Main PC as the Server

foreright · 11 Dec 2010 at 12:06

Can you experienced networkers put me right. I am to build a HTPC but would like to hard wire from that to my Main PC hardwired to my router.
Is there anything I am overlooking if I just add a couple of large HDD to that PC and use it to feed my archived media to HTPC and laptop also hard wired in another room.
What am I missing by not having a dedicated server.

lixxus · 11 Dec 2010 at 14:35

If you are going to build a htpc, there is no need to use your main pc as a server.

the only scenario where you would need to use your main pc as a server, would be to stream content to a device such as xbox/ps3 etc.

The htpc will store your files and act as a server for to transfer files to and from your pc, as well as watch films etc.

I would recommend using xbmc.

Cycrow · 11 Dec 2010 at 16:05

depends how u want the HTPC.

if you want something really compact, low noise, low powered, etc then having a server to stream everything can be better.

theres only a few drawbacks really using your main pc as the server. First is that your main pc will have to be on when ever u use the HTPC, and the 2nd is that it'll use up some resources on your main pc, which may or may not effect what u do. If its streaming a lot, i could slow down your connection, or slow down your hard drive access.

for just feeding to 1 device thou, u shouldn't really notice much of a problem if your pc is decent

pooley · 11 Dec 2010 at 23:39

I have a setup similar to what you are suggesting, In my living room I have my HTPC hardwired to my router both situated underneath the tv and from upstairs in the spare room my desktop is hardwired as well to stream media from as it's on all the time.

To keep the noise and power consumption down on the HTPC I use a cheap small ssd to boot windows from and use win7 media centre to watch sky player etc and xbmc to stream my media.