Good Cheap Server - HP Proliant Microserver 4 BAY - OWNERS THREAD

~Divine~Wind~ said:
Ah so the 1.5Ghz should be fine I would expect.
Just hope I can find a gfx with sound over HDMI too, will look into that now :)

Looks like both the 5450 and 6450 both support 7.1 Aduio over HDMI.
This is looking VERY promising.
Click to expand...

I have the 6450 and can confirm it provides Audio over HDMI (connected to my TV at the moment).


rp2000
 
rp2000 said:
Do you plan to use the Launchpad for the machines that need to be backed up and Plex for machines that need to play media? If so that should work fine.

I have never actually used WHS 2011 :) My understanding is it is a variant of Server 2008R2. So you should be able to install Plex on it the same way as I have easily enough.

Now if you get the HDMI graphics card, you may find that GPU decoding does not work (like I found out today, read my posts in this thread a couple of hours back). Your media will still playback (locally), albeit using 40-50% of your CPU. Streaming it to iPad will prob max out the CPU and to other windows machines 10% ish.

To enable GPU decoding on mine I installed the Desktop Experience feature. I don't know if this exists in WHS2011, maybe someone else here who has it installed can check? All this feature does is enable Windows 7 style stuff on your machine, which happens to include letting your graphics card takeover video decoding. If you don't care about CPU usage, you can ignore this and the above paragraph :)


rp2000
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Yeh! :) and regarding the graphics card. I will look into some more. It is no big problem if it can't but of course having the option is nice!
and again regarding the iPad and streaming to other machines thanks for the info :)

Thank you again overall for all the help! :D
_SBradley_ said:
That's exactly the sort of thing it's perfect for. The server will easily be able to handle a few connections at full Wi-Fi speed. I'd much prefer this over the external disks solution. I say go for it. :)
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Perfect! Will get it ordered!

Thank guys
 
I've decided to try again and reinstall WHS 2011, can I just get some basics?

I've just completed installation and am logged on as administrator, do I need to add an additional user? I will be the only one accessing the server.

If I am using Remote Desktop Connection would I just type administrator followed by the password?
 
chipperhead said:
I've decided to try again and reinstall WHS 2011, can I just get some basics?

I've just completed installation and am logged on as administrator, do I need to add an additional user? I will be the only one accessing the server.

If I am using Remote Desktop Connection would I just type administrator followed by the password?
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1st: Create a account for yourself.
2nd: Install the connector on your PC.
3rd: Setup all your folders.
4th: Go on windows explorer and see if you can connect to it. Using the new account that you made.
 
GF Approves so thats all green lights now :)
Poor Credit card lol

Already have the RAM for it tho and will keep an eye on MM for a 6450 or similar.
On a similar note, whats the highest spec GFX card this will support?
 
Quick heads up for you guys if the supplied 250GB HDD dies on you !!

Mine did = Monday

Tested and it failed the Short DST and Long Generic test - poop

Contacted HP Support via one of those online chat things. You'll need the Serial No of the Microserver (on box or label rear of unit)

Couple of questions later and my personal details. Done!

The MicroServer has next day Buisness warranty.

Tuesday DHL van pulls up... replacement drive arrives.

Included are return labels for you to return the defective drive within 3 days - free of charge. Online or phone to book return or drop off at DHL center near you. Full and complete instructions are sent via email.

Simples !!!!!
 
~Divine~Wind~ said:
Cracking :)

I have access to 2008r2 or windows8r2 thru Technet, which should I grab?
Tempted to have a play with 8 tbh but the whole beta thing is putting me off
Click to expand...

2008R2 (with SP1). I have not installed the W8R2 beta server yet. I am sure it will work fine, my only concern would be if MS disable them once the product goes live (like they did for people who used RC W7s etc).


rp2000
 
Nick1881 said:
I just ordered one of these, I'm planning Windows Server 2008 on a SSD drive.

Also I want to get some extra RAM, people are running OcUK value RAM ok?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-024-OK&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1180

Might order 2 of these so I have 8Gb.

If I want to put the SSD in the optical bay what will I need? I already have the Scythe 2.5 to 3.5" adapter. If OcUK sell something I can order it with the RAM.
Click to expand...

The double kit was £23.99 2-3 weeks ago.... Maybe goes down again unless RAM is rising?
 
twe said:
The double kit was £23.99 2-3 weeks ago.... Maybe goes down again unless RAM is rising?
Click to expand...

:( I ordered yesterday, still not a bad price.

I'm going to velcro the SSD in somewhere and save some money. Got a friend who is going to help me set it up, I have very limited knowledge of Windows server and he does it for a living. :)
 
Lol I just noticed you are in Nuneaton, am 3 miles away from you!
But yeh I haven't got round to learning everything I need to on the setup, still messing around with the settings....
Serviio is good to share with your ps3 and xbox 360.... Also the android app helps to control it....
Want to see what Android apps have been made for Windows Home Server specifically.
 
twe said:
Lol I just noticed you are in Nuneaton, am 3 miles away from you!
But yeh I haven't got round to learning everything I need to on the setup, still messing around with the settings....
Serviio is good to share with your ps3 and xbox 360.... Also the android app helps to control it....
Want to see what Android apps have been made for Windows Home Server specifically.
Click to expand...

Hi neighbour :D

I don't think I'm going to put the SSD in now, my mate said it won't make much difference, just going to use the stock 250Gb for the OS, if the brackets are cheap I'll still stick it in the optical bay.
 
Just got me one of these. Have got Windows 2008 R2 on it and want to install DriveBender. Does it work well on 2008 R2, or should I put WHS 2011 on instead?
Only going to use it for a media server
 
2pak said:
Just got me one of these. Have got Windows 2008 R2 on it and want to install DriveBender. Does it work well on 2008 R2, or should I put WHS 2011 on instead?
Only going to use it for a media server
Click to expand...

I think that its an add in.

So will only work on WHS.

Edit:

It says on their website that you can use it on any windows O/S.

http://www.drivebender.com/index.php/downloads.html
 
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Can anyone confirm this link is the claim form needed please ?

http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/pdf/Microserver_Cash_Back_Offer_March_12_tcm_183_1185632.pdf

Whats confused me is T&C number 1 is as follows :

To take advantage of the promotion, customers must print out and complete a claim form (which can be downloaded at www.hp.com/uk/focus) and submit it, along with seller/reseller’s invoice to the address set out in the form.The seller/reseller’s invoice must clearly show the HP part codes and cost of the qualifying products purchased. The full list of qualifying products and corresponding part codes is available from www.hp.com/uk/focus.

The linked pages link to the claim form is broken so I don't know if it's the same document and they've sent me on a wild goose chase or theres a different form.
 
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