The project starts by having my existing desktop being converted to a WHS system as I upgrade my entire household computer structure.
Here are the specs:
MB: DFI NF4 Ultra-D (socket 939)
CPU: AMD 64 X2 Toledo 4200+
Memory: 1GB (2x 512MB)
Video: XFX 6600GT
PS: Enermax 420W
My current HTPC has 2x750GB drives that are full with my current DVD collection, so I’ve purchased 2×1.5TB drives to prepare for my expansion of HD/BD disks. The plan is to build a server/client system in the house as the HTPC functions are being spread to not only the family room, but also the master bedroom and kids’ playroom. All media will be stored on the WHS and streamed to the appropriate location. My existing HTPC will just become a client for the family room. I’m new to the WHS and HD/BD realm of HTPC’s so this will be a fun project/hobby/beating my head into the wall activity….well maybe just the HD/BD part (I’m still researching)
I have a few questions though:
1) Is it best to install WHS on a separate drive than what you would use for the hard drive pool? The motherboard has 4 sata ports but I was thinking I would just connect an unused 30GB IDE hard drive for the OS and use the 4 sata ports for the hard drives mentioned above. Any problems with that?
2) From what I understand, WHS treats all the hard drives just like a pool correct? Add a drive and the amount of storage simply increases? Is it assigned a drive letter? What happens if I want to replace a 750GB drive in the pool with a bigger one?
3) Since I only have 4 sata ports, are there any known issues with just using an internal PCI sata card to increase the amount and attach more drives?
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