If Mini server model...how is OS X server?

[penguy]

Hello...I posted this in the OS X forum and didn't get any replies...so perhaps it is more suited to this forum?

I would like a new computer which is strictly for home use (I do a fair amount of photography...use Aperture), some handbrake ripping, etc, but for the most part, the computers are for school work for the kids, browsing, emails, etc.

My personal desire is for the best bang for the buck (who doesn't?), and at the moment, I really like the hardware side of the Mini server...I don't see a need/advantage for the server software, but was hoping someone here could tell me if it's a good fit...

For starters, the other computers in the house are a C2D Mac Mini and a C2D unibody Macbook as well as an old G4 Mini. Plus three iPhone (4) and someday soon an iPad. From where I sit, the server s/w isn't essential, but appears to offer a few features that might make life easier....

I guess what I'm asking is would you leave the server s/w on this computer or install Lion over it...or opt for something comparable, but different, say a base level imac... Thoughts?

Lastly, I thought I was all set to purchase through Amazon for $970 w/ free shipping and no tax, but realized I can't add the 750gb drives which I hear are much faster...are the drives worth it?


Thanks

 

[miles01110]

Go for the iMac.

 

[penguy]

even though the mini outscores the iMac by 20% on geekbench?

 

[zap2]

even though the mini outscores the iMac by 20% on geekbench?

Which iMac? I'd expect all the stock iMacs(outside of the $999 education only model) to out preform all the stock Minis.

I love my Mini, but the iMac's CPU, GPU and HDD are all be fault larger

 

[penguy]

Which iMac? I'd expect all the stock iMacs(outside of the $999 education only model) to out preform all the stock Minis.

I love my Mini, but the iMac's CPU, GPU and HDD are all be fault larger

The latest base 21.5" and 27" iMacs...both have scores in the 7000-7800 range, while the mini server is closer to 9000. Obviously once you get into the higher end iMacs, the Mini gets spanked...but

 

[radek42]

Hi,

I've got mini server couple weeks ago mostly for my photography hobby. I plan to use Aperture or LR and Photoshop (once I get to it . I left server apps in place; they are just taking some disk space, but at this point it does not bother me. There are links on Apple web site how to disable server apps (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4827).

The mini server comes with dual 500GB 7200rpm drives. The 750GB drives are just larger, but should have the same transfer rates; they are both 7200 rpm drives. So unless you go for SSD the disk speed should be nearly identical.

For now I stuck with base HDD configuration and I plan to upgrade one drive to SSD in near future. I already bumped memory to 8GB.

On the side note, I was mildly disappointed to actually hear my mini hum (even at lowest fan speed); mind you the study is very very quite. YMMV.

I hope this helps. R>

PS. I was considering iMac first, but I was really turned off by the glossy display (in case you wondered

Hello...I posted this in the OS X forum and didn't get any replies...so perhaps it is more suited to this forum?

I would like a new computer which is strictly for home use (I do a fair amount of photography...use Aperture), some handbrake ripping, etc, but for the most part, the computers are for school work for the kids, browsing, emails, etc.

My personal desire is for the best bang for the buck (who doesn't?), and at the moment, I really like the hardware side of the Mini server...I don't see a need/advantage for the server software, but was hoping someone here could tell me if it's a good fit...

For starters, the other computers in the house are a C2D Mac Mini and a C2D unibody Macbook as well as an old G4 Mini. Plus three iPhone (4) and someday soon an iPad. From where I sit, the server s/w isn't essential, but appears to offer a few features that might make life easier....

I guess what I'm asking is would you leave the server s/w on this computer or install Lion over it...or opt for something comparable, but different, say a base level imac... Thoughts?

Lastly, I thought I was all set to purchase through Amazon for $970 w/ free shipping and no tax, but realized I can't add the 750gb drives which I hear are much faster...are the drives worth it?


Thanks

 

[penguy]

Hi,

I've got mini server couple weeks ago mostly for my photography hobby. I plan to use Aperture or LR and Photoshop (once I get to it . I left server apps in place; they are just taking some disk space, but at this point it does not bother me. There are links on Apple web site how to disable server apps (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4827).

