1st Home Media Server (working blog)

[George L. Schmauch Jr.]

This will be my second working blog on Missing Remote and is intended to document my progress in building a home server to complement my HTPC Client ([url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-client-htpc-working-blog-updated-022210]blog post on MR[/url]) already in use.  Hopefully people will find this interesting and informative.

[b]Objective:[/b]
[i]Build a central, home server to support a minimum of 3 home computers.[/i]

[b]Timeline:[/b]
[i]In service by 09/01/2009[/i] [b](Complete)[/b]

[b]Requirements:[/b]
[i]*  Reliability:  24/7 operation [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Headless server [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Meet current and unknown future needs over the next 5 years (minimum)
*  Automatic, nightly backups of important files [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Back up disk images of all home computers  [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Store all music, photos, videos, movies, TV recordings [b](Complete)[/b]
*  High-Definition support [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Stream all files to remote computers throughout the house [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Serve as host to media center software [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Run Windows Home Server [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Allow for maximum internal storage capability (>10 drives)  [b](13 and counting)[/b]
*  No hardware RAID solutions [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Everything in a single case [b](Complete)[/b]
*  Gigabit ethernet[/i] [b](Complete)[/b]

This next section includes things that I will strive to do, but will stray from—if necessary—in order to meet any of the requirements.

[b]Possibilities:[/b]
[i]*  Minimize power consumption [b](Mostly via Green WD drives)[/b]
*  Minimize noise [b](So far, very good!)[/b]
*  Minimize costs[/i]

Note that the last bullet there is [i]my[/i] idea of minimizing costs and I don’t expect it to be yours.  😉  This isn’t being built by a high school or college student on a limited income, but I am still married (and intend to stay that way!) and have a home and family to take care of.  This won’t be a $10k server, but it won’t be a $500 one either.

[hr][b][size=16]UPDATES (mm/dd/yyyy):[/size][/b]
  10/07/2008 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12663]Primary Hardware Purchase[/url]
  12/11/2008 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12690]Implementation Plan[/url]
  02/18/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12691]Server Case[/url]
  02/18/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12693]Motherboard & Power Supply[/url]
  02/18/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12694]CPU/Heatsink Install[/url]
  02/18/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12695]Rear HD Cage Install[/url]
  02/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12701]OS Install & Sound Dampening[/url]
  02/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12702]Case Fans[/url]
  02/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12703]Hot Swap Bays[/url]
  02/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12704]Windows Home Server Add-Ins[/url]
  07/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12707]REMOTE Remote Desktop[/url]
  07/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12708]Hot Swap Bays (Part II)[/url]
  07/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12709]Hot Swap Bays (Part III)[/url]
  07/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12710]Case Fans (Part II)[/url]
  07/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12711]SageTV[/url]
  07/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810#comment-12712]SiliconDust HDHomeRun[/url]
  07/19/2009 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810?page=1#comment-12713]Hauppauge HD-PVR[/url]
  03/09/2010 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810?page=1#comment-12713]Added link to older HD-PVR drivers (at the end)[/url]
  04/08/2010 – [url=http://www.missingremote.com/forums/1st-home-media-server-working-blog-updated-040810?page=1#comment-12721]HD-PVR heat issues[/url]

03/03/2011 – Finally started reformatting for the redesigned site, fixing links and pictures.
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