I am looking to build a media server. This is my first server build of any kind so please be kind.
My primary use for this server will be bluray and DVD iso streaming to my 2 other computers running MyMovies.
Secondary objectives are a low use ftp and http host.
I don't think I will be running RAID on this server. Why? Because at MOST there will be 2 people accessing it at once. Assuming both active users are streaming bluray quality video then I might run into some bandwidth issues. However most of the time this will not be the case and my budget does not allow for a dedicated RAID card. That and from what I have heard RAID isnt any better for saving data then just bare drives.
Since everything will be in MyMovies anyway, I don't care what is on what drive and how many partitions there are as long as its all in fact there.
For right now I will take the cheap way out and just not back any of it up and take the loss of having to copy all of the data to the new hard drive again. My plan is to keep doubles of everything in 6-12 months as the prices of storage keep dropping but for now the risk is acceptable.
One other small concern is that I will be running this server in a walk in closet. I dont think heat should be too bad because I am not using raid so there should be a lot less HDD activity.
My main objective here is to get some kind of server running now and work on improving redundancy/ increasing capacity as time goes on.
I am open to all criticism. Thanks for looking.
Here is my current hardware list
My primary use for this server will be bluray and DVD iso streaming to my 2 other computers running MyMovies.
Secondary objectives are a low use ftp and http host.
I don't think I will be running RAID on this server. Why? Because at MOST there will be 2 people accessing it at once. Assuming both active users are streaming bluray quality video then I might run into some bandwidth issues. However most of the time this will not be the case and my budget does not allow for a dedicated RAID card. That and from what I have heard RAID isnt any better for saving data then just bare drives.
Since everything will be in MyMovies anyway, I don't care what is on what drive and how many partitions there are as long as its all in fact there.
For right now I will take the cheap way out and just not back any of it up and take the loss of having to copy all of the data to the new hard drive again. My plan is to keep doubles of everything in 6-12 months as the prices of storage keep dropping but for now the risk is acceptable.
One other small concern is that I will be running this server in a walk in closet. I dont think heat should be too bad because I am not using raid so there should be a lot less HDD activity.
My main objective here is to get some kind of server running now and work on improving redundancy/ increasing capacity as time goes on.
I am open to all criticism. Thanks for looking.
Here is my current hardware list
- OS: Windows Server 2008 64 bit
Yes you may be thinking overkill but I already have a own legit copy so I might as well use it. - CASE:ARK 4U-500-CA $70
Cant beat the price. No RAID so not need for hot swap bays. Worst case scenario years from now I need more HDD's and I have to buy a new case. - PSU: COSAIR 850W $120
Just kind of picked this one. Dont have any reasons other than price and a brand I know - Motherboard: Abit 9WD-MAX
- CPU: Core 2 Duo E6400
- Ram: Patriot extreme 2x1GB kit
Motherboard, CPU, and Ram will be reused from my current desktop and my desktop will get the upgrade. Cost of the new items is $295
Items going in the server below - HDD for OS: Most likely a Seagate 320GB I have laying around
- HDD for Media: 1.5TB Seagate Drives
About $120 a piece on the right day
I am a bit worried about these guys failing due to what people said a few months ago. For now it is still my primary choice
