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 2×750HDDs 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+, 2×750GB 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!

Read Related Posts

1. Building A Home Server Part II
2. Building A Home Server Part IV
3. Building A Home Server Part III
4. Should I Buy A HP MediaSmart Server?
5. XBMC Coming On OS X And Linux. Plus, I Need Advice With New PC Spec

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