After reading bugeyewrx's "spec me" thread, which I found really interesting, I started wanting a server of my own. As I attempted to justify such a project I asked myself "what does a server do that my pc does not?" and couldn't come up with an answer. I'm pretty ignorant with regards to home servers, so what do people use them for and why would I want one if I have sufficient storage in my desktop (or could add to locally it if not)?
Home servers, a general query.
- Thread starter Devrij
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Why not just have a raid array in your main machine though? Obviously you might run out of ports or pci-e slots to expand your storage. Or as a separate backup in case your PSU somehow pops and kills all your drives I guess? Is that why you got your server?
I think what I'm asking is: if I have sata ports with which to expand my storage, is there a point to building a server?
I think what I'm asking is: if I have sata ports with which to expand my storage, is there a point to building a server?
Data Storage, Media Streamer, Backups.
Most of all they (normally - each to their own) run at very low power.
Mine does all the above on Windows home server 2011. Backups up 5 PCs and streams music and films to most rooms.
Have 6 HDDs in a high powered gaming rig kinda restricts airflow and if someone downstairs wants to watch a film my PC would have to be on. PAIN.
Server is in the study where no one can get annoyed
Ah, that makes sense. So having enough machines and users using the same data would make it worthwhile. Damn, I don't have that problem
Not if no one else accesses it. If its just you then there isn't much need at all.
I got mine because I have several PCs that need backing up and needed a central place to store and access media. (the latter being more important at the time of build)
Also RAID is no replacement for a proper backup as like you said if your PSU blows and takes out your HDDs then you'll be crying.
Their not for everyone.
If its just you thought about a NAS bay?
I thought they were kinda the same thing
Really showing my ignorance of all things outside of desktops here 
Ah, now that sounds more like what I need. Does one build such a thing or are they generally prebuilts?