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Mac Pro 1,1 for home media server?

S

scca325is

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 20, 2013
6
0
Hello!

I am looking to purchase my first Mac Pro and I found a couple on Macofalltrades that are within my budget. I am primarily looking to run my own internal server that can serv videos, music, pictures, etc. to my TV, macbook and iPad. It will need to hold over 2TB of data and be able to run 24/7 without issues or massive heat/power usage. Do either of the below systems fit this need? Will a first gen Intel Mac Pro not be a good purchase in the long run, it terms of scalability and upgrades? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.macofalltrades.com/Apple-Mac-Pro-2x-2-66GHz-Dual-Core-4-Cores-p/mp-266-4c-e06b.htm

http://www.macofalltrades.com/Apple-Mac-Pro-2x-3-0GHz-Quad-Core-8-Cores-Xeon-p/mp-30-8c-e08a.htm
 
scca325is said:
Hello!

I am looking to purchase my first Mac Pro and I found a couple on Macofalltrades that are within my budget. I am primarily looking to run my own internal server that can serv videos, music, pictures, etc. to my TV, macbook and iPad. It will need to hold over 2TB of data and be able to run 24/7 without issues or massive heat/power usage. Do either of the below systems fit this need? Will a first gen Intel Mac Pro not be a good purchase in the long run, it terms of scalability and upgrades? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.macofalltrades.com/Apple-Mac-Pro-2x-2-66GHz-Dual-Core-4-Cores-p/mp-266-4c-e06b.htm

http://www.macofalltrades.com/Apple-Mac-Pro-2x-3-0GHz-Quad-Core-8-Cores-Xeon-p/mp-30-8c-e08a.htm
Click to expand...

I use one for my server. I got it on ebay for about $200. Upgraded the CPU, , HDD, video and RAM and it's pretty great for the cost. For under $400 (minus storage) it's got 8 core 2.66 cpu, 16gb ram, ati x4870 and 4TB storage raid plus a 2TB disk for time machine server.
 
Fuchal said:
I use one for my server. I got it on ebay for about $200. Upgraded the CPU, , HDD, video and RAM and it's pretty great for the cost. For under $400 (minus storage) it's got 8 core 2.66 cpu, 16gb ram, ati x4870 and 4TB storage raid plus a 2TB disk for time machine server.
Click to expand...

How about scalability? Will running this setup 24/7 as a media server cause any issues?
 
I am just a bit concerned that buying a first gen Mac Pro may not work long term, vs something like a 2008 model.
 
I use a Mac Mini for a HTPC and NAS. You can expand the storage easily with fanless externals so it will be super quiet and extremely power efficient.

EDIT: for storage, there's also these slick enclosures that are ideal for a Mac Mini server...
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ministack

nwt_ministack_gall5.jpg
 
scca325is said:
I am just a bit concerned that buying a first gen Mac Pro may not work long term, vs something like a 2008 model.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't do it. It's already shut out from the current and last version of OS X.

Also, perhaps I don't understand your needs, but I feel you are vastly overrating how much grunt a home media server needs. A Mac Mini is silent, less expensive, and will save you physical space and electricity compared to a Mac Pro. The only drawback being that large drives need to go external.
 
scca325is said:
How about scalability? Will running this setup 24/7 as a media server cause any issues?
Click to expand...

My 1,1 Mac Pro has been on 24/7 for 6.5 years. Both as a workstation, and as a media server for the last few years. I also have ServeToMe on it now so I can access all videos from anywhere on my phone, ipad, laptop, etc.

It's perfectly fine. Your concerns are way overstated. You can get what, 12tb of internal storage?
 
Sean Dempsey said:
My 1,1 Mac Pro has been on 24/7 for 6.5 years. Both as a workstation, and as a media server for the last few years. I also have ServeToMe on it now so I can access all videos from anywhere on my phone, ipad, laptop, etc.

It's perfectly fine. Your concerns are way overstated. You can get what, 12tb of internal storage?
Click to expand...

