NAS/WHS Build question...

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gregnash

2[H]4U
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Jun 8, 2005
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So with recently I have decided that I would rather build a NAS/WHS as separate storage for my wife's laptop, my laptop and our desktop to access (as well as Tivo's and Xbox360).

Looking at what I have and my enrollment in the ACM.org MSDNAA service I have the availability for Server 2003/2008 but as it has been a number of years since I have networked servers I am wondering the following:

1. will an atom processor system be "robust" enough to work as a NAS/WHS
2. will the above work well enough to run Server 2k3/2k8
3. Would I be better off buying WHS vs Server 2k3/2k8?
 
Update:
So here is the hardware I am looking at.....

1 A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K

$53.99 $53.99
1 Intel BOXD945GCLF2D Intel Atom processor 330 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo

$79.99 $79.99
1 CHENBRO ES32067-BK-150 Black SECC Pedestal Server Chassis

$119.99 -$15.00 Instant $104.99
1 Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

$84.99 $84.99
Subtotal: $323.96
 
Personally, I think WHS is worth the $99. Server 2003/8 can do the basics, but WHS really removes the mental overhead of mapping drives, dealing with them when they're full, and adding in a backup routine.

I haven't personally used an Atom, but others here have said they work for WHS (as long as it's more or less a file server, not used for ripping DVDs).
 
gregnash said:
1. will an atom processor system be "robust" enough to work as a NAS/WHS
2. will the above work well enough to run Server 2k3/2k8
3. Would I be better off buying WHS vs Server 2k3/2k8?
Click to expand...
1) Yes
2) For simple file serving, yes
3) WHS is simpler to setup than Server 2K8 or 2K3. If you haven't already, read the stickied WHS FAQ.

Also note that most of the storage gurus and masons here do use WHS for their personal home servers.

gregnash said:
Update:
So here is the hardware I am looking at.....
Click to expand...
Looks decent enough. However do note that if you do go the WHS route, I recommend getting one of these instead:
$350 - Acer Aspire Easystore H340 Windows Home Server

Similar specs but you only have to pay $25 for WHS over your current build list this.
 
I have got a MSI Wind single core running WHS with 2TB. The atom is plenty fast enough.

The only regret is lack of expansion (only 2 SATA), but I'd do it again. The dual core atom will be fine.
 
Yea the Acer is great product.
And impossible to match for the price.

WHS Rulezzz:D
 
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