Running MediaPortal on a diskless computer is possible (1 Viewer)

[Gixxer]

the solution works (for me).

pro:
- no HDD noise (testsstem had a 10 year old 30GB IBM)
- simple backup and restore

contra:
- bootup takes about 3-5 minutes
- if windows won't boot, there is no possibility to restore (there are some, but they are very tricky)
- only useful for 3 or more clients

I think diskless clients is only a little playground for "experts" and freaks (I'm with the freaks )

Thats why i think a usb is a better alternative. i know after x number of cycles it will die, but they are so cheap that 1 every 2 years wouldnt be a problem

i guess optimum would be a SSD but those are so more expensive.

i still need to get a new usb and do some tests.

 

[SpudR]

Get an SSD

 

[Gixxer]

Get an SSD

much much more expensive.

 

[SpudR]

Silent and fast without the cons
ok a little more expensive though

 

[sn34ky]

Yes SSD is the best. And you don't need the expensive intel's if you are only running mediaportal as a tv client because there would be very little writes.

 

[Gixxer]

Yes SSD is the best. And you don't need the expensive intel's if you are only running mediaportal as a tv client because there would be very little writes.

so what would be the cheapest alternative for it? i mean the smallest drive should be enough. any recommendation?

 

[SpudR]

If you host your media remotely you can use a 30gb(ish) drive for XP
This should cost around £80...

Vista is a bit of a different animal - my Windows directory alone is a smidgeon under 20Gb!!
No idea about Windows 7 - hopefully they have tamed the side-by-side bloat... (if you use Vista look at the size of the winsxs directory...)

 

[sn34ky]

Indeed. Here's a 30GB MLC OCZ drive from a UK site.
For vista indeed a 64gb drive at least.

But if you use the ssd to store your recorded tv:
1) you'll need a lot more space
2) get a better ssd. Either the intel/samsung's MLC or their SLC

Because there are issues with the cheaper ssd's who stall/slow down when you write to them.

 

[Gixxer]

Indeed. Here's a 30GB MLC OCZ drive from a UK site.
For vista indeed a 64gb drive at least.

But if you use the ssd to store your recorded tv:
1) you'll need a lot more space
2) get a better ssd. Either the intel/samsung's MLC or their SLC

Because there are issues with the cheaper ssd's who stall/slow down when you write to them.

wow this is going out of objective.

if you are planing to build a htpc client. ie there is a server with all the multimedia files. then i think that a 30gb will be enough.

64gb for vista ??? really ? i dont think so. if its just a htpc, you will need the OS, mediaportal, and a couple of plugins, maybe 3 to 6 gb of fanart, covers etc. but i truely think 30gb is totally enough.

as to cheap or not, again if run as htpc client, there is no much writting being done, some reading (not much either) so i dont think it would be affected by what u say.

my opinion.

 

[sn34ky]

Yes, the performance issues i mentioned are when you use the ssd to record your tv to it. That's why i would recommend a more expensive disk.

But when you use a server which hosts everything you can get any ssd as long as your software and os fit on it.

I think vista + custom stuff will be a tight fit.
There's also the page file (few gigabytes), reserved space for the trash can, System restore if you don't disable it, hibernate takes space, search index.

Personally i like a bit more headroom.