2012-05-09, 17:25
Didn't get much traction with my last thread so I will try again.
My current setup is:
I use CP, SB, SAB, Plex with a few myplex clients as the main things other than XBMC.
This setup is fine for my current situation where it is the HTPC and only serves the occasional laptop and remote plex client.
My situation will soon be changing to where it will be the HTPC (this will probably include some light gaming) and serving potentially 5+ streams at once.
I am trying to decide whether I should just upgrade my CPU and GPU or just make another machine to be the server and leave my current one as HTPC only.
Money is also tight, but I'm pretty certain that my current setup will not be able to adequately perform in my new situation, so I am looking for the cheapest alternative.
Here are my options:
HTPC/Server upgrade:
- Upgrade CPU to Core i5 3450 - $150
- Upgrade video card to GT 210 - $20
- Add 2GB more RAM - $15
- WANT: to upgrade to Fractal Design case - $100
COST: $185 (285 with case)
Make a separate server:
- AMD Phenom II X3 B73 - $40
- Biostar A880GZ - $50
- 4 GB DDR3 RAM - $20
- New HTPC case - $70ish
- PSU - $20
- Upgrade HTPC video card to GT 210 (games?) - $20
COST: $220
What do you guys think?
I like the idea of having just one machine running but I sometimes experience problems when multiple processes are trying to do too much. I also don't like how much Windows likes to interfere with XBMC when other programs give notifications (probably away around this, but I think I am going to try Ubuntu anyway). All of those problems would go away with a separate server, but if I went with the first option I would have a much more powerful system.
My current setup is:
- Celeron G530
- ASUS Mobo with 2-SATA3 and 4-SATA2 ports (no hdmi)
- Assortment of 2.5" HDDs (2-250GB, 500GB, 620 GB)
- Zotac 8400GS video card
- 5 GB DDR3-1333 RAM
- Crappy case
I use CP, SB, SAB, Plex with a few myplex clients as the main things other than XBMC.
This setup is fine for my current situation where it is the HTPC and only serves the occasional laptop and remote plex client.
My situation will soon be changing to where it will be the HTPC (this will probably include some light gaming) and serving potentially 5+ streams at once.
I am trying to decide whether I should just upgrade my CPU and GPU or just make another machine to be the server and leave my current one as HTPC only.
Money is also tight, but I'm pretty certain that my current setup will not be able to adequately perform in my new situation, so I am looking for the cheapest alternative.
Here are my options:
HTPC/Server upgrade:
- Upgrade CPU to Core i5 3450 - $150
- Upgrade video card to GT 210 - $20
- Add 2GB more RAM - $15
- WANT: to upgrade to Fractal Design case - $100
COST: $185 (285 with case)
Make a separate server:
- AMD Phenom II X3 B73 - $40
- Biostar A880GZ - $50
- 4 GB DDR3 RAM - $20
- New HTPC case - $70ish
- PSU - $20
- Upgrade HTPC video card to GT 210 (games?) - $20
COST: $220
What do you guys think?
I like the idea of having just one machine running but I sometimes experience problems when multiple processes are trying to do too much. I also don't like how much Windows likes to interfere with XBMC when other programs give notifications (probably away around this, but I think I am going to try Ubuntu anyway). All of those problems would go away with a separate server, but if I went with the first option I would have a much more powerful system.