Cheapest possible compact + quiet PC for SB3 and streaming videos + pictures

[WhyAyeMan]

Hello all I have been weighing up my options for the past few weeks on what to do about increasing storage. Currently I am using my laptop with 100 Gb hard drive as my device for storage, obviously its not enough..

I could get a bigger hard drive for it, but to be honest, I am thinking bigger than what that can handle.

I've had a good long think about this, and the three options boiled down to the following.

1. Increase laptop to 250 - 320 Gb, and get external hard drive similar size for backups.
Problem with that is I see it as a somewhat short term solution - the capacity will no doubt soon run out, and I dont like relying on my laptop as a server.

2. Invest in a NAS box with embedded servers such as the QNAP 109 with built in Squeezecenter.
Problem is, it seems like a nice solution, but I've read about a few problems people have had and to be honest I think it could be a nightmare to configure if it goes wrong. Also, I believe a PC gives more ultimate flexibility.

3. A cheap server
This is my favoured option and the one I am asking about as I think it is cost effective and very flexible.

What would I want it for?

1. Squeezecenter server
2. Bit-torrent server
3. Video / Picture streaming server for my PS3

What do I want from it?

1. Must be as cheap as possible - I dont mind running Linux - I am running Ubuntu on my laptop at the moment!
2. Must be as compact as possible - Needs to fit alongside my home cinema kit.
3. Must be as quiet as possible - Dont want anything noisy.
4. Must be good for backups - ideally an external SATA port would be included.

So, I'm guessing a Shuttle style or similar PC would be my best option. I'd very much doubt I'd need anything but the bare minimum processor and memory for heat purposes.

I'd love some suggestions from AVforums, or indeed any comments on any aspect of my post

 

[WhyAyeMan]

Mods can you delete this please I dont think its getting much coverage here so i am going to post it in the proper computer section, ta

 

[vex]

The servers that are recommended by the Squeezebox distributor here in the UK is Tranquill Computers.

They seem to make an excellent little 500gb, MS Homeserver box which you can install squeezecentre onto.

HTH

V.

 

[Uridium]

Have a look for a used ex corp Compaq D510 Evo small form factor on ebay etc... they usually go or around £60ish inc a Windows license.

Decent spec P4 1.7-2.8Ghz and will take up to 1Gb Ram.

Nice low power requirement and virtually silent in use. Make great music servers.

 

[spl23]

The servers that are recommended by the Squeezebox distributor here in the UK is Tranquill Computers.

They seem to make an excellent little 500gb, MS Homeserver box which you can install squeezecentre onto.

HTH

V.

I can't recommend TranquilPC, I'm afraid. I bought one of their silent PCs to use as a media server last year, and it went back within a week. The thermal design was very poor - the hard drives were bolted into a heavy finned heatsink enclosure, which was good - but this was then mounted in the case without any form of ventilation slots anywhere near the heatsink fins. Not much point heatsinking if all you then do is heat up the case - sure enough, in a room at average temperature, the internal sensors on the HDDs were reading 55 degrees C plus. You really don't want to run an HDD at much over 50 degrees for any length of time, or you'll get premature failure and data loss.

Their new designs may be better, but if you buy one, get some decent thermal monitoring software and keep an eye on temperatures.