Introducing my HP Microserver N36L using WHS2011 + XBMC

Psyphin-X · 2012-02-23 03:56

I'm looking into this build. I was wondering if anyone has tried to upgrade the cpu or if it was even possible?

QLink · 2012-02-23 15:13

As far as i know it's not possible to upgrade the cpu, because it's soldered onto the mainboard.

however you can purchase a HP N40L, which has got a 1,5Ghz cpu instead of 1,3Ghz in the N36L...

why do you need a stronger a cpu ? what are you planning to do with the microserver ?

Psyphin-X · 2012-02-23 23:57

I don't really need it right now, I was just curious for future upgrades if needed.

Thanks for the reply.

PeterV · 2012-02-29 13:51

Hi.

LAst week I've purchased N40L, and currently looking for video card. After reading this thread I prefer to purchase HD 6450.
Currently I see in shops only two real candidates:
1. Asus EAH6450 SILENT/DI/1GD3(LP)
2. SAPPHIRE HD 6450 2GB DDR3.
Only this cards have low-profile bracket in place.
But regarding both of them I feel some uncertainty -
Asus has less clock for the memory, only 1200 (600), Sapphire - have 2 GB memory - so, possible have more power consumption ...

What can you recommend to buy ?

baldmosher · 2012-02-29 16:01

Any 6450 (or indeed 5450) you like will eat 1080p for breakfast, seriously don't worry about it. Just get the cheapest one you can find with a half height bracket.

QLink · 2012-02-29 16:01

it depends what you are planning to do with your system...
i assume both cards are costing the same for following considerations.

if you use it just for xbmc/video playback i would choose the ASUS card.
you won't recognize the lower memory clock with this usage.

if you are planning to use it for games too (which imho is a bad idea with this system anyway) you will maybe better go along with the SAPPHIRE card.

however the 2GB vs. 1GB power consumption difference should also not be that high if it's measureable at all...

long story short:

my advice:

ASUS card for xbmc/htpc usage
SAPPHIRE card for gaming usage

anyway differences will not be that big between those two cards

baldmosher · 2012-02-29 16:02

my advice for gaming is don't get a 6450 Wink

get something good

PeterV · 2012-02-29 18:37

baldmosher Wrote:Any 6450 (or indeed 5450) you like will eat 1080p for breakfast, seriously don't worry about it. Just get the cheapest one you can find with a half height bracket.

QLink Wrote:long story short:

my advice:

ASUS card for xbmc/htpc usage
SAPPHIRE card for gaming usage

Thanks you!

I've plan to use only as htpc(xbmc) and additionally, in future - may be as second NAS.

g725s · 2012-03-07 23:18

cable_guy Wrote:baldmosher, do you know if the modded BIOS is necessary to boot from eSata?

I have all the equipment now but see no mention in the BIOS of eSata at all

I have read more than one post stating that it is not. But maybe balmosher can confirm.

QLink · 2012-03-08 08:58

g725s Wrote:I have read more than one post stating that it is not. But maybe balmosher can confirm.

afaik you don't need to modify the bios to be able to boot from esata.
mod bios just sets the esata port to full speed respectively it can use ahci mode.

however i haven't tried it, cause first thing i did when i got my microserver was modding the bios Wink

Psyphin-X Junior Member Posts: 46 Joined: Nov 2011 Reputation: 0	2012-02-23 03:56 Post: #201 I'm looking into this build. I was wondering if anyone has tried to upgrade the cpu or if it was even possible?
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QLink Senior Member Posts: 147 Joined: Jun 2011 Reputation: 4	2012-02-23 15:13 Post: #202 As far as i know it's not possible to upgrade the cpu, because it's soldered onto the mainboard. however you can purchase a HP N40L, which has got a 1,5Ghz cpu instead of 1,3Ghz in the N36L... why do you need a stronger a cpu ? what are you planning to do with the microserver ?
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Psyphin-X Junior Member Posts: 46 Joined: Nov 2011 Reputation: 0	2012-02-23 23:57 Post: #203 I don't really need it right now, I was just curious for future upgrades if needed. Thanks for the reply.
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baldmosher Senior Member Posts: 224 Joined: Nov 2011 Reputation: 0 Location: Salford, UK	2012-02-29 16:02 Post: #207 my advice for gaming is don't get a 6450 get something good baldmosher™ Trying to save his marriage with a HTPC Current system: TV unit, 37PFL5405H, Microserver N40L (as HTPC), Xbox360, BDP-S370, FoxsatHD, Azur 540Rv2, Keysonic 540RF, Harmony 300 Planned W7x64 AMD mATX (HT)PC build: Case, PSU, RAM, Mobo, CPU Total £240 + IR + HSF? + SSD?
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g725s Senior Member Posts: 124 Joined: Sep 2011 Reputation: 0	2012-03-07 23:18 Post: #209 cable_guy Wrote:baldmosher, do you know if the modded BIOS is necessary to boot from eSata? I have all the equipment now but see no mention in the BIOS of eSata at all I have read more than one post stating that it is not. But maybe balmosher can confirm.
	find quote

QLink Senior Member Posts: 147 Joined: Jun 2011 Reputation: 4	2012-03-08 08:58 Post: #210 g725s Wrote:I have read more than one post stating that it is not. But maybe balmosher can confirm. afaik you don't need to modify the bios to be able to boot from esata. mod bios just sets the esata port to full speed respectively it can use ahci mode. however i haven't tried it, cause first thing i did when i got my microserver was modding the bios
	find quote