To WHS or not??

[chrisc983]

My current set up is a machine running Vista that is being used as my server and main computer. I don't mind building a second machine for regular use and having a seperate server box as I would like to build a gaming machine anyways. One of my main concerns is data backup. I've looked at several different programs to do this and havn't found a program that I've been satisfied with. From a lot of reviews I've read on WHS one of the biggest praises is its functionality with data backups. Some of my questions are as follows:

- Should I purchase an HP WHS box or custom build one?
- If you recommend a custom build what specs would you recommend?
- If you do recommend the HP WHS is it powerful enough to stream to 4 hd200 simultaneously?
- How does the data backup for duplication work?
- I'm assuming I can still install SageMC onto the version of SageTV for WHS?

Thanks in advace.

[inlvnv]

Originally Posted by chrisc983

- Should I purchase an HP WHS box or custom build one?

Whichever suits your needs. I would love to have had the HP box but preferred the custom box for expansion, such as being able to add more than 4 drives, TV tuner cards, etc. internally. Still may get one someday.

Originally Posted by chrisc983

- If you recommend a custom build what specs would you recommend?

Dual core 2GHz, 2GB ram and gigabit network card.

Originally Posted by chrisc983

- How does the data backup for duplication work?

Microsoft WHS tech briefs here.

Originally Posted by chrisc983

- I'm assuming I can still install SageMC onto the version of SageTV for WHS?

and any available add-ons you want to install.

Sorry for short answers, but it's late. You'll also love the WHS client backup feature. I have 6 client PC/laptops and saved me numerous times over the past 2 years.

[PLUCKYHD]

I wouldn't do a sage server any other way than WHS if you are using extenders or clients. If you can afford to have a pc as a server only it is the only way to go.

Dual core and 2gb or ram will do fine if you are not commercial skipping hd. If you are I recomend quad core and 4gb especially as cheap as quads are getting.

[chrisc983]

I have been running WHS on virtual machine as so far like it. I have a couple of questions regaurding the set up that you guys use. For ripping DVD's and Bluray do you have the burners on the WHS machine or do you rip it on one of the client machines and transfer it over the network to the WHS machine?

Is there a way tell WHS what hard drive you want certain data stored. For example on my current system I have 5 hd's for ripped movies and 1 for data (documents, pictures, music). Can I still do that with WHS? Thanks.

[Chriscic]

I don't believe you can control which files go on which drives with WHS. Then again, I can't see why you'd really need/want to. Why would it make any difference?

[gplasky]

You're defeating the pupose of the pooled drives if you feel you need to tell it where to put the files. That's one of the pluses of WHS. It treats it as one pooled drive. Doesn't matter where. Create a share folder for Movies and create another share folder for Data. Always create your folders share through the WHS Console or the Shared Folders on Server icon on your client desktop. Stop using explorer and stay off the WHS.
I rip from a client PC directly to the WHS share. Takes about 5-7 minutes.

Gerry

[chrisc983]

Sorry I was thinking that it does drive duplication rather than folder duplication.

I am planning on using the coolermaster centurion 590 and getting a couple of 3 to 5 drive bays. Are there any that you guys recommend to use??

[DOS64K]

Originally Posted by chrisc983

Sorry I was thinking that it does drive duplication rather than folder duplication.

I am planning on using the coolermaster centurion 590 and getting a couple of 3 to 5 drive bays. Are there any that you guys recommend to use??

Not sure if you meant drive bays internal to your case or external, but if external I like the AMS Venus T4S array. It's a eSATA box that holds up to 4 drives and comes with its own eSATA PCI-e card.

[chrisc983]

Sorry for not being more specific I meant internal. I think they are called backplane.

[chrisc983]

Well so far here is the current parts list I am planning on using to build my first WHS. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Case: Coolermaster Centurion 590
Back Plane: Athena Power BP-SATA3051B x3
Processor: Intel E6300 (already own)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3P (already own)
PSU: Seasonc 750W M12 (already own)
Memory: 2GB (already own)
The following hard drives I already have as well;
1.5TB Seagate Green x1
1TB WD Green x2
1TB WD Black x1 (planning on using for OS)
750GB WD
750GB Seagate
500GB Seagate

I don't plan on using SageTV anymore for the recording feature, at least for now. I've just had too many issues getting it to work properly, so I've been using the DVR from Comcast which definately has some features I miss, but it works. I will still be using SageTV for all its other functions especially watching my bluray movies. Can this set up stream bluray movies, say to 3 HD200 without speed issues? As this set up is using a much slower processor and a quarter less memory than my current set up. Again thanks.

