CPU for Building Windows Home Server.

[zzang]

Hello.

I have a question about CPU for building Windows Home Server using MS Windows Home Server software.

I currently live in USA.

I was going to build Windows Home Server for people that I know of, who also live in USA.

And I was trying to decide which CPU fit for Windows Home Server purpose for him.

So, I did some research on it.

And I found out about Intel Atom CPU.

And was wondering

This/these is/are what that I'm trying to build Windows Home Server wanted to do with it:

1. Media Server: Store and organize digital memories and media in one central location.

Stream the digital content to Media devices.

[includes DVD/Blu-ray video (HD)/any format of video can be

found + 5-7 multi-channel audios]

2. Backup Software: Effortlessly backup your home computers daily and automatically.

3. Data Recovery: Easily restore lost files or even entire hard drive contents in a few

steps.

4. Document Management: Easily restore lost files or even entire hard drive contents in

a few steps.

5. Remote Access: Share photos and home videos with friends and family with the built-in

secure and personalized website address.

 

Hope I can get some advise or help with deciding which CPU should I use.

[zzang]

anyone?

[Dalo Harkin]

The official hardware requirements for WHS is very low, you can use pretty much anything from a pentium III upto an i7 (providing the MOBO supports it)

 

You need a minimum of an 80GB (primary OS drive though)

and WHS works better with 2 or more HDD's.

 

*when you come to install the WHS Operating system, you will need to install SATA drivers via floppy drive (a USB floppy is fine) BUT they have to be on a floppy and installed at 2 stages, at startup and then when you get the blue screen similar to XP where you press f6 to load drivers.

****YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT IF THERE ARE NOT WINDOWS SERVER 2003 DRIVERS AVAILABLE THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST XP DRIVERS****

 

Dont make the mistake of buying hardware that is unnecessary (for an example I use a socket 775 MOBO, 2GB PC3200, 12 SATA drives connected via PCI raid cards)

Edited May 10, 2010 by Dalo Harkin

[zzang]

The official hardware requirements for WHS is very low, you can use pretty much anything from a pentium III upto an i7 (providing the MOBO supports it)

 

You need a minimum of an 80GB (primary OS drive though)

and WHS works better with 2 or more HDD's.

 

*when you come to install the WHS Operating system, you will need to install SATA drivers via floppy drive (a USB floppy is fine) BUT they have to be on a floppy and installed at 2 stages, at startup and then when you get the blue screen similar to XP where you press f6 to load drivers.

****YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT IF THERE ARE NOT WINDOWS SERVER 2003 DRIVERS AVAILABLE THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST XP DRIVERS****

 

Dont make the mistake of buying hardware that is unnecessary (for an example I use a socket 775 MOBO, 2GB PC3200, 12 SATA drives connected via PCI raid cards)

 

Oh, cool

Thanks for reply.

So, I guess I should choose the processor and mobo that will support good quality of HD/Blu-ray Disc or videos.

[Dalo Harkin]

Thats the whole point WHS can be made from 'leftover bits of older systems' as its Windows Server 2003 based then the hardware in 2003 has come on along way nowadays.

if you are streaming HD quality media, then the emphasis is more on the network than the CPU/MOBO.

like I say on my 5+yr old equipment I stream HD quailty all over my house, sometimes 2 or 3 PCs at a time and it never falters.

 

just make sure that whatever you get ideally has Windows 2003 drivers or at the VERY minimum XP drivers.

[zzang]

Thats the whole point WHS can be made from 'leftover bits of older systems' as its Windows Server 2003 based then the hardware in 2003 has come on along way nowadays.

if you are streaming HD quality media, then the emphasis is more on the network than the CPU/MOBO.

like I say on my 5+yr old equipment I stream HD quailty all over my house, sometimes 2 or 3 PCs at a time and it never falters.

 

just make sure that whatever you get ideally has Windows 2003 drivers or at the VERY minimum XP drivers.

 

 

Yeah but, the CPU and motherboard should able to play HD quality media, if not.

There is no point thinking over what to buy, and just buy any CPU, right?

[Dalo Harkin]

But its not the CPU and MOBO that will be limiting the playing of HD media, to be able to play HD media yes anything from socket 775 upwards is fine (yes the higher the core clock the better, as its often doing more than one thing in a WHS)

 

If you are streaming the media onto another PC/Console then you seriously need to consider a minumum of Wireless N (if you are using wireless) as anything else is not capable of sustaining speeds to support HD media :)

[zzang]

But its not the CPU and MOBO that will be limiting the playing of HD media, to be able to play HD media yes anything from socket 775 upwards is fine (yes the higher the core clock the better, as its often doing more than one thing in a WHS)

 

If you are streaming the media onto another PC/Console then you seriously need to consider a minumum of Wireless N (if you are using wireless) as anything else is not capable of sustaining speeds to support HD media :)

 

 

Yes, course.

I planned to use Wireless N.

[Dalo Harkin]

I meant 754 not 775 :)

 

If possible use a dual core CPU and fairly modern MOBO, while the recommended requirements are very low for WHS, it seems to favour dual core chips.

 

I cant stress enough though how much you need drivers on hand with the install, Server 2003 if possible, but due to its age not always possible, but as I keep mentioning XP at the very minimum.

 

99% of WHS installs do not go to plan, any issues then come and post here :)

[zzang]

I meant 754 not 775 :)

 

If possible use a dual core CPU and fairly modern MOBO, while the recommended requirements are very low for WHS, it seems to favour dual core chips.

 

I cant stress enough though how much you need drivers on hand with the install, Server 2003 if possible, but due to its age not always possible, but as I keep mentioning XP at the very minimum.

 

99% of WHS installs do not go to plan, any issues then come and post here :)

 

 

Oh, ok.

I will try to choose one for him.