Media Data Server

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pamiller3

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Feb 23, 2009
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I am making a media data server that has just a few purposes:

1) Store all my movies on a 1TB HDD and have room for expansion once HDD prices drop. 2) I want it to have a S-Video output so that I can connect this server to my TV and show these movies and Netflix & Hulu videos from the internet.

First thing I need help with is what processor and motherboard to buy that can handle all these task.
The major problem with this who situation is that Im extremely tight on money so everything needs to be cheapish.

Thanks in advance,
 
Maybe the first thing to cover is the OS. Are you looking at WHS, something like Vista Ultimate for the Media Center, or other?
 
[LYL]Homer;1033754359 said:
Maybe the first thing to cover is the OS. Are you looking at WHS, something like Vista Ultimate for the Media Center, or other?
Click to expand...

QFT. First things first: we need to know which OS you're planning to use.

Other questions:
1) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
2) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
3) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
4) When do you plan on building/buying the server?
5) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
6) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
 
1) Budget: Looking at something around these numbers: (Tax/Shipping Included)
CPU: At Most $100 // MB: $75 // RAM: $50 // HDD: ~$100 // Case: $75 // GPU: At Most $50 // PSU: $40

Case is probably going to be this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219029

3) Reusing Parts:
DVD Burner: LG GSA-4160B (Uses an IDE Cable)
HDD for booting: WD800JD

4) Planning:
I'm planning to start saving now and have it all ready in a few months (But if I find a good deal now I'll buy now).

5) MB Features:
Keeping it simple but I do have some requirements: RAID 0/1/ 0+1 (For the Future) // 6 to 8 SATAs // 1 IDE // S-Video Output // Dual LAN Gigabyte (Maybe)

6) OS
Well here is my biggest question to myself. I have a copy of WHS 08' // WHS 03' // XP Pro // Windows 7. And I dont know which one would be the best for this server. If anyone has any suggestions on this plz chime in.

Thank you for the assistance so far, and im sorry for making the post so vague to begin with.
 
You should probably wait to pick specific parts until you have the money in hand. You may find something on the for sale forums here for much cheaper at that time.

100+75+50+100+75+50+40= ~$500

You'd probably be better off with just picking up a good deal on a dell that comes with a Flat Panel monitor for that price. As well as a copy of Vista.
 
Alrite Im looking at the dell's page on Cheap Stingy Bargins.com and starting to think if I get a tower for a good price I could transfer the parts to the rackmount case. It wouldnt be that expensive this way and I know a friend who needs a case.

Any suggestions on model or specs for this?
 
pamiller3 said:
1) Budget: Looking at something around these numbers: (Tax/Shipping Included)
CPU: At Most $100 // MB: $75 // RAM: $50 // HDD: ~$100 // Case: $75 // GPU: At Most $50 // PSU: $40

Case is probably going to be this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219029

3) Reusing Parts:
DVD Burner: LG GSA-4160B (Uses an IDE Cable)
HDD for booting: WD800JD

4) Planning:
I'm planning to start saving now and have it all ready in a few months (But if I find a good deal now I'll buy now).

5) MB Features:
Keeping it simple but I do have some requirements: RAID 0/1/ 0+1 (For the Future) // 6 to 8 SATAs // 1 IDE // S-Video Output // Dual LAN Gigabyte (Maybe)

6) OS
Well here is my biggest question to myself. I have a copy of WHS 08' // WHS 03' // XP Pro // Windows 7. And I dont know which one would be the best for this server. If anyone has any suggestions on this plz chime in.

Thank you for the assistance so far, and im sorry for making the post so vague to begin with.
Click to expand...

Skip the idea of a s-video output. You will thank me later.
1)
Mobo (Eliminates the need for a GPU)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138117
$70

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255
$60

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211363
$24

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145233
$88

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151034
$83 (or try and find a rebate special)

CASE:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219020
$75 (10 more than your case, but much more space and drive capacity)


And go with WHS, you will not regret it. Your total with WHS will be $500 and you have a 1TB of space to start with. Alternativley, you can look for an HP MediaSmart server system, which can be had for as little as $275 (if you shop hard), or you can go to bestbuy or whatever store and buy one off the shelf for around 500 with 1tb of storage.... this might be your best bet as there is nothing else involved, super simple and super cheap.
 
Alrite if I build this setup everything is looking good, but I need that s-video output. Im planning to store and stream movies to my TV. The TV is old and its only open input is an S-video cable. So any suggestions on this solution?
 
pamiller3 said:
Alrite if I build this setup everything is looking good, but I need that s-video output. Im planning to store and stream movies to my TV. The TV is old and its only open input is an S-video cable. So any suggestions on this solution?
Click to expand...

Then you need a media center box, not a file server.

Also, the S-Video is going to look like crap so it may not be that worthwile to you unless if you REALLY have to have it.
 
You don't want a rackmount case anywhere near your TV (I'm not counting Silverstone/Lian Li cases). They aren't meant to be quiet.
 
pamiller3 said:
Alrite if I build this setup everything is looking good, but I need that s-video output. Im planning to store and stream movies to my TV. The TV is old and its only open input is an S-video cable. So any suggestions on this solution?
Click to expand...

Build a HTPC.

Combining a server and HTPC is not a very optimal plan. But having a separate server and HTPC is a good plan.

If you're not planning on watching HD content, just find the cheapest prebuilt you can find (typically Dell) with a S-Video port and use that as a HTPC. Then try to find a HP Mediasmart for $275 as hard as you can. That should be around $500 total for the HP Mediasmart and Dell PC if you're good enough.
 
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