Separate HTPC and NAS/Server or one machine? (1 Viewer)

[elsmandino]

Hi there,

I am currently running a single PC that has got three Hard Drives in it (500GB, 1.5TB and 2TB).

Said PC acts as my HTPC for watching TV in my living room (Stand alone Mediaportal setup) but also serves all the other PCs in the house with files and I save all my files to this PC as well.

I have got a NSK2480 case (which can't take anymore 3.5" hard drives) and I am running out of space.

As far as I can see, I have two options as to how to go from here.

1. Add a NAS to my network - probably a home built one, using an old PC and FreeNas.

2. Put my PC in a bigger case and keep adding Hard Drives to the one machine.

I cannot decide on what the best approach is as there are pros and cons of each.

What have you guys got as your setup and why?

One other idea might be to perhaps attach a DAS to the PC instead?

Thanks

 

[jonm]

I have a Linux server hidden away in the attic. Lots of space, RAID disks, used to store music, videos, backups of all other PCs etc. It keeps the main living room quiter having less/no hard disks in the HTPC.

 

[porky996t]

I'm in the process of doing something similar. I'm gradually buying the bits to build a file server so I can put this in my basement. I will have six 2Tb HDD's in there (3 in active use and 3 for backup).

How powerful a processor would I need?

I'm minded to extend the sat and aerial cables and situate the TV cards in there too. I can't make my mind up on this though. Any suggestions?

I currently run the Client PC's with EOP plugs - would I notice any speed improvement on MP by fitting a Gigabit network?? (whilst it isn't hard to do, it would be such a ball ache to sort out)

M.

 

[hafblade]

I'm also thinking about this issue.

I would love to have a Windows Home Server in the basement with an installed "For The Record" server and some other things like a tomcat to test my coding, upnp server, download server, and so on but I'm living alone (at the moment) and it's a little bit overpowered for one person (but I love this hardware fun )

Pros:
- Server may be noisy like hell
- Many place for hard drives
- There can be many software running without disturbing the user experience
- Remote desktop (no monitor on server) is easier possible
- Backups are easier to manage
- HTPC may use a smaller case and may be more silent
- It's fun

Cons:
- More energy consumption due to more pcs running at the same time
- One more pc to administrate => more work => less time
- Have to buy more hardware

 

[elsmandino]

I have the luxury of not having to be too concerned about noise on my HTPC/Server - what I have done is drilled a hole in the corner of my living room and put my PC in the spare room behind - just passed the HDMI cable, Infra red remote lead etc through the whole and I have an almost silet set-up.

I say almost - with the HTPC in another room, I noticed (only on mute) that the fan in my TV is actually a little bit noisy.

This being the case, perhaps it is better (from a power perspective at least) to have everything in one machine if possible - I was thinking of getting a new IVY Bridge Processor when they come out as they should easily have enough power to run everything (plus hopefully they will not have the 24fps problem that the Sandy Bridge chips have).

I was thinking that perhaps a 4-drive usb 3.0 external hard drive enclosure connected to my current setup might be the best way to go. Does anyone know if you can get ones that have individual power switches for each hard drive as this would be ideal - would keep the noise/power down wherever possible. I know that such a thing exists for an enclosure that fits into a block of 5.25" drives, but not for a standalone job.

Porky my man - what hardware did you have in mind for your server?

Jonm - what hardware do you actually have?

 

[jonm]

My server's an ion motherboard with an 8-port sata card in an antec case with hot-swap sata racks. It runs Fedora linux. Doesn't need a very powerful cpu, even with software RAID. I use Samba to give me Windows shares and all my pcs back up to the server. My htpc in the living room is in an antec htpc case, it's an asus motherboard with an i3 and Intel onboard graphics. MP client Pcs are amd e-350 based with builtin ati graphics. Network is all Cat6 gbit wired.

 

[porky996t]

elsmandino

what hardware did you have in mind for your server?

In the immortal words of Mavis Riley from Coronation Street - I don't really know

What I am thinking of doing is transferring my HDD's from the HTPC in the lounge. I want to be able to remotely access the server and set it up to convert my files to .m4v - so something relatively powerful that could make short work of this would be useful. I have 4Gb of 800Mhz RAM already knocking about - and would need to have about 7 or 8 SATA plugs for the HDD's.

Should I put an SSD in there for the OS? - Would I get the benefit?

Obviously as it would be used without a screen (except for setting up) something with a built on graphics would suffice.

So far those are my only thoughts on it - as it will be situated in my basement, noise doesn't really matter.

Should I put a Gigabit network in?? Any thoughts.


M.

 

[elsmandino]

Well done for skipping Les Dennis and going straight back to the source!

Porky - I would definitely go with a gigabit network if possible - I bought a switch and have everything running of this with a combination of cat 5e and cat 6 ethernet.

I originally did not think that even a gigabit network would be fast to make backing up over it a possibility but files transfer at an unbelievable speed. If, however, you are not doing any backing up, it is not so clear cut.

I even 100mbs ethernet is easily enough for streaming multiple video files around the house. I suppose it is when you chuck in multiple HD streams (or even Blu Ray) that this might start to become a problem.

In terms of a SSD for the OS - I am in exactly the same boat as to whether to do this. I would only need a 60GB one and they have suddenly dropped enough in price to make them pretty irresistable.

Again, could anyone confirm whether a SSD would make any difference to us? The one bit of Mediaportal that does seem really slow is when I press the recorded programs button - it can take ages to list everything sometimes. I must have close to 1.2GB of stuff recorded, so it is understandable why this might take a long time, but where is this list actually being kept in terms of hard drives?

If it is on the C:, a SSD could be a benefit to me.

Jonm - I note that you are using Intel onboard graphics in your livingroom. I have read lots about this causing problems whilst watching Blu-Ray films as the graphics cannot handle the slightly less than 24fps that are required and you get a sudden jerk every now and then.

Apparently this irritates some people whereas others do not even notice it - what is your personal experience of this?

The reason I was asking is that this was what put me off putting a Sandby Bridge chip in my Server.

Thanks again.

Alex

 

[porky996t]

Just looking at kit to install a Gigabit network.... and a 100m roll of Cat6 cable.... I'll have to dust down my hammer and bolster so I can channel the wall plaster and fit network sockets. Jeez, why didn't I do this when I built the bloody house



M

 

[hafblade]

Just looking at kit to install a Gigabit network.... and a 100m roll of Cat6 cable.... I'll have to dust down my hammer and bolster so I can channel the wall plaster and fit network sockets. Jeez, why didn't I do this when I built the bloody house

Hehe. Did it 1 month ago after buying my house.
Didn't buy a 100m roll instead I calculated the cable beforehand so I had no problems creating the plugs