Hello, I'm new to the world of Windows Home Server and have some questions about what hardware to use to meet my requirements.

I'd like to build/buy a Windows Home Server for the following:
Music Libraries: .m4a and .mp3 for Apple iTunes and Windows Media Center/Player
Video Libraries: I would like to begin ripping DVDs to stream to my Xbox 360 (I'm still trying to figure out the best way to accomplish this)
Network Storage: Windows Home Server would replace a Dell PowerVault 705N
Backup: I would like to begin backing up the three laptop and two desktop computers in the house (clients are Windows XP and Windows 7)

If at all possible, I'd like for the Windows Home Server to use little power and operate quietly. I'd also like the option to expand the storage if and when required. I think four one terabyte hard disk drives would be a good start.

Based on the above, am I better building my own or purchasing an OEM solution? If I am better off building my own, what hardware is recommended?

Thank you for any and all assistance!

Cheers from Claremore, OK!
Dave

I have the hp ex490. I have been extremely pleased with it doing exactly what you are looking for,Except I am using a PS3.
In fact this series of server is what this site is all about.
For me I was better off buying one than trying to build a similar one from scratch.
If I had to do it over I would go with the hp ex495 only because it has a dual core cpu where the 490 does not.
And the 490 comes with one 1-tb drive and the 495 comes with 1 -1.5 tb drive
The rest of the box is pretty much the same.

They both have 4 internal drive bays which can also be expanded beyond that.
But if you really think you would start with four 1 tb drives.
I would consider the ex495 and add 2-2tb drives

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The answer really depends on how much server space you'll eventually need and how much you really want to build your own. Building your own does take some time and it's hard for it to be as cost effective and small as the HP MSS line of servers. However, with a DIY WHS, you have a more flexability in parts, layout, replacement parts, etc. With the HP MSS, it's a small but powerful package and in the box alone, with 2 TB drives in each slot, you can get to 8 TB right now. Add an esata enclosure and you can get another 5 drives x 2 TB = 10 more TB of space. Then start using USB enclosures and it keeps going up from there.

Also, you can easily replace the CPU in the EX490 and upgrade it to a faster CPU with dual cores.

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HP MSS EX490 with Intel E6300
4 GB RAM
7 TB Drive Storage

MediaSmartServer.net Wiki, it's loaded with helpful information about WHS and the HP MediaSmart Server.

I agree with the Texas-Hansen. Building you own will give you more option when it come to hardware. The cost is going to be way more than the $650 you would pay for a Ex495. The storage capacity of the MSS i think is going to be good enough for what you want. I only have 9TB and i am not even half way full and i have a lot of media. If you dont have the time or the money to build one buying it is a better choice.

If i was to do it again i would get the 490 and upgrade the cpu, is more cost effective. I could have bought a quad core and a 490 for the same price i paid for the 495. Just a thought.

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Thank you for the advice so far!

Would an HP MediaSmart EX485 suffice? Newegg is selling the EX485 for $399.99 with free shipping! I could then add additional drives as I see fit and possibly upgrade the processor, correct?

Cheers from Claremore, OK!
Dave

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HP MediaSmart EX485: 4x Western Digital WD20EURS 2.0TB

Yes. If i remember correctly the ex48 and 49 series have the same motherboard.

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Freedom is not only to do what you love, but to love what you do.

The motherboards are similar but not identical, there are a few different components.

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Alex Kuretz
Remote Notification: Monitoring and alerting for your Home Server via email, Twitter, text message, RSS, push notifications, and on your Mac desktop
Have you tried our Add-Ins?

But a cpu capasity and ram is the same right?

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Freedom is not only to do what you love, but to love what you do.

Chipset is the same, BIOS had some changes, memory capacity is the same.

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Alex Kuretz
Remote Notification: Monitoring and alerting for your Home Server via email, Twitter, text message, RSS, push notifications, and on your Mac desktop
Have you tried our Add-Ins?

Thats what i thought. Newegg has 487 for 399 shipped. I think i am getting one. Thanks

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Freedom is not only to do what you love, but to love what you do.

Did the same this morning. Use coupon code EMCYPPY59 for an additional $50 off.

The only downside is that the ex48X series don't support port multiplication thru esata, so it looks like we'll be expanding via USB. Oh well, can't beat that price!

D

For what i want it i could put three 1.5 HDD. I am just going to use it for backups and document that i dont want remote access to. Its going to be my in house server.

_________________
Freedom is not only to do what you love, but to love what you do.

Just as an FYI the 487 does not have port multiplier for the esata, so expansion is somewhat, although not completely, limited.

Dave

I dont concider having 21 HDD connected a limitation. I dont know if is going to handle them well but two 8 bay usb enclosures from SanDigital plus 4 internal and 1 esata is a lot.

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Freedom is not only to do what you love, but to love what you do.

I just wanted to follow up... I placed an order with Newegg for an HP MediaSmart EX485. Once it arrives and I have some time to figure it out, I can place a separate order for additional hard disk drives. I'm also thinking about upgrading the processor to an Intel Celeron E3300 Dual-Core Processor since I hope to create a DVD library and provide streaming to my Xbox 360.

Thank you again for the advice!

Cheers from Claremore, OK!
Dave