Server Recommendations

[hb4]

Originally Posted by Skirge01

My server is running an i7-3770T, which runs at 2.5GHz and has a TDP of just 45W. The case fans (running on high) are only slightly louder than the fans in the HDD cages and even like that it's fine sitting 2 feet away from me, at ear level, while I'm working or gaming. This server runs VMware's hypervisor and hosts a SageTV VM running XP, a pfSense firewall VM, a Windows 7 VM (primary server: web hosting, storage duties, etc), and a WHS2011 (used only for remote access) VM. I also run up to 3 instances of Comskip in the XP VM. The only thing I don't do, which I know a lot of Sage users do, is transcode anything, but this server handles everything I throw at it with relative ease.

Check out silentpcreview.com for all things quiet or silent. I'll buy anything they recommend which fits my needs and it's the only source I use when looking for a fan.

Thanks for the silentpcreview recommendation, I found the site superb. For the rest, I highlighted the items for which I think I understand what they mean, seem really cool, but would be frightened to attempt. I'm glad there's folks like you who do. I'm happy when I don't break things when I make changes to tuners.

[wayner]

Silent PC Review really is the place to go to get info on building low noise PCs but it is becoming less of an issue due to lower TDPs of the latest generation CPUs and no need for a discrete GPU.

This may not help in this particular instance but I have built two PCs that have no moving parts whatsoever. They use HD-Plex cases where the case is the CPU heatsink and is connect to a CPU block via heatpipes. These are more expensive but I believe at least one of the HD-Plex models will hold a 3.5" drive.

Will this system be used for recording TV shows or just for playing back media content? If it is the latter then you should be less concerned about using an external SATA or USB hard drive for your media. That let's you get away with a very small case.

[Skirge01]

Originally Posted by hb4

Thanks for the silentpcreview recommendation, I found the site superb. For the rest, I highlighted the items for which I think I understand what they mean, seem really cool, but would be frightened to attempt. I'm glad there's folks like you who do. I'm happy when I don't break things when I make changes to tuners.

My pleasure. Even if you didn't know what they were, the point I wanted to get across is that I'm using what many would consider a slow CPU (@2.5GHz) with a very low TDP (meaning it runs quite cool) and this server is able to run 4 full operating systems 24/7 without breaking a sweat and not be noisy at all. If all you need this server to do is run the SageTV back-end (server, as opposed to the client software), you can certainly build one which is quiet. However, if you'll instead be running the client software or running both the client and the server side on the same computer, then things might get a little more complex.

[hb4]

Originally Posted by wayner

Silent PC Review really is the place to go to get info on building low noise PCs but it is becoming less of an issue due to lower TDPs of the latest generation CPUs and no need for a discrete GPU.


Will this system be used for recording TV shows or just for playing back media content? If it is the latter then you should be less concerned about using an external SATA or USB hard drive for your media. That let's you get away with a very small case.

Originally Posted by Skirge01

My pleasure. Even if you didn't know what they were, the point I wanted to get across is that I'm using what many would consider a slow CPU (@2.5GHz) with a very low TDP (meaning it runs quite cool) and this server is able to run 4 full operating systems 24/7 without breaking a sweat and not be noisy at all. If all you need this server to do is run the SageTV back-end (server, as opposed to the client software), you can certainly build one which is quiet. However, if you'll instead be running the client software or running both the client and the server side on the same computer, then things might get a little more complex.

Using the new system for recording only; (I think. Still trying to decide whether to keep WIRNS there as well - it's been essential (Poopli) for getting content I've missed but with today's streaming that's less of an issue. Someone needs to develop a Sage version of Poopli ).

I'll use the HD-200 or one of the HD-300s I got from Opus4 for playback.

So far my main take-away has been that a lower TDP will go far to reduce the noise. Never would have figured that out on my own.

[bill321]

I recently switched my sage server to a HP Mini Stream - http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/deskto...k5g59aa-aba--1 - here it is at amazon - http://www.amazon.com/HP-Stream-200-...ords=hp+stream.

I did take out the 2gb Ram stick and inserted 16gb (8 per stick).

I think the RAM upgrade was certainly overkill for sage, but I was thinking of using the mini for other purposes when I bought it.

Has been running for several weeks without a problem. I use a Synology DS1010+ as a storage drive and run the mini headless using UltraVNC to manage it. (I have been using the Synology as a recording drive for years with no problem recording 5 HD streams at once and watching at least 2 at the same time as recording.)

Bill

[Tiki]

Don't forget that hard drives generate a fair amount of heat.
If you will be using this for a Sage Server and you don't plan to use an external drive, drive enclosure, or NAS of some sort, you will be better off with a larger case. If you try to cram a bunch of drives into a small enclosure, heat will build up, you will find that air flow is very limited, and you will be forced to run fans at high speed to try to keep things cool. Larger cases also tend to support larger diameter fans (larger fans can spin at a lower speed and still move a large volume of air, slower fans are usually quieter).

If you are sure you won't need a lot of internal storage, or a separate video card, a small form factor case is fine and can be very quiet.

[hb4]

I'm liking the Fractal Design Node 304 case recommended above.

• Two front-mounted 92mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fans, 1300RPM speed (compatible with 80mm fans) included
• One rear-mounted 140mm Silent Series R2 hydraulic bearing fan, 1000RPM speed (compatible with 120mm fans) included
• One fan controller for all three fans included
• Removable air filters for front fans and PSU
• Six supports for either 3.5in. or 2.5in. HDDs/SSDs
• Tower CPU coolers, up to 165mm tall
• Case dimensions (W x H x D): 250mm x 210mm x 374mm
• Case volume: 19.5L

Originally Posted by bill321

I recently switched my sage server to a HP Mini Stream - http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/deskto...k5g59aa-aba--1 - here it is at amazon - http://www.amazon.com/HP-Stream-200-...ords=hp+stream.

I did take out the 2gb Ram stick and inserted 16gb (8 per stick).

I think the RAM upgrade was certainly overkill for sage, but I was thinking of using the mini for other purposes when I bought it.

Has been running for several weeks without a problem. I use a Synology DS1010+ as a storage drive and run the mini headless using UltraVNC to manage it. (I have been using the Synology as a recording drive for years with no problem recording 5 HD streams at once and watching at least 2 at the same time as recording.)

Bill

But that is REALLY incredible. (if I were able to make the HDPVR and NAS work).

$178, W8.1, wireless, BT, 4USB 3.0, HDMI, Displayport, Keybd and mouse.

--- but the NAS is pricey ----

[reggie14]

Originally Posted by hb4

I'm liking the Fractal Design Node 304 case recommended above.

I think that's a very safe choice. The reviews for it are excellent, and it seems to have great airflow. Just install a vertical CPU cooler and point it to the back of the case to keep the air flowing front-to-back.

The front fans will keep any hard drives cool and the rear fan is large enough to pull out the hot air. I'm sure cooling will be fine.