WHS from scratch

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andysh

228 posts

Master Geek

#38308 27-Jul-2009 21:56

Hey,

I am trying to weigh up whether it will be a good idea to get a WHS for the flat. At this stage we are a flat of 6 and all use comps with media all over the place so thought a WHS would be good. Also since a few of us deal with information that we just don't want to lose the backup feature will be handy.

Now from what I have figured out, need a CPU that is 64bit (for future WHS versions) and I guess around 2GB RAM and as much HDD as you can possible get.

I am also looking for lower power if possible. Any suggestions on CPU and Mobo (Preferably with a few SATA connections) as these are the two main areas which I am not 100% certain on. Was thinking something like a AMD Athlon 64 3500+ ? Have very little idea on the Mobo

Thanks for the help

Andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

Lipex666

444 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#239489 27-Jul-2009 22:06

If you have all the bits and spare drives you can build one from scratch or price some bits from the local dealers.

My guess the next vers of WHS will be 32 and 64 like Windows 7 hopefully 64 may be a option further out.

Not a expensive option and you don't need a gaming pc here, 2GB Ram and mid range duel core pref green specs is all you need.

More drives the better I have 4TB 4 x 1 TB or use portable harddrives.

As you may know most new motherboards support 64 byte

Best think you can set-up accounts to limit access and privacy and accessible outside your house.

I think this would be a must have in your case. :-)

Check out show off your Home Server post

"The only way to learn some- thing is to do it"

browned

636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#239597 28-Jul-2009 10:37

I would go for

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e 2.6 GHz, Socket AM2 = Max 45w
ECS A780GM-A Motherboard, Socket AM2+, 4xDIMM, ATX = 6 x SATA ports and Video Built in.

Case, RAM, PSU, should all be easy after that. It would be dual core, x64, and have enough SATA and RAM slots for upgrades and the next version of WHS.

If you are really worried about the longevity of the box and the processing power I would look at the Intel Core 2 Quad 8200S as it is quad core and only 65w. But expense. Only issue then would be motherboard choice as Intel do not supply server drivers with desktop boards.

cheers
db

Home Server: AMD Threadripper 1950X, 64GB, 56TB HDD, Define R6 Case, 10GbE, ESXi 6.7, UNRAID, NextPVR, Emby Server, Plex Server.
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xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#239606 28-Jul-2009 10:51

WHS will run happlily on just a P3 1ghz system...so if youve got old parts lying around, I wouldnt bother going to the expense of buying new.

I find it hilarious the amount of WHS systems out there running multi-core CPUs with oodles of RAM for what is essentially a file server (Playtech had one selling for about $1800+ IIRC) . Storage and throughput is the main requirement.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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andysh

228 posts

Master Geek

#239608 28-Jul-2009 10:53

Hi,

Yea I have got no old parts lying around ha, anything that I have has gone into another comp or been chucked out or burned ha.

Have got HDD and a case, but that about it. Case is ATX.

Just really need to get an idea of cpu and mobo.

andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

freitasm

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#239616 28-Jul-2009 11:01

The next Windows Home Server is still away. Why pour money into a huge system now?

I run Windows Home Server on a three year old box. I have 3GB RAM because I run some virtual machines using Virtual Server, but you shouldn't really need more than 1GB RAM. It's a storage system. You don't need the fastest HDD in the world, all the replication will be done in time while it's running in the background. Get very large but cheaper drives - you can replace then at any time if needed.

Make sure you get a couple of more so that all your content is duplicated. But remember duplication is not backup. If you have content that lives on the WHS box only then you will need to backup it somewhere.

What you need is fast network. Make sure you have gigabit ethernet adapters, and use a gigabit switch to connect your PCs - most routers don't have gigabit capabilities, limiting the whole LAN.

andysh

228 posts

Master Geek

#239639 28-Jul-2009 11:26

I wish I did have an old system to use, but unfortunately I do not, so just asking on suggestions on what would be best. At this stage the CPU and Mobo that browned recommended was about $150 each which was not to bad, and think I can live with that. With HDD, was thinking of getting 1TB WD Caviar on top of the HDD's I have as these are about $140 each and "power saving"

Suggestions?

andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

browned

636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#239652 28-Jul-2009 11:54

xpd: WHS will run happlily on just a P3 1ghz system...so if youve got old parts lying around, I wouldnt bother going to the expense of buying new.

