I already have a case, an intel g530 celeron lying around and pop those in there. I don't want to waste any more power and cash than necessary.

 

[blastingcap]

Had huge problem getting g530 to use ecc on asus p8b ws. Ymmv. Doesnt matter if you dont care about ecc.

 

[beginner99]

My main rig is also my "NAS". Always thought about building a NAS but don't really need it. would be more for the fun of building.

When I'm home my pc is running anyway and I only need the "NAS" when I'm at home so no big deal. IMHO forget normal RAID. Either go with flexraid or snapraid or just do regular backups.

 

[evident]

i now have 7 drives and only 6 sata ports. going to have to retire one of my old drives. doh