Buying a Media Center Server or build one, if so how?

Discussion in 'Buying Tips and Advice' started by Greenhoe, Feb 23, 2009.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Greenhoe, Feb 23, 2009

    Greenhoe macrumors regular

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2008
    #1
    Hi,
    I'm very interested in purchasing the HP Mediasmart server simply for the reason that I need a raid 5 to secure my data as I have a lot of data that I cannot lose and if I use a raid 5 I'll be able to handle a HD failure and replace it with a new HD from which I understand.

    Although I was wondering i have a lot of old Pentium 4 computers laying around and would it be cheaper just to add Windows Server to one of those PCs and then raid 4 HDs in there and setup that PC as a home server?

    I don't know how to setup a raid configuration, i'm under the impression that I need a raid card? Does anyone know a good resource guide that teaches you how to setup a raid config in a PC as I am good at learning how to do things and would like to actually build the server if it will save me money. Thanks
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  2. VPrime, Feb 23, 2009

    VPrime macrumors 68000

    VPrime

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2008
    Location:
    London Ontario
    #2
    Build one/use old P4.. Just go buy a raid card and install that in the computer. Setting up the raid shouldnt be too hard depending on the card you purchase. Usually you can just set it up inside of windows with a simple GUI.

    As for the OS, you really dont need windows server.. You can use XP, or vista. If it has the latest media player it has the media server capabilities built in. You could also go with ubuntu or some thing.. But that is probably more effort than it is worth.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  3. jaw04005, Feb 23, 2009

    jaw04005 macrumors 601

    jaw04005

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2003
    Location:
    AR
    #3
    I suggest you read up on Windows Home Server. It's not RAID. There are already tons of threads devoted to the HP MediaSmart Server. Here are a few I participated in:

    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=624228

    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=651596
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Share This Page