Suggestions for an old n36L

[BAcon]

Hi all,
I've got a pair of microservers and I'm wondering what to use the spare one for.

*Gen7 n36L, upgraded with 4gb ECC memory with a boot drive and 2 x 1TB storage. Currently just use it to infrequently back up the data files (not media) on the gen8, so it is off most of the time.

*Gen8 upgraded with an Intel Xeon E3-1260L CPU and 16gb ECC memory, running a small 500gb boot drive and 2 x 8TB WD reds.
I run a weekly R-sync between both WD reds to keep things simple.
It is used as a NAS running OMV, general file storage, Plex, dlna for music etc.

I have just finished hardwiring the downstairs with CAT6 and have a 24port gigabit switch and patch unit. Was tempted to get a POE switch to run a few cameras, but think my gen8 can handle that anyway.

Can you think of a use for the n36L? Otherwise I'll see if a family member wants it!
Cheers

 

[Avalon]

The N36 is a slightly awkward proposition as a stand-alone, it’s CPU is quite limiting beyond basic services or a backup server, I have seen a few converted to DAS boxes as a result as it’s an inexpensive way to add some drives if you need to and have one. In a world where 2.5Gb is now mainstream and 10Gb is becoming increasingly common, it often makes more sense to put something like a NUC in-front of them if running Plex etc. and letting them just handle storage, as anything more than torrenting on them and light media management is quite painful. SAB for example with a suite of *arr’s would be horrible, but move the heavy lifting to a more modern box sitting in-front of them and it’s a very different proposition.

 

[n30_mkii]

You might find now is a good time to sell with xmas around the corner and people with time on their hands to tinker. Quite a few of the old microservers still make money

 

[blueacid]

The N36 is a slightly awkward proposition as a stand-alone, it’s CPU is quite limiting beyond basic services or a backup server, I have seen a few converted to DAS boxes as a result as it’s an inexpensive way to add some drives if you need to and have one. In a world where 2.5Gb is now mainstream and 10Gb is becoming increasingly common, it often makes more sense to put something like a NUC in-front of them if running Plex etc. and letting them just handle storage, as anything more than torrenting on them and light media management is quite painful. SAB for example with a suite of *arr’s would be horrible, but move the heavy lifting to a more modern box sitting in-front of them and it’s a very different proposition.

It depends how heavily you're downloading, and what speed things are going at. I found mine could keep pace quite nicely with a few torrents and usenet. It bogged down unrar'ing larger downloads, but if they're arriving at 4am, it mattered very little!

Granted, I replaced mine for more power efficient options, but I've still got them on a shelf in case I need them!