HP ProLiant MicroServer

Cool, thanks will try it. Also is it worth it to use a small SSD for the OS?

With Openelec, the machine runs 24/7, and you will probably interact with it remotely. I can't see how a SSD will change that experience...

Actually, let me clarify that: my use is the box sitting in a cupboard upstairs, chugging away grabbing media in the background, and streaming or outputting directly via HDMI to TV's (under smartphone control). Any config of SABNZB or Couchpotato is done from a laptop via HTTP. Booting is not an issue, and I've never thought "damn, this interface needs to be snappier"
 
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If you boot on demand like I do then a faster boot time is welcome. Considering the S3 suspend function is not there....
 
With Openelec, the machine runs 24/7, and you will probably interact with it remotely. I can't see how a SSD will change that experience...

Actually, let me clarify that: my use is the box sitting in a cupboard upstairs, chugging away grabbing media in the background, and streaming or outputting directly via HDMI to TV's (under smartphone control). Any config of SABNZB or Couchpotato is done from a laptop via HTTP. Booting is not an issue, and I've never thought "damn, this interface needs to be snappier"

+1 boot time on the standard drive is under a minute.
 
Another quick question, is the support for AMD GPU (HD 5450) better these days on openelec and other linux distros? Or should I rather stick to nvidia?
 
Another quick question, is the support for AMD GPU (HD 5450) better these days on openelec and other linux distros? Or should I rather stick to nvidia?

I played it safe and went with nvidia way back, but OpenELEC 4 brought quite a big overhaul for AMD support.

Xorg-1.15 and Mesa-10.1 updates are backed by nvidia (331.67) and intel (2.99.911) GPU driver bumps. AMD support has seen radical changes; we switched from the problematic binary FGLRX (XVBA) driver to the new open source driver (7.3.0) based on VDPAU. The OSS driver is lighter (smaller in size and faster to boot) and brings numerous performance, feature, and stability improvements for AMD users. We added initial 4k support also known as UHD-TV.

http://openelec.tv/news/22-releases/125-openelec-4-0-released
 
Just ordered a small SSD and AMD R7 240 video card for mine. Currently has Windows 7 and XBMC on it with a 2TB HDD only and an AMD HD5450. Perfect for movies and storage.

I've started using it for some light gaming (read Blizzard's Hearthstone) and browsing on the TV. Works quite well, but as a have a SSD in my main desktop and work PC's it's slow in comparison. With the new video card and SSD I'm hoping things get much smoother. I'm aware the CPU is holding me back. If this does not work out, I'll get new a motherboardboard + CPU and small case to replace the microserver in the TV cabinet. It'll get moved to storage duty only. I'll report back here for those considering general PC usage.
 
I use my Micro Server as an Xbmc client and plex server. I only switch it on when needed.

Is it worth it to install an SSD?
 
I use my Micro Server as an Xbmc client and plex server. I only switch it on when needed.

Is it worth it to install an SSD?

I've installed windows 7 on mine because Openelec was a bit too limited. I'm not used to the slow boot times as I have SSD in my main pc so now I'm looking to upgrade to an SSD in my N54L.
 
I use my Micro Server as an Xbmc client and plex server. I only switch it on when needed.

Is it worth it to install an SSD?

You will probably save 20 seconds each time you boot up :)
 
Guys, I'm looking at purchasing the N54L this weekend. Takealot should deliver the Gigabyte GeForce GT 610 - DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card by tomorrow. I saw this thread so decided to comment here. I'm very sorry if I've jacked the thread. I'm looking at adding the following to the machine and hope you can provide some input/guidance:

N.B - I have a spare 1.5TB for the OS, hence 3x Internal HDD and I've included the DVD in the event I need to install something. You just never know.

3x Western Digital RED 3TB HDD
1x Kingston 4GB DDR3 Ram
1x LG DVD, x24 read/write
Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse
HP OEM Window Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver

I'm thinking of going with the Windows Server Edition. I'm not familiar with Ubuntu, disadvantages and advantages (except that it's free), hence the choice. I'm not going with SSD for the exact reason rrh has mentioned. The server will be on 24/7 so it's pointless to have an SSD. Plus, they don't come cheap :)

Hope I've been thorough enough.
 
Guys, I'm looking at purchasing the N54L this weekend. Takealot should deliver the Gigabyte GeForce GT 610 - DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card by tomorrow. I saw this thread so decided to comment here. I'm very sorry if I've jacked the thread. I'm looking at adding the following to the machine and hope you can provide some input/guidance:

N.B - I have a spare 1.5TB for the OS, hence 3x Internal HDD and I've included the DVD in the event I need to install something. You just never know.

3x Western Digital RED 3TB HDD
1x Kingston 4GB DDR3 Ram
1x LG DVD, x24 read/write
Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse
HP OEM Window Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver

I'm thinking of going with the Windows Server Edition. I'm not familiar with Ubuntu, disadvantages and advantages (except that it's free), hence the choice. I'm not going with SSD for the exact reason rrh has mentioned. The server will be on 24/7 so it's pointless to have an SSD. Plus, they don't come cheap :)

Hope I've been thorough enough.

Would recommend get a USB DVD drive, make use the optic bay for OS drive.

So you will get another free HDD bay for storage. :)
 
Guys, I'm looking at purchasing the N54L this weekend. Takealot should deliver the Gigabyte GeForce GT 610 - DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card by tomorrow. I saw this thread so decided to comment here. I'm very sorry if I've jacked the thread. I'm looking at adding the following to the machine and hope you can provide some input/guidance:

N.B - I have a spare 1.5TB for the OS, hence 3x Internal HDD and I've included the DVD in the event I need to install something. You just never know.

3x Western Digital RED 3TB HDD
1x Kingston 4GB DDR3 Ram
1x LG DVD, x24 read/write
Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse
HP OEM Window Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver

I'm thinking of going with the Windows Server Edition. I'm not familiar with Ubuntu, disadvantages and advantages (except that it's free), hence the choice. I'm not going with SSD for the exact reason rrh has mentioned. The server will be on 24/7 so it's pointless to have an SSD. Plus, they don't come cheap :)

Hope I've been thorough enough.

Where do you plan on buying the remote? I have one, which is the nicest remote. Prefer it over my Harmony. But the kids broke it, so I need a new one.
 
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