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At home media server?

Discussion in 'Technology' started by 10X TACO, Oct 9, 2015.

  1. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:43 AM
    #21
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for chiming in, @syswalla! Yes, @rottenpixies seems to be an endless well of wisdom. Thanks guys!!!

    I will keep the unit turned OFF when not in use. I'm a single guy, so I won't be keeping it on during the day for anyone.
    I don't want a full size tower, unless i NEED it for the HDD bays.
    I think pimping it out with plexiglass & LED's is a cool idea i'd consider, just for my own entertainment.
    Also, what are your thoughts on it being a headless system?
     
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  2. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:45 AM
    #22
    rottenpixies

    rottenpixies Well-Known Member

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    By headless do you mean no monitor/keyboard? If so, that's fine. Just have to hook it up to a monitor first and install something like TeamViewer to be able to remotely use the PC from your laptop or other computer. Teamviewer is great. If you full size the screen you wouldn't even know that you're not on the actual PC.
     
  3. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:47 AM
    #23
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes that's what I mean. I'm excited about the potential of the build. I just hope I do it right.

    Thoughts on Plex?
     
  4. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:47 AM
    #24
    rottenpixies

    rottenpixies Well-Known Member

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    I just clarified with my friend at work that I built the 12tb media server for. He has over 500 movie ripped (mix of blu rays and regular dvd) and has not even filled his first 4TB drive.

    Just to put into perspective the size to movie ratio.
     
  5. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:49 AM
    #25
    rottenpixies

    rottenpixies Well-Known Member

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    Plex is what my friend uses and he loves it. Works very well. I think he did have to pay for the full version, but it's definitely not expensive.

    Don't worry, you will absolutely do this right. Make sure to plug your build into pcpart picker to make sure everything is compatible and then just send me the list to check off on before you order everything. I can even help guide you on putting it together if you need to.
     
  6. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:55 AM
    #26
    syswalla

    syswalla Knob

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    Plex is great. I also use Serviio, though it's a bit more complex on the setup. I haven't done either on Windows, both are running on Ubuntu. I'm using the free version of Plex, but if you want to get the latest and greatest it's worth paying for it. It's not very expensive. The web interface is great.

    I'm primarily using it for music, so can't comment on video too much other than to say Plex takes more CPU, but even with an i3 I you'd be fine. I'll be interested to see what you come up with!
     
  7. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:55 AM
    #27
    StAndrew

    StAndrew Wait for it...

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    Intake, exhaust, lift. Typical stuff.
    Cheapest, easiest way is to go to best by and get a dell with an expansion slot. Put in a TV tuner card or two and add a few 1TB HD's.
     
  8. Oct 9, 2015 at 9:56 AM
    #28
    Martimus

    Martimus Well-Known Member

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    Good recommendations!

    I went a totally different way to build a media server. I built up a server on a Micro ATX motherboard with a XEON processor. Added 12gb of memory and a 9TB RAID 10 array. Loaded a free copy of VMware ESXi server on it and then installed Windows Home Server as a guest OS. Windows Home Server has a lot of limitations but it's worked flawlessly for me so far. The other advantage of this setup is if I want to load up another guest OS under VMware I've got plenty of HP and resources to run both without issue.
     
  9. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:01 AM
    #29
    syswalla

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    Yeah, I like using a NAS, too. I have both my Ubuntu and Windows machines connect to mine. Lot's of storage flexibility and more data security if you RAID or mirror the drives. You might own all the media you load on the the NAS but it takes a lot of work you wouldn't want to have to repeat!

    If the OP wants to get more technical the idea of vitualizing is great, especially with the box he's considering However, it does add some complexity to a first time builder.
     
  10. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:03 AM
    #30
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm trying to be around 8+ TB of storage
     
  11. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:07 AM
    #31
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't know if I clarified...

    I have idk....500+ DVD's maybe 200+ CD's i'm looking to rip to the media server, and I want to be able to access everything from every device in my place, with lightning quickness. I also want it to run fast & strong for years to come. And I want to make sure I don't have to add additional storage space for a long time. "Set it & forget it" like the guy from those oven infomercials...LOL
     
  12. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:12 AM
    #32
    rottenpixies

    rottenpixies Well-Known Member

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    When I get done with lunch I will compile the parts I recommend on PCpartpicker. It will give you the total cost if you were to order the stuff today.

    And no offense to other guy trying to help... but adding a tv tuner to a dell computer is way off base here. He didn't say anything about hooking up cable to his PC and buying a dell from best buy should be reserved for grandmothers without technical grandchildren to help steer them correctly.
     
  13. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:14 AM
    #33
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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    LOL!!!
     
  14. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:14 AM
    #34
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You're awesome man, thank you!
     
  15. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:16 AM
    #35
    rottenpixies

    rottenpixies Well-Known Member

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    Only thing I'm not 100% on is if you need a graphics card. The build I made for my friend he is also using for gaming so I had him get a decent graphics card..

    Can anyone else chime in, for streaming video will he need anything more then mobo graphics?
     
  16. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:30 AM
    #36
    rottenpixies

    rottenpixies Well-Known Member

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    This is what I have started so far http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QntkMp

    PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QntkMp
    Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QntkMp/by_merchant/

    CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
    Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.89 @ OutletPC)
    Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
    Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
    Storage: Seagate 4TB 3.5" 5900RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($149.99 @ Amazon)
    Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
    Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
    Total: $742.83
    Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
    Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-09 13:30 EDT-0400


    This is only with 4gb so far. Need to look around for best 4gb hdds, not sure if that one is best option. Just a start to show you the base of what I'd recommend. You will likely be spending around $1,000 to go this route, but will have a bullet proof PC.
     
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2015
  17. Oct 9, 2015 at 10:37 AM
    #37
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I work at Best Buy one day a month. I wonder if my discount will help...hmm...
     
  18. Oct 9, 2015 at 1:19 PM
    #38
    10X TACO

    10X TACO [OP] Well-Known Member

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  19. Oct 9, 2015 at 1:35 PM
    #39
    StAndrew

    StAndrew Wait for it...

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    Sorry, I missed the server part. I was thinking media center for the TV (ie TIVO). Sounds like something you should probably build from the ground up.
     
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  20. Oct 9, 2015 at 1:35 PM
    #40
    syswalla

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    Depends on what you want to do with your truck. If you're going 'wheeling you might consider some sliders (I'll let someone else recommend brand).

    I have the factory tube steps - they came with the truck new - and find them more of a hindrance than a help as I have to step over them getting in and out. If you're not going off road or don't get very aggressive when you do, then the lowered steps might work out for you, but be aware they may drag.

    I think the best thing steps and floorboards do is help keep the average car driver from leaving door dings.
     
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