HP Announced the New MediaSmart Server EX49x Series

[dbone1026]

I am an owner of the first gen HP MediaSmart Servers, which I have had for over a year now. The HP MediaSmart Server is what introduced me to WHS, which subsequently led me to discovering SageTV when I was looking for a Media Center solution that would integrate with WHS. It is great to see the success that HP has had with their line of WHS based servers which in turn I am sure adds to a growing SageTV user base (I know I have recommended SageTV to many MSS/WHS users). HP has just announced their 3rd generation MediaSmart Server models, labeled the EX49x series.

The EX490 will come with an Intel Celeron 2.2GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and single 1.0TB hard drive - $549

The EX495 will come with an Intel Pentium 2.5GHz Dual Core processor, 2GB RAM, and a single 1.5TB hard drive - $699

It may seem a little pricey so I am curious to see what type of response comes about. The eSATA port multiplier that was killed in the EX48x series is back and can support up to a 5 bay enclosure.

Alex Kuretz over at MediaSmartServer.net has put together an excellent review of the EX49x series, so if you want more info head over to there.

[PLUCKYHD]

Originally Posted by dbone1026

I am an owner of the first gen HP MediaSmart Servers, which I have had for over a year now. The HP MediaSmart Server is what introduced me to WHS, which subsequently led me to discovering SageTV when I was looking for a Media Center solution that would integrate with WHS. It is great to see the success that HP has had with their line of WHS based servers which in turn I am sure adds to a growing SageTV user base (I know I have recommended SageTV to many MSS/WHS users). HP has just announced their 3rd generation MediaSmart Server models, labeled the EX49x series.

The EX490 will come with an Intel Celeron 2.2GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and single 1.0TB hard drive - $549

The EX495 will come with an Intel Pentium 2.5GHz Dual Core processor, 2GB RAM, and a single 1.5TB hard drive - $699

It may seem a little pricey so I am curious to see what type of response comes about. The eSATA port multiplier that was killed in the EX48x series is back and can support up to a 5 bay enclosure.

Alex Kuretz over at MediaSmartServer.net has put together an excellent review of the EX49x series, so if you want more info head over to there.

Not Bad I still prefer building my own to my own specs as I can get out cheaper

[dbone1026]

Originally Posted by PLUCKYHD

Not Bad I still prefer building my own to my own specs as I can get out cheaper

I agree, that is why the price worries me. I guess there are people out there who don't want to build their own PC

[bhyman1]

Even though I have my own monster of a WHS running Sage on it I'd still like to pick one of these up for the Time Machine and Itunes support. Now that the sata port multiplier support is back I might just pick one of these up after my move.

I've got my dad running two of the original models. They work great.

[dbone1026]

Originally Posted by bhyman1

Even though I have my own monster of a WHS running Sage on it I'd still like to pick one of these up for the Time Machine and Itunes support. Now that the sata port multiplier support is back I might just pick one of these up after my move.

I've got my dad running two of the original models. They work great.

I have the original EX470 that I am in the process of replacing with a DIY WHS build. Same as you, I plan on moving the EX470 over to my dad.