I am building a home server for the following uses:
#1 Media streaming via a DLNA server.
#2 System backup of all Windows based PC's, and I do have a few.
#3 Data backup for all PC's, smart phones, tables, and a single Mac.
Server:
OS = Windows Home Server 2011. While I could have used Win7 or Win8.1, WHS 2011 had a couple features that I liked better for use on a home server. These included a built in client data & system backup feature as well as desktop alerts on a client PC.
CPU = i5 4690 - went with a true quad core CPU for the times I need to transcode on the fly, ie stream 1080p to a lower resolution on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the Mac.
Heatsink = Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo with an upgraded fan to a Corsair Quiet SP120. This just helps keep the CPU cooler and quieter.
Motherboard = ASRock Z97 Extreme4. Wanted a better mobo for more power phases and higher quality components, plus one with an Intel NIC, and the reviews on this one was very good.
Memory = 16GB(2x8GB) of Corsair DDR3 @ 1600. I know WHS will only be able to use 8GB of this, but this allows me to upgrade to a better server OS or virtualize at a later time. Plus since I am only using 2 sticks for this, so I could upgrade to 32GB at a later time without having to replace my existing memory.
Videocard = just using the build in video adapter on the i5.
Storage:
OS = 120GB SSD
Client Backups = 3TB WD Green
Media = 6TB(2x3TB) HSGT NAS drives in a Raid-0 stripped set. Went with faster NAS drives here as these are the drives that will steam my media.
Server Backups:
OS = 512GB laptop drive in a hot swappable bay.
Client Backups = external 3TB USB3 drive.
Media = external 6TB(2x3TB WD Red drives in JBOD) USB3 enclosure.
Optical = ASUS DVD/CR Writer
PSU = Rosewill Capstone 550W Gold PSU.
Case = Fractal Design Define R4 case. Bought a 3rd fan for 2 input and 1 out fans for a positive pressure case. I read reviews that this is a good server case as it's very quiet and has lots of storage slots, plus has a built in fan control switch.
Thoughts?
#1 Media streaming via a DLNA server.
#2 System backup of all Windows based PC's, and I do have a few.
#3 Data backup for all PC's, smart phones, tables, and a single Mac.
Server:
OS = Windows Home Server 2011. While I could have used Win7 or Win8.1, WHS 2011 had a couple features that I liked better for use on a home server. These included a built in client data & system backup feature as well as desktop alerts on a client PC.
CPU = i5 4690 - went with a true quad core CPU for the times I need to transcode on the fly, ie stream 1080p to a lower resolution on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the Mac.
Heatsink = Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo with an upgraded fan to a Corsair Quiet SP120. This just helps keep the CPU cooler and quieter.
Motherboard = ASRock Z97 Extreme4. Wanted a better mobo for more power phases and higher quality components, plus one with an Intel NIC, and the reviews on this one was very good.
Memory = 16GB(2x8GB) of Corsair DDR3 @ 1600. I know WHS will only be able to use 8GB of this, but this allows me to upgrade to a better server OS or virtualize at a later time. Plus since I am only using 2 sticks for this, so I could upgrade to 32GB at a later time without having to replace my existing memory.
Videocard = just using the build in video adapter on the i5.
Storage:
OS = 120GB SSD
Client Backups = 3TB WD Green
Media = 6TB(2x3TB) HSGT NAS drives in a Raid-0 stripped set. Went with faster NAS drives here as these are the drives that will steam my media.
Server Backups:
OS = 512GB laptop drive in a hot swappable bay.
Client Backups = external 3TB USB3 drive.
Media = external 6TB(2x3TB WD Red drives in JBOD) USB3 enclosure.
Optical = ASUS DVD/CR Writer
PSU = Rosewill Capstone 550W Gold PSU.
Case = Fractal Design Define R4 case. Bought a 3rd fan for 2 input and 1 out fans for a positive pressure case. I read reviews that this is a good server case as it's very quiet and has lots of storage slots, plus has a built in fan control switch.
Thoughts?