2011-01-31, 23:49
Short informational: I was going to build Intel, but with their decision to build DRM into their future chipsets, I'm voting with my limited money and switching to AMD for the first time in like 10 years, so my knowledge is somewhat limited in some areas.
1. I'm going to be running a FlexRaid/FlexView set up to mimic the Drive Extender functionality from WHS without the Advanced Format issues. It's a software Raid, so what kind of processor should I be looking at from an AMD stand point? I'll also be using this server as an automated ripper as well, speed isn't a huge issue but I'd rather it be timed in hours and not days and have streaming not be impacted by the process.
2. I'm probably just going to go with Windows 7, but may hold off and end up going with Windows 7 Home Server that's Server 2008 based. Will this have any impact on the proc/memory requirements?
3. I've found a microATX board that has 8 SATA ports onboard, is there a reason not to use a microATX board on a Media Server/NAS if it has the required SATA ports for it? It also has two 1x PCI-E and 1 PCI-E 2.0 16x for future expandability, but I've never built something to be used as a server before so is there a reason an ATX format board would be better?
4. I used to use WD drives for everything, but I've read nothing but horror stories about them since starting my research. What drives does everyone recommend? WD despite their supposed issues in server setups? Samsung Spinpoints? Any other suggestions?
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Onto HTPC
1. Looking at a MicroATX board here too, it has onboard 4250, is that good enough for playback of 1080p video? What about Netflix/Hulu/otherandomFLV?
2. I'll be running XBMC for Windows, what kind of processor/amount of memory should I be running here? I've heard the Aeon skins and such can be really hard on the system.
3. Controlling this thing? I've heard good things about the Harmony remotes, but never seen one used in action with an HTPC, I've also seen the dinovo mini used first hand and it seemed pretty good, but again I'm not sure how well it'd work with XBMC. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
1. I'm going to be running a FlexRaid/FlexView set up to mimic the Drive Extender functionality from WHS without the Advanced Format issues. It's a software Raid, so what kind of processor should I be looking at from an AMD stand point? I'll also be using this server as an automated ripper as well, speed isn't a huge issue but I'd rather it be timed in hours and not days and have streaming not be impacted by the process.
2. I'm probably just going to go with Windows 7, but may hold off and end up going with Windows 7 Home Server that's Server 2008 based. Will this have any impact on the proc/memory requirements?
3. I've found a microATX board that has 8 SATA ports onboard, is there a reason not to use a microATX board on a Media Server/NAS if it has the required SATA ports for it? It also has two 1x PCI-E and 1 PCI-E 2.0 16x for future expandability, but I've never built something to be used as a server before so is there a reason an ATX format board would be better?
4. I used to use WD drives for everything, but I've read nothing but horror stories about them since starting my research. What drives does everyone recommend? WD despite their supposed issues in server setups? Samsung Spinpoints? Any other suggestions?
---
Onto HTPC
1. Looking at a MicroATX board here too, it has onboard 4250, is that good enough for playback of 1080p video? What about Netflix/Hulu/otherandomFLV?
2. I'll be running XBMC for Windows, what kind of processor/amount of memory should I be running here? I've heard the Aeon skins and such can be really hard on the system.
3. Controlling this thing? I've heard good things about the Harmony remotes, but never seen one used in action with an HTPC, I've also seen the dinovo mini used first hand and it seemed pretty good, but again I'm not sure how well it'd work with XBMC. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.