Your opinions and advice:

I am running the HP MediaSmart EX470 with 4 HD (with Microsoft Windows Home Server with Power Pack 3) . The Ex470 has 2MB of memory and a AMD Atheon X2 Dual Core BE2300 processor. I am happy with my server. I basically use the server to back up 10 clients (when my kids are home from college). I’ve had a few blips, but I have not lost any data. I use the server to stream movies to 2 different LG Blue Rays players which connect to 2 different large screen tv’s (Ethernet & HDMI).

I’m playing the devils advocate and anticipate problems in the future. I’m figuring it would be a good idea to find and purchase an EX49x and to migrate my drives over to the new system. I do have over 15,000 family photos on the server and I really, really want to preserve them.
I know, I know the EX49x are drying up and are $$$.
What should I do, stay with the EX470 or buy a EX49x?

If I keep the old and wait it out, I’m hoping another home server solution will be available that can handle my situation???
If I purchase the EX49x, I am buying time until again another home server solution becomes available.
Could anyone share your thoughts on this situation. I do value your opinion and I would weigh things out based on any feedback I receive.
Thanks
Russ

I currently have an EX490. I'm looking at moving to a DIY solution, because of streaming blu-ray rips and the ability to connect a monitor for troubleshooting. I'm staying with WHS [V1], though as I like it. I can say if you buy an EX490, you may want to upgrade the processor. So I maybe a little bias when I say purchase a EX490, because I'm selling mine.

Hi bluetdi1,

Thats a loaded question that in the end only you can answer based on your needs, wants and desires. I have several EX470's that I keep running and have acquired enough parts to support them and they continue to serve me well.

I guess you have to ask yourself what your needs are. Some chose a DIY Build because they want control over the hardware and want to be able to purchase off the self parts to keep thier servers running, others do it for that reason and because they want, need or desire a performance boost.

This is a debate on WHS systems that has been ongoing now since MS Released it back in 2007. The debate has not really changed but has been added to regarding sticking with WHS v1 which is a 32 bit OS or upgrading or migrating to the new version currently underdevelopement which is a 64 bit OS. Of course this is a differnt topic but one we all need to explore and determine what works best for each of us.

In the end there is not one right or wrong way as each path is chosen specifically to our needs and so to come full circle it really comes down to what you want today and what you may need tomrrow. For some the HP MSS Solution is a perfect fit and yet for others not so.

If your current server serves you well then what you have on your hands is lots of time to figure out what to do but even if all the HP MSS units were to be sold you still have a wide variety of options available to you and yet there is always something available on eBay.

_________________
Exploring the possibilities!

Migrated from WHS2011 to WS2012E: HIGHLANDER

~ Norco 4220 Enclosure
~ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5
~ AMD Phenom II X4 995 3.2 GHz
~ 8 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
~ 3 Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8

Thanks for the opinions above. You are right, its my choice. I really like the HP approach. I want to maintain that as long as I can. This forum is invaluable as far as getting help with the mediasmart is concerned. I hope the forum stays vibrant and helpful. Technology changes in a blinking of the eye and I know, I hope a better solution comes along. Unless I do hear from someone that strongly discourages me, I am leaning towards the 49x. After I get the unit and run it for a while, I'll be back to get final instructions, tips and tricks about migrating from my 4 drive system to the new ex49x.See ya
Thanks

I too very much like what HP Did with the MSS and it was sad to see them opt to discontinue it it. I honestly hope they change thier mind and resume making the MSS. They did make an interesting ProLiant MicroServer but I feel they underpowered it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... _-59105905

I do believe that if HP were to change that server to accomodate a more powerful processor then it would be more useful and stand a better chance of selling. Even if they take the MSS and simply add a video port then they could have a strong contender for a Server for the home or small business market. I tell you honestly I really like the MSS so much so that I have often considered repurposing one with a Debug Cable and turning it into a Win 7 Client.

All I can say is the MSS Form Factor is attractive and I do believe HP has something that can really take to a new level as there are just too many people out there who still do not know about Windows Home Server and had MicroSoft and HP just put some real effort into marketing this just to get the word out I firmly believe that it would be a much different story today.

As for your consideration I would take the time to review the written end user experience with the EX49x to see its strengths and weakness. To see what others have done to increase its performance and then determine if this is the route you chose to go. Often I spend a great deal of time looking at things before I jump into something just to make certain that what I chose to do will be the best option for me. Sometimes its not about the cost like when I built MSS Port Multipliers out of decommissioned EX47x's but because it was cool, and unique. The 30 bay enclosure I have been talking about building is not cheap or cost effective I just want to do it because I can but my enemy is not money but time to sit and get it done and to have a working room ornimant that I can show others and say hey I built that and to be proud of it. The same holds true for where your at now and while the MSS is an excellant platform there is something to be said about building a system that is unique to you that meets or exceeds your needs and yet there is something to purchasing a unit that is ready to go out of the box. Who is right and who is wrong well it just comes back full circle and in the end only you can determine the answer to that question.

Good Luck with whatever you chose to do and I certainly hope you share with the community your thought process and how you determined which solution was best for you as it may help others decide which solution works best for them.

_________________
Exploring the possibilities!

Migrated from WHS2011 to WS2012E: HIGHLANDER

~ Norco 4220 Enclosure
~ Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5
~ AMD Phenom II X4 995 3.2 GHz
~ 8 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
~ 3 Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8