[PLUCKYHD]

shoulbdt have any issue steaming that many blu rays as long as you are on gigabyte connection

Rip movies from client of I have had issues when ripping directly from whs

[chrisc983]

PluckyHD by any chance have you tried testing to see how much power your server takes up. Currently with my current set up with 8 HDs I'm using about 300watts.

Do you think if I use N at 300mbs it would be able to stream the bluray movies??

[Skirge01]

I'm using the 5-in-3 from Addonics and currently have two in my WHS box. I have no complaints.

[heatvent]

Originally Posted by PLUCKYHD

I wouldn't do a sage server any other way than WHS if you are using extenders or clients. If you can afford to have a pc as a server only it is the only way to go.

Dual core and 2gb or ram will do fine if you are not commercial skipping hd. If you are I recomend quad core and 4gb especially as cheap as quads are getting.

Can WHS be a playback machine? I tried and get an audio decoder error every time. Can it just be a server? If so, I assume all the decoding happens at the client?

[DOS64K]

Originally Posted by heatvent

Can WHS be a playback machine? I tried and get an audio decoder error every time. Can it just be a server? If so, I assume all the decoding happens at the client?

Sage for WHS was not intended for playback on the server. WHS works GREAT with the extenders from Sage (current model is the HD-200). Client PCs can and do work great if you don't run into any of the dozens of possible incompatibilities with decoders, GPUs and other assorted problems. I actually have a PC in my family room, but I just use it for games and surfing. I much prefer my extenders as they were built to do exactly what they were intended to do - an do it very well I might add.

[chrisc983]

I found out the answer with streaming bluray. Even with using N eqipment at 300MB in the same room I am getting too much packet loss. SD playback is fine but Bluray just keeps on skipping. Unfortunately I wont be able to build my WHS server for now since I was planning on putting in a location where I wont be able to run wires. Unless anyone else has some other ideas I will be sticking with my current build for now.

[heatvent]

Originally Posted by heatvent

Can WHS be a playback machine? I tried and get an audio decoder error every time. Can it just be a server? If so, I assume all the decoding happens at the client?

Thanks. I'm going to put this in all caps because I have not seen this before (spent ours trying to get tv to play on my whs).

WHS DOES NOT PLAY TV, IT ONLY ACTS AS A SERVER/RECORDER TO EITHER HD-200 EXTENDERS OR SAGETV CLIENTS.

Wow, lot of time wasted. That also brings up another tidbit. You need to dish out another $200 for an extender to use WHS.

[chrisc983]

Just wanted to post an update. I am definately happy that I decided to go with WHS. It is definately a lot more stable and faster than my previous set up. I no longer get that circle waiting for things to happen. Plus all of the add-in programs and backup up options it was worth the $100 for WHS. I finally completed transfering all of my media the WHS pool. Now I'm just working on getting my SageMC set up back to how I had it previously.

My hardware list that I posted earlier has changed for now due to cost and noise since for now the WHS can't be put in the garage. I have gone with the centurion 590 case. I know there are a couple other people here that used the same case but used the backplanes instead. If by any chance you still have the 3 to 4 bay converter that came with the case PM me or send me an email if you are interested in selling it.

Once I complete the build I will post some pics.

[Tomahawk51]

I'm new to the idea of WHS, but this time I have a HW question:

I have an Antec Sonata III, and the idea of the 3 to 5 extender seems very attractive. I've never used or seen one of these used, so I'd like to ask if I'll likely be able to squeeze it in my case. Do I need to use a SATA card, or would my on board SATA be OK? Any tips on these things?

I imagine combined with WHS, I'd stay away from HW RAID and just let WHS do all the pooling magic.

Do appreciate the insights.