Home server/NAS

[berrmich]

I'm building a home server. My hardware is:

Supermicro x8si6-f-o (still waiting for shipment)
Xenon 3440
8gb Kingston ECC
Norco 4020
Corsair 850AX
5 x 2tb Samsung F4s

I have an HTPC which runs Windows 7 media center with a Ceton card. I only have an SSD in this computer to keep it quiet. Currently I'm keeping the media on my office computer but I'm running out of room. 1 gbit netgear switch (consumer).

First and formost I would like my server to store my media and provide backup for my office computer documents. I think I have decided on ZFS for this.

I would also like to have windows running on the server to automatically download metadata for my media. I've been thinking that I may want some security cameras... I think I would need windows for security software?

Also, if I build more HTPC's it would be nice to have the Ceton in the server and share the tuners. (I think I need win 7 for this) But this would be in the future.

I actually have a serial for server 2008 r2 that I get from my wife's school account for free. Not sure if this is a good solution. I am also looking at ESXi and virtuallizing what I need as well.

I'm very new to this. Anyone have something similar set up or have advice on which direction to go?

edit: also .. do I run this on the raid array or should I get an SSD or two?


-Mike