Building a Home Server Part I

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

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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

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  • 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

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  • 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!