Have been using Sage for a couple of years on my office machine. Have decided it’s time to switch to a dedicated server using Windows Home Server. I would like to build my own, but could sure use some help in confirming that I’m going in the right direction and in selecting some of the major components.
[u][b]Present System[/b][/u]
SageTV running on old Pentium 4 office desktop using XP.
1 Haupauge PVR-350 card
1 Sage HD100 Extender
1 Sage HD200 Extender
2 Shaw Cable (General Instrument) SD Set Top Boxes (Only 1 presently used w Sage)
1 USB-UIRT for channel changing.
1 Older Sony 32″ CRT
1 Westinghouse 26″ LCD TV
[b][u]Future additions and changes[/u][/b]
Comskip
1 or 2 HD Cable Boxes to replace exising STB’s. (Note OTA not available in our area)
1 or 2 HD-PVR’s
Large HDTV (or projector system) to replace 32″ CRT TV.
Somewhat possible – 1 or 2 more HD 200 extenders to small TV’s.
[u][b]Server Details[/b][/u]
Headless server will be located in closet in HT Room. (Closet could be vented to hall if heat build up is a problem.)
Run Windows Home Server.
Besides SageTV, system will do backup for 3 computers and will serve audio to JRiver Player on separate audio PC for 2 channel playback.
I believe the only high CPU loading will be with Comskip and the 2 HD-PVRs.
Would like as low power as possible as it will be on 24/7, but this conflicts with CPU requirements above.
Want large case for several hard drives and for possible future expansion.
[u][b]Questions & Comments[/b][/u]
1. What sort of cpu power will the above operations require?
2. Any suggestions for cpu/motherboard and case would be appreciated.
3. Since video output will be via Extenders I don’t believe a separate video card will be required. True?
4. Since the large HDTV (or projector) and possible surround sound wont happen for 2-3 years, and all audio is presently 2 channel a separate sound card should not be required now. True? (Note that our high sound quality 2 channel listening is done from a separate audio PC.)
5. This will be my first computer build, although my background is electronics/industrial controls.
Thanks very much for any assistance that can be provided.
Rod
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