Is this overkill for a media server (1 Viewer)

[GerryAttrick]

Hi,

I am new to the world of HTPC and have been contemplating building my own box but until now it has been just that - a thought. However I have just inherited the following dual processor and a couple of HP DS51 SFF PCs-free!!

FUJITSU 670
Processor
Type: Intel Xeon 2.3 GHz
Installed Qty: 2
Max Supported Qty: 2
Cache memory
Type: L2 Cache - Advanced Transfer Cache
Installed Size: 1 MB
Cache Per Processor: 512 KB
Mainboard
Chipset Type: Intel 860
Data Bus Speed: 400 MHz
Ram
Installed Size: 2gb / 4 GB (max)
Technology: RDRAM (RAMBUS) - ECC
Memory Speed: 800 MHz
Form Factor: RIMM 184-PIN
Expansion / connectivity
Expansion Bays Total ):
2 x front accessible - 3.5" x 1/3H
3 x front accessible - 5.25" x 1/2H
3 x internal - 3.5" x 1/3H
Expansion Slots Total (Free):
2 ( 0 ) x processor - Socket 603
8 memory - RIMM 184-PIN
1 ( 0 ) x AGP Pro 4x
2 ( 2 ) x PCI 64 / 66 MHz
3 ( 3 ) x PCI
Interfaces:
2 x serial - RS-232C - 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9)
1 x parallel - IEEE 1284 (EPP/ECP) - 25 pin D-Sub (DB-25)
1 x mouse - generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style)
1 x keyboard - generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style)
4 x USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45
1 x audio - line-In - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
1 x audio - line-out - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
1 x microphone - input - mini-phone mono 3.5 mm
1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)

Storage controller
Type: 1 x SCSI - integrated - PCI
Controller Interface Type: Ultra160 SCSI
Channel Qty: 2

Still have to check whether it has a separate Graphics card but given its previous life I suspect that it has quite a good one.

Its pretty noisey fanwise but thats not an issue for me as I can locate it where the noise is barely audible and in need I can disconnect "some" of the fans.

I'd like to start by installing a tuner card(s) in the Fujitsu along with some more storage and a D/L burner and operate it as a media centre but longer term I intend to make this the server and use the SFF as front end clients.

I am considering what tuner card(s) to install to allow for future expansion - current leaning is towards the Hauppage products but would welcome any suggestions given that this is all quite new to me.I watch Free to Air, Sky & DVD movies as well as want to store my wifes digital photo collection along with a selection of music DVDs

Expect to see me asking more than the odd question as I try to come to grips with this subject.

 

[milhouse]

Short answer - no, probably not overkill. Probably "adequate". Although, I wonder if there aren't actually some shortcomings.
1) not a lot of space for drives, and if the intent is to be a media server, you'd need disk space. If it's just intended to be a TV Server only, then it's probably fine.
2) Are you power conscious? I think newer hardware (e.g. dual-core instead of dual processors) tends to be more conservative for power. Unless this hardware supports S3 or S4 power save?
3) SCSI disks are simply more expensive than consumer-grade SATA. You mention SCSI controllers, but not whether you've got drives already.

I think that graphics cards tend to not matter too much on a TV Server, since the tuner card does the encoding, and the server just captures the stream. Matters even less if it's just a media server (that is, file server).

I will leave the TV tuner question to another, since you are fortunate enough to have DVB-S as an option, I think. I've got to use a STB for satellite and analog capture. Hauppauge products tend to be supported well by MP, by I think there are actually better options for DVB-S.

Milhouse

 

[GerryAttrick]

Thanks Milhouse - the spec posted is the machine as I was given it. I'll be changing out/adding the drives as I progress but I really would like to get it up and running first. Power use is not a problem but I'd like to make sure I know what I am doing first without going overboard on cost.

I do have a late dual core ASUS board that I will eventually build into a proper rig as I understand more what is required and what my needs are however I would also have to lay out for PSU,SATA drives and a dual core processor, RAM etc to make use of that.

One of the drivers for me at present is that I only have a DVD player and a VHS recorder that is starting to die. I need to do something sooner rather than later unless I invest in a cheap HD DVD Recorder. The money can be better used here