The mini server comes with dual 500GB 7200rpm drives. The 750GB drives are just larger, but should have the same transfer rates; they are both 7200 rpm drives. So unless you go for SSD the disk speed should be nearly identical.

For now I stuck with base HDD configuration and I plan to upgrade one drive to SSD in near future. I already bumped memory to 8GB.

On the side note, I was mildly disappointed to actually hear my mini hum (even at lowest fan speed); mind you the study is very very quite. YMMV.

I hope this helps. R>

PS. I was considering iMac first, but I was really turned off by the glossy display (in case you wondered

Thanks!

I mentioned the 750 drives because I ran across one or more threads that discussed how much faster they are than the 500 drives...something like 30%. I can't find the post...but they are different manufacturers...I believe the 500 is by Seagate and the 750 is by Western Digital (Scorpio Black)

 

[philipma1957]

Hi,

I've got mini server couple weeks ago mostly for my photography hobby. I plan to use Aperture or LR and Photoshop (once I get to it . I left server apps in place; they are just taking some disk space, but at this point it does not bother me. There are links on Apple web site how to disable server apps (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4827).

The mini server comes with dual 500GB 7200rpm drives. The 750GB drives are just larger, but should have the same transfer rates; they are both 7200 rpm drives. So unless you go for SSD the disk speed should be nearly identical.

For now I stuck with base HDD configuration and I plan to upgrade one drive to SSD in near future. I already bumped memory to 8GB.

On the side note, I was mildly disappointed to actually hear my mini hum (even at lowest fan speed); mind you the study is very very quite. YMMV.

I hope this helps. R>

PS. I was considering iMac first, but I was really turned off by the glossy display (in case you wondered

You are wrong about speeds the 750 western digital hdd is the fastest 2.5inch hdd


http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/39..._750gb_2_5_inch_hard_drive_review/index5.html


the wd 750 gb will do 122 - 96 -60 the 500 seagate will do 104 - 83 -53


what does that mean

when the drive is empty top speed is 122 for the wd vs 104 for the seagate

when the drive is half full top speed is 96 for the wd vs 83 for the seagate

when the drive is at 90 percent top speed is 60 for the wd vs 53 for the seagate.


Also take into account that half full on a 750gb hdd is 375gb


so if you have a 375 to 450 sized volume on a 750gb you will go from about 122 to 90-96 for your speeds. on the seagate you will go from 104 to 53 for your speeds. that is meaningful for many users.

the server with a pair of 750gb is far better then the stock one with a pair of 500gb.

This is true for users in most every case of speed test. also you hold 1.5tb max vs 1 tb max.

If silence is important then buy the stock one and pull the 500gb hdds. put in samsung 1tb hdds very quiet hdds.

if price is important buy the stock machine from amazon.


here is a zero overwrite on a server 750gb see thumbnails. the first shot is at 1:08pm the second shot is at 1:10 pm the third shot is at 202 pm and the fourth is at 225 pm the last shot is at 234pm at this point if you had a 500gb hdd you would be out of space the speed is still over 88. I am prepping this machine today for sale and tomorrow I will prep a 500 gb server for sale.

I will post the zero over write scores for it. basically you can write over 500 gb in an hour and a half with the server 750gb setup

 

[philipma1957]

tests of over write on a new server with 500gb hdds to mods I know this is two posts in a row but I finished the tests on the 500gb hods and wanted to post them. as this machine is to be sold on thur.


having trouble loading shots

first shot speed starts at 98

second shot speed drops to 95

third shot speed drops to 71

A lot people say that only counts for long loads and copies.

Not true. if you have a 500gb hdd with a 300 gb itunes 20 gb apps and 20gb other files your fast 7200 rom drive will run around 70 MBs for a long file

If you have a a 750gb hdd with the same info it pushes 100MBs for a long file.

this is a huge difference if you copy anything onto the drive of any size at all.

An eyeTv recording or other file will be copied a lot faster once you get to that 340gb level.

my 500 gb server has seagate my 750 server has western digital.
I am going to sell one of each to some local buyers,

but I am keeping a third one for myself and that is a 750gb hdd type. it was only 100 more and it is a better piece of gear.