Hi.
It really depends on you budget how to go and the options are also from one side to other.
Mini server is good if you need mail, iCal, web server, simple text documents etc.
AE and rendering needs bit different approach and different platform and
is more costly.
Yes you could use separate MacPro lets say for storage and AE rendering but
those two tasks might get you issues combined like this as array sharing and rendering are
different in nature.
https://maxxdigital.com/shop/index.php?cPath=117
This is good way to share material on workstations. Not ment for AE rendering but probably doable
if you wish so.
—
Margus
https://iconstudios.eu