[wsume99]

Building my unraid server was the best decision I've made in a long time. I'd consider it a must have if you are going to use XBMC. The only reason not to have a NAS is if you aren't going to have a media library and if that's the case then I can't see why you would be using XBMC.

[erikbp]

You've all pretty much convinced me that combining nas and htpc is a bad idea. Does any you have any experience with if this amd motherboard plays nice with linux?

[eskro]

I'd use eskro's guide to build a nice little, standalone HTPC. I think he needs to update the guide to include the new zacate hardware (I can be wrong through).

i have a ZACATE build in my guide
[Mini-ITX] Zacate 2x1.6Ghz + HD6310 ($183)

[erikbp]

Never use those HDD's in a NAS running RAID.
They can't handle more than 1 connection at the time, and are generally crap for running in RAID. For normal use they are great

Which drives are suited for a raid, WD black, WD blue or something else?

[xecutionx]

Which drives are suited for a raid, WD black, WD blue or something else?

For media, I'd look into UnRAID instead of a traditional RAID. You'll be able to use any drive of any capacity.

[poofyhairguy]

Mixing NASes and HTPCs is bad because:

1. The best cases are meant to do one or the other basically.

2. The best NASes run dedicated OSes like Unraid.

3. A decently cooled NAS need lots of fans, and lots of fans make the kind of noise you don't want in the livingroom.