For those interested in a computer more robust than the Mac mini for the home entertainment center:

Refurbished Xserve Quad Xeon (in 1u rack mount case)
Two 64-bit 2.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors
1.33GHz frontside bus and 4MB shared L2 cache per processor
1GB of 667MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMM memory
80GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA hard drive with room for additional drives
Built-in ATI Radeon X1300 graphics with 64MB RAM
Mac OS X Server 10.4 Unlimited-Client Edition

24% off the original price
Estimated Ship: 1-3 business days (Free Shipping)

See the Special Deals section to save $700

Interesting idea, except that thing is huge and loud. And not like loud "I notice it." Loud like "you have to talk really loud to hear over it." The fans in there are designed to move air quickly without regards for noise. I know it's only 1.75" tall (1U), but it's 19" wide and like two feet deep (designed to go in a four post rack). I guess if you have a media rack that's well insulated against sound it might work out space wise. Oh, and the video card in there is basically a piece of garbage. Just enough to get a VGA signal out to a crappy display if you really need to.

I guess what I'm saying is I don't know that an XServe is a good choice for an HTPC. ;)

I'm not liking the $2300 price tag + shipping or 80GB HDD either.

the guts of the machine are worth less than half that price.

people accuse ibm and emc when they sell stuff like that for that kinda price of highway robbery. just because it comes from apple doesn't make it a good deal.

You need to figure in that the unlimited client version of OS X Server runs for $1,000. Apple's not going to give it to you for free when you buy the Xserve. It may not be the most cost effective way to buy some hardware if you don't need an unlimited license. But if you need a more robust server for the home and/or home office, and have a place to put it where the noise isn't a factor, then it makes a very nice platform to build on. I've often thought about getting an Xserve to replace my G4 server in my home office/home network. If you saw my workshop, you'd understand why. It'd fit right in.

...OK, so I did forget about the noise factor, and the levels may not make this a perfect choice for the entertainment cabinet in the den...but how about the garage -- with really long video and audio cables?:) Or you could spend another $500-$800 for one of the smaller XRack Pro acoustical enclosures (see below)... :)

http://www.xrackpro.com/xrackpro-6U-server-rack.htm

Once again, I sure wish Apple would produce an Xserve with extra storage bays that's designed for the SOHO and HT markets...

...OK, so I did forget about the noise factor, and the levels may not make this a perfect choice for the entertainment cabinet in the den...but how about the garage -- with really long video and audio cables?:) Sure, you can do that. Basically, I have a workshop where I work on hardware, and have a permanent G4 server setup. I use my MacBook in the LR HT to hookup to it via ethernet or wireless. I also have the G4 hooked to the avr by audio cables. Lots of ways to go. I can bypass the analog audio from the G4 by going wireless/ethernet, and then outputting digital to the avr if I want. You can sneak an appleTV in there if you want to avoid the Mac route, but you know what the tradeoffs there are.

Once again, I sure wish Apple would produce an Xserve with extra storage bays that's designed for the SOHO and HT markets...Well, if Apple won't do it, maybe Axiotron (http://www.axiotron.com/) will. They are the outfit that is taking the MacBook, and reconfiguring it as the ModBook--a tablet based Mac. They are set to start selling these (http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ModBook) through Other World Computing at the end of July. I still think that the only answer to our AV HTPC needs here will be met by a third party vertical integrator like Axiotron. Apple hath foresaken us at the wailing wall....

Was going to start a new thread, but figure better to revive this old one...

Ok, so I have an ignorant (and maybe bizarre) question (no surprise to some folks :) )

what's the scoop on the Xserve related to HT use? :D

One on craigslist locally for $1k.

2 aspects of this I'm not familiar with... a) the Xserve ;) b) OS Server vs. client (and whether one or both can run on the Xserve).

Just goes to prove folks will consider crazy things to get what they want...

and yes its "big" but also "slim" in the idea that it need not have a bigger "front-side presence" than may DVD players .. ie 2" x 18" on the front...

Pros/Cons (from a limited check) with regard to HTPC

- small front (1.73"x17.6"), but deep (depends on your cabinet)
- loud? fans (can a lightly populated one by toned down??)
- it does have an optical drive (so it can play DVDs)
- built in graphics might suck? but has 2 PCI slots so you could fix that with graphics card of your choice)
- plenty of storage options (3 HD bays)

For HT use, I would think you'd only need 1 of the 2 power supplies (hoping that less population == less heat == less fans)

can it run OS X client? (and/or does Server include/support/tolerate iTunes, DVDPlayer, etc)

Just curious how far down this road anyone has gone... the fan noise may just be an un-reconcilable issue... but while not intentional (on Apple's part), this could be a poor/crazy-mans version of the non-existent Mac Mini tower (in that its headless and offers a variety of expansion/configuration options)

Mike

Pros/Cons (from a limited check) with regard to HTPC

- small front (1.73"x17.6"), but deep (depends on your cabinet)
It's a standard rack width but VERY deep. Prepare to cut into your back wall!

- loud? fans (can a lightly populated one by toned down??)
The G4 model that I have experience with is very loud. You would have to keep it in a separate room. The new models may have better fan control, much like the G5 & Intel desktops do.

- built in graphics might suck? but has 2 PCI slots so you could fix that with graphics card of your choice)
Minimal graphics ability, but is it still higher than the Mac Mini RAM based graphics chip? Not sure.

- plenty of storage options (3 HD bays)
Best thing about it!

can it run OS X client?
Yes.