HP ProLiant MicroServer

Ro87 said:
So I picked up one of these servers today :)

Having some trouble installing Ubuntu 11.04 though... Will post the error message later.

What base OS are you guys running and how did you create the installation USB?
Click to expand...

I'm running XBMCfreak(so basically ubuntu 10.04) on mine but had ubuntu 11.04 on it before. Seemed fine, just 1 or 2 graphics problems with the default drivers in unity but otherwise it was fine!
The proprietary drivers fixed that.

Used unetbootin to make my usb drive. Post the error message and where in the installation it happens and we'll see if we can see what the problem is
 
SomeoneEls said:
I'm running XBMCfreak(so basically ubuntu 10.04) on mine but had ubuntu 11.04 on it before. Seemed fine, just 1 or 2 graphics problems with the default drivers in unity but otherwise it was fine!
The proprietary drivers fixed that.

Used unetbootin to make my usb drive. Post the error message and where in the installation it happens and we'll see if we can see what the problem is
Click to expand...

Ok I flashed the BIOS and Ubuntu installed perfectly :)
 
Ro87 said:
So I picked up one of these servers today :)

Having some trouble installing Ubuntu 11.04 though... Will post the error message later.

What base OS are you guys running and how did you create the installation USB?
Click to expand...

Where did you manage to get your hands on one? Seems stock is disappearing very fast :|
 
Ro87 said:
Yep. Next step is to install XBMC.
Click to expand...

That's why you had the issues that SATA port is limited for some odd reason! Curious did you find a low-profile graphics card to use for sound/video?

Ro87 said:
Axiz has stock - R959 ex VAT.
Click to expand...

Great Price :P Hmm I need to open an account

Ryder_JHB said:
Where did you manage to get your hands on one? Seems stock is disappearing very fast :|
Click to expand...

Online shop63.co.za can get stock apparentely... Probably from Axiz ;)
 
SomeoneEls said:
That's why you had the issues that SATA port is limited for some odd reason!
Click to expand...

The eSATA port runs through the same thing the optical drive SATA connector runs, which is a sort of faux-SATA setup, causing problems for some people. I'd recommend running your OS off of a flash drive plugged into the internal USB port. If you're going to need more hard drives, rather get a PCIe SATA adapter with a couple of ports. They're not particularly expensive and will offer better performance than the somewhat-dodge SATA connectors. Also, keep in mind that those SATA ports run at slower-than-normal speeds (I can't recall the exact speed right now, but it was the same as traditional IDE cables, so 66MBit or so), so if you're going to be running those drives in a RAID setup, your entire array will take a huge performance knock.
 
SomeoneEls said:
That's why you had the issues that SATA port is limited for some odd reason! Curious did you find a low-profile graphics card to use for sound/video?
Click to expand...

Not yet, I'm still looking for cards that will fit without any hasle.

A particular card like a GT210 comes in so many different permutations according to the brand. I'm leaning towards an actively cooled one though.

What cards are you guys using?
Any recommendations?
 
Messugga said:
The eSATA port runs through the same thing the optical drive SATA connector runs, which is a sort of faux-SATA setup, causing problems for some people. I'd recommend running your OS off of a flash drive plugged into the internal USB port. If you're going to need more hard drives, rather get a PCIe SATA adapter with a couple of ports. They're not particularly expensive and will offer better performance than the somewhat-dodge SATA connectors. Also, keep in mind that those SATA ports run at slower-than-normal speeds (I can't recall the exact speed right now, but it was the same as traditional IDE cables, so 66MBit or so), so if you're going to be running those drives in a RAID setup, your entire array will take a huge performance knock.
Click to expand...
It runs at 33Mb/s:sick: that's why I stuck to my usb drive and the 4 x 2TB.

But I read the chipset can handle 6 x 3.0GBps SATA ports. HP also says the eSATA port is gen2 which would be 3.0GBps. Not sure what the speeds the onboard SATA attains once the bios is flashed with the homebrew one.
Maybe Ro87 can let us know?

Ro87 said:
Not yet, I'm still looking for cards that will fit without any hasle.

A particular card like a GT210 comes in so many different permutations according to the brand. I'm leaning towards an actively cooled one though.

What cards are you guys using?
Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
True it does! Actively cooled one's seem a lot smaller! I've got an actively cooled Asus GT210 looking for another one!
 
SomeoneEls said:
It runs at 33Mb/s:sick: that's why I stuck to my usb drive and the 4 x 2TB.

But I read the chipset can handle 6 x 3.0GBps SATA ports. HP also says the eSATA port is gen2 which would be 3.0GBps. Not sure what the speeds the onboard SATA attains once the bios is flashed with the homebrew one.
Maybe Ro87 can let us know?