And your monthly electricity bill is?

(ps: Mine is 0$ for consumption - an 8.5 Kw solar panel array on the roof powers all the computers (2 workstations, home server, TiVo, HTPC, Cat6 switch, WiFi access point, modem,...).)
 
AidenShaw said:
And your monthly electricity bill is?

(ps: Mine is 0$ for consumption - an 8.5 Kw solar panel array on the roof powers all the computers (2 workstations, home server, TiVo, HTPC, Cat6 switch, WiFi access point, modem,...).)
Click to expand...

I have no idea how I'd determine what kind of power the mac pro consumes. I live in a 3 story, 5 bedroom house.

Who calculates the cost of running a computer? And why? It's my power and I'll use it how I want.

----------
MacinJosh said:
Yeah. It will cause issues to your power bill. Mine makes up 1/3 of my huge bill as it's on 24/7. I serve about 10 iOS devices on my network.
Click to expand...

WTF is your power fill, like $30? I am at like $250, no way that a mac pro costs $80 a month in power to run HAHAHAHHAAH
 
Sean Dempsey said:
I have no idea how I'd determine what kind of power the mac pro consumes. I live in a 3 story, 5 bedroom house.

Who calculates the cost of running a computer? And why? It's my power and I'll use it how I want.

----------



WTF is your power fill, like $30? I am at like $250, no way that a mac pro costs $80 a month in power to run HAHAHAHHAAH
Click to expand...

Mine's been on 24/7 as long as I've had it. Running an air conditioner or two does way more damage than my Mac Pro so unless you're stingy with your electric bill it's not really a huge deal for me.

And unlike most 1st gen Apple products, this thing is rock solid, quiet, reliable, and runs cool.
 
scca325is said:
Hello!
Will a first gen Intel Mac Pro not be a good purchase in the long run, it terms of scalability and upgrades? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Certainly ideal for 24/7 running and stuffing up with affordable, fast HD storage - but will eat more juice than a Mini.

Mac Pro 1.1 only has a 32 bit BIOS so it can't (officially) run any version of OS X later than 10.7 Lion. There are (hacky) work-arounds - I can't vouch for any of them (maybe someone here can).

At the moment, Snow Leopard 10.6 or Lion 10.7 will be fine for what you want, but as soon as you need a version of (e.g.) iTunes that requires 10.8+, you're hosed.

So, ideally, you need a 2008 or later Pro, or a 2009 or later Mini.

…that said, a 1.1 will probably be a lot cheaper than a 2008 model (guess why!), you could have a go at the 64-bit hack (I'll try it with mine someday) and its more than up to the job for the moment - just not 'for the ages'.

If you do go for a 1.1 - look for one with plenty of RAM or get some 2nd hand memory for it. If you have to buy FB-DIMM memory new it costs an arm and a leg.
 
You could do this with a mini, and an external disk enclosure.

Something like a Drobo Pro connected over FW800 like my 2009 and DroboPro ( lots of people slate the performance ) however it still serves the data fast enough for this type of scenario. A later model with newer enclosure would also be fine for what you have stated.

http://www.netstor.com.tw/_03/03_02.php?MTE3#

Something like the above product shows where Thunderbolt can be used.
Slot a mini into it along with the RAID Card and a NIC. Can happily serve up files all day long, way more capacity then that Mac Pro can take internally and doesn't take up any more space in reality then the Mac Pro does. By having the NIC in the enclosure then doesn't even need to transfer over the TB unto the mini before leaving the box. This should still use less juice then the Mac Pro as well, and being newer have longer software support life as well if sticking with OSX.

Whilst I am not saying that this is what I would recommend as your solution ( is way more then you need again ) however it does show that the mini would be fine, and you can if necessary expand out to way more then you need. That type of thing is more for filling out the gap people see from the demise of the xserve products from Apple, but it shows you can run 24/7 in an enterprise environment with a mini.
 
VirtualRain said:
I use a Mac Mini for a HTPC and NAS. You can expand the storage easily with fanless externals so it will be super quiet and extremely power efficient.

