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General discussion

Media Server Build Help

Jan 22, 2015 3:06AM PST

Hey all,

I'm interested in building a media server

Requirements:
• Music
• Photos
• Home videos
• Movies
• Transcode 1080P w/ server
• No gaming
• HD HomeRun Prime
• Mainly in-house use, not over the internet
• 5 users + guests
• File backup
• Plan to use an offsite backup service (i.e. crashplan)
• Want OS to reside on SSD and media on WD HDD
• Possible i7 for CPU
• Considering Flexraid
• Will stay in basement
• Thinking of starting with 10 HDDs and 2 SSDs

What are your thoughts on purchasing a barebones rackmount chassis with 16 bays and working from there? I'm considering this chassis http://mypccase.com/ch4urarm16xs.html
at the moment. I'm open to suggestions for the other internals. I haven't had too much time to research yet.



All advice is greatly appreciated

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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I'd start with a prototype.
Jan 22, 2015 3:19AM PST

I've seen folk jump into such before they know what software they want to run ahead of time. Any old PC will do as you can load the OS and apps up and test it all out. We don't need much at that step. NO ONE HAS PUT THIS ALL IN A CAN READY TO USE. I've seen attempts but no one seems to have it nailed yet.

Later you can tackle the transcoding enigma. http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=371688 goes back and forth but GPU transcoding seems to win the speed race but even then, you don't want to transcode on demand. I bailed on that idea a few years ago. I just have it coded and ready to play.
Bob

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Prototype I shall
Jan 23, 2015 3:25AM PST

Hmmmm, yea I think I want to go the CPU route mostly for the sake of money (power consumption and all). Also I'll mostly use it to record TV shows while I'm out, and just read about a script that should make that easier. I know it's gonna take some serious tinkering but that might be the way to go...

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My prototype is based on
Jan 23, 2015 3:29AM PST

Some Asus x200ca and I do have a HomeRun dual. Remember I don't transcode on demand and for me it's all about not leaving 100 or more Watt devices on 24x7.
Bob

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use UbuntuStudio with it
Jan 22, 2015 3:41AM PST

loads of the best music and video software from the Linux world.

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Really?
Jan 23, 2015 3:26AM PST

Cool. I'll take that into consideration.