True it does! Actively cooled one's seem a lot smaller! I've got an actively cooled Asus GT210 looking for another one!
Click to expand...

Apparently it unlocks to to full speed, if you look in the biod its set and locked on IDE mode which the bios hack you can enable ACHI on the internal port which should make it run at full speed! That being said if you are just using it as a OS drive IDE is actually but i will more likely than not flash mine when it arrives on friday! Heres the link : http://www.avforums.com/forums/14289120-post3.html and http://www.avforums.com/forums/14289126-post4.html

If anyone goes ahead and does this please let me know! Thanks :)

EDIT:

Im just wondering if you are only going to run the OS on the internal sata port i dont actually think there is much advantage to upgrading the bios. The esata port should run at full speed? Is someone who has the unit willing to test that? I would more likely than not add a sata expansion card for extra sata ports for the parity drive!
 
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Finally received my enclosure installed it.

Now just to flash the internal Sata port - see pics of installed : http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showgallery.php/cat/1137

Well build now largely completed.

Flashed the Bios - using the newest HP released bios as at 27/05/2011 along with the file post in the WHS v1 Installation.

Installed the Raidon MR2020-2S-S2R 2 x 2.5" Raid 0/1 enclosure - for the OS. Housing 2 x 640Gb 2.5" seagates

Along with 4 x 2Tb Samsung F4's for the storage.

So total hdd space on rig = 9 Tb

Setting up a esxi vmware server to run all the rest for me.

IMG_0319.jpg
 
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SomeoneEls said:
It runs at 33Mb/s:sick: that's why I stuck to my usb drive and the 4 x 2TB.

But I read the chipset can handle 6 x 3.0GBps SATA ports. HP also says the eSATA port is gen2 which would be 3.0GBps. Not sure what the speeds the onboard SATA attains once the bios is flashed with the homebrew one.
Maybe Ro87 can let us know?

True it does! Actively cooled one's seem a lot smaller! I've got an actively cooled Asus GT210 looking for another one!
Click to expand...

I used the bios from the HP site:

h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=4248009&prodNameId=4248029&swEnvOID=4064&swLang=13&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=MTX-42694d7e7bb8426fb0d8637ec4

I haven't tested the onboard SATA yet as 4 drives is enough for me.

Would you kindly post the link to your ASUS GT210 and where you bought it from?

Thanks :)
 
I ordered one from shop63 should hopefully arrive tomorrow.
 
Mine arrives on friday!

Just need to pick:
2GB RAM
Gigabit Switch
2TB HDD
CAT5 Cable
RJ45 Plugs
 
My server arrived this morning.
Cant wait to set it up.

I ordered from Shop63.co.za on Monday.
I have had great service from them they responded to all emails within 30min.
I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to order one of these.
 
Ro87 said:
Not yet, I'm still looking for cards that will fit without any hasle.

A particular card like a GT210 comes in so many different permutations according to the brand. I'm leaning towards an actively cooled one though.

What cards are you guys using?
Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

The Inno3D GT210 Active cooled fits without modification from what I understand - the problem is getting one - suppliers cant seem to distinguish between the active and passive cooled when placing the order - so you may get either.

I tried to order the active cooled, but got the passive cooled. I have a simple plan to modify the heatsink - basically trim about 10 - 15mm of the fins of the bottom, and it will slide in easily (fins are made of light metal and will trim easily). Will post pics when I get it done - its easy and will work.

Out of desperation, Ive even tried the ASUS GT220 Active cooled - this DOES NOT fit - modifying is going to be difficult as the heat sink is made of solid metal. From the pics, the ASUS GT210 Active cooled heat sink looks similar, so Im doubting that will fit either.

Ive also has a look at the ASUS GT210 Passive, and the heatsink is much larger than the Inno3D - the shape will make it difficult to trim the fins down.

Thats about all Ive tried. If you can get you hands on an Inno3D GT210 Active, thats the way to go. If not, the Passive will work with modification.

I didn't try the ATI 5450 due to XBMC's superior support for Nvidia.
 
Ro87 said:
I used the bios from the HP site:

h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=4248009&prodNameId=4248029&swEnvOID=4064&swLang=13&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=MTX-42694d7e7bb8426fb0d8637ec4

I haven't tested the onboard SATA yet as 4 drives is enough for me.

Would you kindly post the link to your ASUS GT210 and where you bought it from?

Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Oh sorry was under the impression you were booting off the onboard SATA my bad! Dunno why you had an issue then!

I'm of no use to you finding on unfortunately! I got mine from a friend, second-hand. This is what it looks like http://www.jump.co.za/prices/1625-Asus-GT210-512mb-64bit-DDR2.htm
Those three shops might be able to get them but what I'm gonna try do is get one from a physical store, as then you can check yourself for the low-profile bracket etc... and that its actively cooled not a passive one
 
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