I found a 2010 Mac Mini for $300 bucks on Craigslist. Its a little old, but from some posts I've read it seems like it should actually work. Model # is A1347. It has an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4ghz chip and 16gb of memory with a 320gb hard drive.
I would install PMS on the Mini which would then wirelessly stream content to an Apple TV 4 connected to my TV in my living room. I would connect a Western Digital My Book 3tb hard drive to the Mini to store all my media. Only thing is the Mac Mini only has USB 2.0 whereas the hard drive has USB 3.0.
I've read that USB 2.0 is fast enough, but I'm a bit skeptical. Would this setup be fine for streaming to my living room, bedroom, and another room? Most streams we'd have at once is two. Most of my videos are in H264 format at 720p. But with the new ATV4 I want to start collecting more 1080p movies and shows.
I just don't want to spend $300 on a Mac Mini and then find out I have to upgrade.