I find it hilarious the amount of WHS systems out there running multi-core CPUs with oodles of RAM for what is essentially a file server (Playtech had one selling for about $1800+ IIRC) . Storage and throughput is the main requirement.

I think getting a dual core is minimum these days and it will work nicely for the future. SATA Disks are a must and a 1GB NIC in a shared environment or if you have a large media library that will be accessed by more than one PC at a time.

Large media libraries cause real performance issues so anything IDE/ATA is out. Not to mention PP3 supporting Recorded TV from Media Center.

Also the more disks you have the more performance you need. PCI SATA cards don't cut it. I have had a Athlon XP 3200 with 1.5GB of ram, 1GB NIC, and 6 IDE disks that couldn't support playing a DVD to Media Center or opening the Music library when the server was busy tidying things up.

If you have the bits about then fine, but I don't understand people that will purposely buy junk or recommend it. A PC purchase should be about future proofing. My Media Center hardware is over 5 years old and currently runs Freeview HD, can play Bluray movies and has 7.1 sound. I expect my home server to be running in another 5 years with a x64 WHS version 2 or 3 and lot more storage.

cheers
db

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andysh

228 posts

Master Geek

#239708 28-Jul-2009 13:34

DB, that is how I am thinking. Might as well get something half decent today so I don't have to upgrade in the foreseeable future, but maybe 5 years+ down the track.

Thanks for the advice, and I most likely will go for that CPU, might have a look around at some mobo's but that one also seems a winner. Ram at this stage I guess will be fine with 2GB?

andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

browned

636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#239734 28-Jul-2009 14:22

andysh: DB, that is how I am thinking. Might as well get something half decent today so I don't have to upgrade in the foreseeable future, but maybe 5 years+ down the track.

Thanks for the advice, and I most likely will go for that CPU, might have a look around at some mobo's but that one also seems a winner. Ram at this stage I guess will be fine with 2GB?

andysh

RAM depends on your server usage. I have 3 VM's running on 4GB. The motherboard has 4 RAM slots, so you will need to decide if you want 2GB now, might use 4GB or 8GB in the future and how long that particular ram you buy will be available at a reasonable price for future upgrades. Also x64 OS and software will use more RAM.

You can get 1GB for about $33 or you could get a 2GB stick for $55. so 2GB or 4GB should depend on the price and your future plans for the server.

I have 4GB DDR2 in a 2 x 2GB configuration. I will be purchasing another 4GB by the end of the year or when I see DDR2 ram prices start to increase. That way I have maxed my motherboard and have all I need for more VM's and the future.

cheers
db

andysh

228 posts

Master Geek

#239869 28-Jul-2009 18:34

Sweet db, cheers for all the help, is much appreciated

Andysh

Referrals:

Tesla: https://ts.la/andrew897313

Sharesies: https://sharesies.com/r/XRGS77

humvee

196 posts

Master Geek

#249574 22-Aug-2009 01:36

I am looking at doing a WHS soon below are the options I am looking at. They would support 6 drives as standard but could be expanded to take more. Please let me know your feedback and ideas

Option 1

SilverStone LC20S-M SILVER ATX Multimedia Server HTPCCase

Gigabyte GA-MA785GM-Us2H MATX VGA AM2+

AMD ATHLON X2 Dual Core 5050e Energy Efficient CPU, 2.6GHz (45W)

400W "Corsair" CX-400 ATX Power Supply

4Gb DDR2

Hoping to get seagate 1.5Tb 5900rpm Low power drives

Option 2

SilverStone LC20S-M SILVER ATX Multimedia Server HTPCCase

Gigabyte GA-MA785GT-UD3H

AMD Sempron 140 2.7Ghz 1MB AM3 (45W) Energy Efficient

400W "Corsair" CX-400 ATX Power Supply

4Gb DDR3

Hoping to get seagate 1.5Tb 5900rpm Low power drives