parts for media server?

[udubber83]

So I bought a COOLER MASTER HAF 932 case back in November thinking I would build a new computer but realized since I use my laptop 99% of the time, I will just build a media server that will be a lot cheaper. Along with this case, what else should I get? Do I really only need bare bones parts for my mobo, cpu, ram, power supply, ethernet? I'm wondering what would be too much overkill? Since it's only serving my media should I only buy bare minimum parts? I will mainly be streaming music and HD movies to my TV. I assuming gigabyte ethernet is a must have.

Any opinions on parts to get would be helpful. I thought about selling the case and getting a more media server friendly case but after rebate I got this case for under $100 so it was a good deal even if it is overkill.

Also, I'm new at building a media server. Do I have to buy server software and install that? What is the best software for this?


Thanks guys!

PS - From the U.S. and my budget is about $400-500

 

[mfenn]

I suppose this depends on what you mean by "media server". Do you want something that will simply serve files to a media player? Or do you want an HTPC that will have video and audio hooked directly to the TV?

 

[LokutusofBorg]

You just need barebones stuff.

Look at the E-350 mobo+cpu deals on newegg. Throw 4GB of cheap (1.5V) RAM in there and you're good.

The exception is PSU. Make sure you buy a good PSU. Antec or Corsair, or anything rated 80+ etc.

You do want gigabit ethernet, but there shouldn't be a motherboard sold nowadays that doesn't have this onboard. Some people swear by only Intel ethernet controllers, but meh.

For hard drives, lots love the WD green drives, but the Samsung F4's have a better reputation when you dig a bit.

Any case is fine, but if you really expand your storage out, having a case with all 5.25" bays down the front is ideal in my mind (and they're *cheap*), and then you fill it up with enclosures (e.g. IcyDock/Thermaltake 4-in-3 or 5-in-3) to stuff hard drives into. Once you surpass the number of SATA ports on the motherboard, you can either use cheap SATA expansion controller cards or go all in for real hardware RAID controllers.

The defacto choices for software for running a media server appear to boil down to either FreeNAS or Windows Home Server. If you're more experienced or want more out of your system then Ubuntu server or most any other Linux distro will work, as well as the full version of Windows Server 2008.

EDIT: along the lines of mfenn's question above, if you don't already have a server *storing* your media, you don't want to make your HTPC be your storage server also. Build a real storage server, keep it in the basement or wherever, and buy a WD TV Live Plus or something to put at your TV if you do indeed need a streaming client (don't have a PS3 or Xbox 360 or HTPC already).

 

[wirednuts]

definitely go with the lowest power cpu you can get. the e350 would be a good choice, even the atoms are fine since graphics power isnt needed in a server. my htpc is an i3 setup that i used to use as a server too, and thats fine but it has to be left on 24/7 so the power usage really adds up.

i since built a c3 800mhz server that barely has enough power to boot up but that little sucker just keeps chugging on its whopping 8w load power.