Looking to build a media server

ryanjoachim

I've got 2TB of movies stored on 2 1TB drives right now, and I've barely even touched my DVD collection.

That means that it's time to start investing in 2TB drives and thinking about consolidating all the data onto a RAID solution. However...I have 0 experience with RAID or server setup/management in general.

I was looking at this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816132016 . From what I can tell, that'll allow me to place as many HD's as i'll need for the near future, and arrange them into some type of RAID.

What I can't tell is whether i'll need to buy a mobo/cpu/ram to go with it?

jinjuku

Firstly, for $299 you have MUCH better options:

Take the SuperMicro 743 for $310

The differences are pretty major and all in favor of the SuperMicro:

1. It is a computer case that has 8 SATA bays (hotswap) the Rosewill is not
2. I would place money on the PSU in the SuperMicro vs the Roeswill
3. Cooling, Cooling, and more cooling
4. Its more effective all around and costs less.

If this is going to be a file server:

Get Windows Home Server
Try this mainboard

ryanjoachim

jinjuku wrote: »

Firstly, for $299 you have MUCH better options:

Take the SuperMicro 743 for $310

The differences are pretty major and all in favor of the SuperMicro:

1. It is a computer case that has 8 SATA bays (hotswap) the Rosewill is not
2. I would place money on the PSU in the SuperMicro vs the Roeswill
3. Cooling, Cooling, and more cooling
4. Its more effective all around and costs less.

If this is going to be a file server:

Get Windows Home Server
Try this mainboard

Thanks a lot for the info! I was originally leaning towards building a media server, with the ability to output 1080p to my TV like I have right now. I've set up my wife's computer to handle the streaming duties for now, but it's not an ideal setup.

From what i've seen though, most of these server chassis aren't really set up for a media-friendly CPU/GPU combo.

Oh, and hot-swap is definitely a feature I would love to have. I didn't realize the Rosewill didn't have that feature. I assumed that since it was front-loading that it was a given, but I was obviously wrong.

jinjuku

You said media 'server'. Server being the key point

Servers would be your back end (Storage) you could then build a Mini-ITX front end (client) with a 32gb solid state HD and a low wattage AMD CPU with a PSU that would have a quiet fan (Antec Earthwatts).

You are simply not going to find an 8 bay hotswap SATA chasis that isn't going to be making noise.

The general model is always client<>server or server<>client (anyway you want to dice it up). Given your requirements you don't have a choice.

AsSiMiLaTeD

jinjuku is correct, a small pc would be ideal as the media server. I have one of those little Shuttle boxes and it's very quiet and convenient, I can check the model number when I get home if you want.

You don't want a big server sitting in your living room

ryanjoachim

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

You don't want a big server sitting in your living room

I do too!!

I see your point though. Following that train of thought something like the Boxee might fill my needs, depending on if/how it handles network streaming of movies and if it handles MKV files...i'll have to look into it.

jinjuku

ryanjoachim wrote: »

I do too!!

I see your point though. Following that train of thought something like the Boxee might fill my needs, depending on if/how it handles network streaming of movies and if it handles MKV files...i'll have to look into it.

Hit Anandtech.com. They now have a dedicated HTPC/Media Streamers section.

Audioholics.com and AVSForum.com both have dedicated HTPC areas also.

DeusExa

If it's just for HD-based media, look at the WDTV, Popcorn Hour, etc.

fatchowmein

I think a new version of Windows Home Server is about to come out. IMO, it still has issues moving data around for those with very large file servers but it could just be me but I haven't lost any data, yet. I do get annoying warning messages about data consistancy. The next version will address this problem.

If you want to go the Home Server route, I recommend you wait until the next version comes out and the early adopters have had the chance to report any bugs.

renowilliams

ryanjoachim wrote: »

I've got 2TB of movies stored on 2 1TB drives right now, and I've barely even touched my DVD collection.

That means that it's time to start investing in 2TB drives and thinking about consolidating all the data onto a RAID solution. However...I have 0 experience with RAID or server setup/management in general.

I was looking at this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816132016 . From what I can tell, that'll allow me to place as many HD's as i'll need for the near future, and arrange them into some type of RAID.

What I can't tell is whether i'll need to buy a mobo/cpu/ram to go with it?

I use a Cooler Master HAF 932 case for my media server. This is a great case and has 5 drive bays with a tooless design. This case is great for cable management and is very quiet when it runs. It has lots of airflow as well.

Here are some pics of mine.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/renowilliams/