I’ve decided to build a proper home server as at the moment my files are scattered between different machines (pics of my home setup as requested below) and I want to centralise them, as well as creating a proper remote access solution. I’m not sure yet if Windows Home Server is the right OS yet, so I’ve just ordered a copy of the 120 day Evaluation Kit to mess around with to see if it’s the right platform for my needs.
I need to start shopping for my Home Server components. The minimum spec is quite low so I should be able to keep the cost quite low, so the element I think is going to be finding a good case. I really like the small form factor of the HP MediaSmart Server, so I’m aiming for something as small with space for 4 hard drives.
I think I need to buy the following components:
- Nice compact case with space for 4 HDDs and energy efficient PSU
- Basic mobo with integrated graphics for setup
- Basic CPU
I’m going to put the 2x750HDDs I currently have in my HTPC (I’ll put a 400GB I’m currently not using in the HTPC) in the new server which will give me more than enough storage when combined with my external 1TB Lacie drive. I will add another 1TB HDD when the prices start to fall. I’m hoping this will allow me to build my home server for well under £250, which I think is acceptable.
Any suggestions as to what case and mobo/CPU combo to go for?
My Home Setup
I’ve had a few requests for details of my home setup, so I took some quick pics – apologies for the poor quality in some!
Front Room
In the shots you can see the following:
- 42″ Hitachi HD Plasma
- HTPC: Vista Premium, 4600+, 2x750GB SATA II, 7950 GPU, X-Fi Xtreme Music (replaced a modded Xbox)
- 1TB Lacie External HDD
- Panasonic SAXR70 Home Theatre Receiver
- Tannoy 5.1 EFX speakers+Sub+rear speaker
- Xbox 360
- Playstation 3
- Netgear WNR854T Router
- Telewest TV Drive
- Harmony 885 Remote
- Couple HDMI switches
I built the HTPC about 6 months now and it is brilliant. I love how it looks like a AV component and the display is ace showing info about what’s playing and a good graphic equaliser.
Study
- PC: 4200+, DFI Lan Party mobo, X1900XTX, X-Fi Xtreme music, Altec lansing speakers (10 years old), 2xsamsung 19″, 1.1TB storage, water-cooled CPU&GPU
- Lexmark WiFi printer
- In the shot you can also just make out my work HP laptop.
- Desk items: iPod 160GB classic, TomTom 720cradle, VoIP fone, Powerball
This is my main PC which I do all my work on. It was the first PC I ever built and I’m very proud of my handiwork, particularly the watercooled CPU and GPU.
Update: I completed my Windows Home Server which I keep in the study.
Bedroom
- 32″ LCD
- Modded Xbox running XBMC – broken at the moment, hence the bits you can see scattered around where I’ve tried to fix
- Acer T5500 Laptop – currently using as Media Center. Will replace with new freebie laptop I should be getting this week
- VoIP phone
That’s the lot!