EDIT: for storage, there's also these slick enclosures that are ideal for a Mac Mini server...
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ministack

Image
Click to expand...

This is a very elegant way to do it. If/when the ministacks can handle TB, things can get rather interesting by adding some pretty impressive additions that will compliment the ability as an htpc. (audio/video capture/play etc.)
 
Nice and cheap to buy but horrendous for your electric bill, I would use a Mini plus externals if you want to stay Mac. Even that's higher than what I would be comfortable with running 24/7 though.

I use a modded HP EX 495 micro server box with 4Gb ram, Q8400s low power quad core, SSD boot plus 3x WD 2TB greens all internal running Win Home Server 2011. Runs Twonky and Airvideo for my iOS devices.

TDP is 57 watts, typically 43W.
 
Sean Dempsey said:
My 1,1 Mac Pro has been on 24/7 for 6.5 years. Both as a workstation, and as a media server for the last few years. I also have ServeToMe on it now so I can access all videos from anywhere on my phone, ipad, laptop, etc.

It's perfectly fine. Your concerns are way overstated. You can get what, 12tb of internal storage?
Click to expand...

I gave mines away. They are energy hogs and generate heat.

A small Mac mini i7 will out perform it as a media server in both CPU and power requirements and heat generation.
 
Sean Dempsey said:
*Why* would anyone do this? If you're so poor that you have to measure ***** power output to pinch pennies, a Mac Pro probably isn't in your price range.

I gave up watt-counting when I ditched 1 ply toilet paper.
Click to expand...

Perhaps:
  • Because you want to accurately gauge the size of a UPS that's needed
  • Because the circuit breaker trips on occasion, and you want to understand the load
  • Because you're ordering 40 more systems, and want to make sure that the electrical supply and air conditioning are adequate
  • Because in spite of adequate income, you'd like to reduce your carbon footprint
 
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Sean Dempsey said:
*Why* would anyone do this? If you're so poor that you have to measure ***** power output to pinch pennies, a Mac Pro probably isn't in your price range.

I gave up watt-counting when I ditched 1 ply toilet paper.
Click to expand...

If you live in the UK you might count the watts..

utility-prices.jpg


Take a rough guess the time when the investment banks and speculators were allowed to play their casino games in the UK energy market :mad:
 
It would cost me about $200 per year in electricity to run my Mac Pro 24/7 (something I try to avoid, but sometimes I have to). I wish I could get away with a Mac Mini. It would be a significant savings. But unfortunately, I need a Mac Pro for work.

During the summer, I also have to pay to air condition all of that heat away. I don't know how much it's costing me, but considering how hot my office gets when my Mac Pro is running, it's not insignificant.

Unless you absolutely need a Mac Pro (which, if you're buying a 1.1 model, I doubt you do), get a Mac Mini. The savings will definitely add up. A used (or refurbished) Mac Mini from the last few years will be more than enough for a media server.
 
NorCalLights said:
It would cost me about $200 per year in electricity to run my Mac Pro 24/7 (something I try to avoid, but sometimes I have to). I wish I could get away with a Mac Mini. It would be a significant savings. But unfortunately, I need a Mac Pro for work.

During the summer, I also have to pay to air condition all of that heat away. I don't know how much it's costing me, but considering how hot my office gets when my Mac Pro is running, it's not insignificant.

Unless you absolutely need a Mac Pro (which, if you're buying a 1.1 model, I doubt you do), get a Mac Mini. The savings will definitely add up. A used (or refurbished) Mac Mini from the last few years will be more than enough for a media server.
Click to expand...

If you got a mac mini and some external drives, let's say that runs you $800 bucks since you want at least 4tb storage.

Then, let's say the yearly cost of that is $100. And the Mac Pro was $200. So you're at $100 difference now.

To offset the cost of switching to the Mac Mini from the Pro, you have to run the Mini now for 8 years just to break even.

Math = win.
 
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