New Server Specs (good, bad, or ugly)

[KorCar1]

Case: nMedia HTPC
MBD: ASUS P5ND2-SLI
CPU: P4 630 Prescott 3.0Ghz
HD: Western Digital Caviar 250GB HD
Memory: Kingston 1GB DDR2 667 (PC5300)
Tuner 1&2: Hauppauge PVR150
HD Tuner: VBox DTA-151 ATSC (where can I buy one online?)

I'm just going to put a basic video card in this box since it won't be hooked up to any TV. But for my clients, I think I'm going to use the XFX 6800XT 256MB PCIe x16.

So will this server handle pretty heavy HD recording/streaming? Do you guys see any major hardware conflicts, or problem hardware? Thanks.

[stanger89]

Just a practical comment, is an HTPC case really necessary for a server?

[KorCar1]

Nope.

But right now, while I'm just testing and playing, this will be sitting in my living room with the rest of my equipment. I'm in the process of building a house right now, and when its done, I'll be fully implementing SageTV. At that time, I'll use the HTPC case for one of the clients.

[Kirby]

I am in the process of putting up a new sage server as well, and what I did is take advantage of Dell's 10 days of deals a week ago, purchased a Dimension E310 with Intel P4 521, 2.8Ghz, 1GB DDR2 533Mhz ram, 160GB drive for OS. Adding a 250GB drive for recordings (stage 1 recordings, as I move them to another server after completed) and a gigabit ethernet card. Total cost of all this was about $600 shipped, but the system came with a 17" LCD which I am selling for nearly $200, and speakers for another $25. Brought the net price of the Dell system down to $275 before the extra drive and NIC. Not too bad considering the hardware and extra XP (albeit Home) license.

Just looking at prices on newegg, the CPU sells for $159, equivalent RAM would be around $122. So just for the cost of the CPU and ram, I have a whole new system. IMO, finding a box like this from a vendor that is including an OS license to boot, is the way to go for a server. Now keep in mind, the E310 only has 2 PCI and 1 X1 (or is it X4) PCI-express slot, but for me, thats plenty, as I run 2 USB capture devices (R5000), Fusion OTA card (PCI) and if i want analog captures, I could get the PCI-e version of the ATI 550 card.

Just something to consider.