[tWeaKmoD]

Hey everyone. Long time no post.

I am looking to build a home server primarily for data backup (files, pictures, music). I will probably stream music to various computers around the house. Might try some streaming video to the tivo or xbox, but not sure yet.

I have Windows Home Server already but I don't have any hardware. Was wondering if anyone has built one lately or has any ideas on hardware to buy. I don't need a monitor or keyboard or anything like that, just the computer.

I am thinking about 2 1tb hard drives mirroring each other. Don't need a video card or soundcard - can be on on board. But would like low power hard drives and PSU.

I have typically build AMDs, but typically they ran hotter so I figured they use more power but I don't know.

Thoughts?

[shreader]

Hi Paul,

Sorry it took me so long to post this.

The WHS Vail rig I have been using works great, definitely waaaay better than the recycled Dell P3 I used before.


WHS Vail Rig specs:
ASUS: P5G41-M LX2 MB
Core 2 Duo E7500 @ 2.93 GHz
2 x 2GB DDR2 Memory
1.5TB WD Hdd
1.5TB WD Hdd (Storage)
DVD ROM/ CD-RW

[gries818]

Hey everyone. Long time no post.

I am looking to build a home server primarily for data backup (files, pictures, music). I will probably stream music to various computers around the house. Might try some streaming video to the tivo or xbox, but not sure yet.

I have Windows Home Server already but I don't have any hardware. Was wondering if anyone has built one lately or has any ideas on hardware to buy. I don't need a monitor or keyboard or anything like that, just the computer.

I am thinking about 2 1tb hard drives mirroring each other. Don't need a video card or soundcard - can be on on board. But would like low power hard drives and PSU.

I have typically build AMDs, but typically they ran hotter so I figured they use more power but I don't know.

Thoughts?

My experience with building servers has been taking old PCs and installing Linux on them, I've never used a Windows Server before (aside from using IIS 6 on XP)... sorry

[mnemonicj]

I started with a simple file server back in 2004. It was a 5 year old used PC that a friend ditched when he got a new computer. It ran Windows 2000 and offered nothing but shared folders from two 80 GB hard drives in a RAID 1. If you are looking for a good home file server, sometimes a used PC is a great place to start. If you have the money Windows Home Servers are a decent way to share files at home.

[tWeaKmoD]

I have an "old" P4 PC but it does not have SATA which I was thinking would be a good idea to have, plus you can't hardly buy any else but that it seems like.

As far as Windows Home Server, I already own it, just have't used it yet.

[gries818]

I have an "old" P4 PC but it does not have SATA which I was thinking would be a good idea to have, plus you can't hardly buy any else but that it seems like.

As far as Windows Home Server, I already own it, just have't used it yet.

Newegg has some older style drive (I can't remember what that connection is called ATM). I purchased a 500 GB hard drive for the home server I use now - use it mostly for backups.

[shreader]

The MicroCenter by me sells the old EIDE drives,
here is a link, one can order it (online, sometimes) & pick-it-up at the local store if one chooses.

MicroCenter

[c0ldfyr3]

i build servers on a regular basis. though i haven't ever use windows home server, i have used 2008EE, and 2003EE, mostly linux Gentoo, Ubuntu server, Debian sarge, or multiples in VM's. my personal is for a dedicated WoW + vent, granted it might get changed since i dont play WoW 100% anymore, It runs DamnSmall Linux. i have been saving all my configurations on newegg since thats where i buy my parts.

here is my home server
here is a low-end server (older server some things need updating, but you still get a general idea)
here is a high-end server
i would say the lower end server would be ideal with perhaps a couple 2TB drives, and by all means yes RAID 1.

[tWeaKmoD]

So do you all put your server OS on the same drives where you store your files? Or, should I take one hdd to install WHS and then the other two drives be the date mirroring each other?

Another thing I thought about was I could get SATA drives and just get the IDE converters so that way I don't hold myself back from any future upgrades.

[c0ldfyr3]

i prefer the use of a raid 0/1 of two high velocity drives for OS, and separate RAID 1/5 drives for storage/backup.
so if something does happen to the OS ( Microsoft updates have killed my OS in the past, due to hardware incompatibilities. ) and you have to Format and reinstall of even reclone you dont have to worry about your data getting lost in the process.