Which USB/NAS Server

[hamd01]

Currently I have an old PC (running WinXP), which has 8 USB drives plugged into it. I then share each drive as a windows share and connect to it from my media players for movies and films. Works a treat.

However, having an old, noisy, power hungry PC switched on 24/7 seems a bit overkill.....so I've been looking if any one device can replace it.

I have several requirements;

1. It must have at least 10 USB ports to connect the drives to, or allow you to use a powered USB hub.
2. It must recognise the drives without me having to reformat them
3. Must be small an near silent

You wouldn't think that was a big ask....but I'm struggling to find the right device. This one looked near perfect;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Synology-USB.../dp/B00466VR4C

But it seems unreliable and doesnt let you use a USB hub to connect more drives.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[dave87]

HP Microserver might be worth a look? 4 internal HDD bays, 6 usb ports (plus the option of adding PCI-E cards) and e-SATA.

Likely to be more powerful than anything else in a similar price bracket (£150ish after cashback).

[Bluecube]

As usual, I second the HP Microserver. Fantastic wee thing! I have mine on 24/7 and it's never skipped a beat. For 10 USB ports you might need to invest in a USB hub or two though.

[hamd01]

As usual, I second the HP Microserver. Fantastic wee thing! I have mine on 24/7 and it's never skipped a beat. For 10 USB ports you might need to invest in a USB hub or two though.

Looks good!

No issue with the USB hub, as I have some spare. Can anyone confirm that they do work with a powered USB hub?

Also, what type of shares does it create? Are they windows sme shares or NSF? Do you need any kind of client installing on machines in order to access the shares?

[hamd01]

Just realised that it is an actual server which needs an os installing....so ignore my previous questions.

I wasn't really wanting a server as such....more a single solid state solution like the Sinology device. I don't need a server as such, just Something which makes USB drives network drives.

[capt_cornflake]

You may not need a server, but this is a rather niche requirement that probably isn't served by a single simpler device (as you say most don't support hubs).

I'd echo the comments above, you'll struggle to do much better than the HP micro server.

[dave87]

You can stick WinXP on it if that meets all your requirements


My worry would be that anything like the Synology is going to be rather underpowered if you add more than a couple of drives...

[capt_cornflake]

One other thought is that you could possibly knock something up with a raspberry pi, as long as the USB hub has it's own power supply.

Would definitely be hackier than the micro server, but it's another option.

[hamd01]

You can stick WinXP on it if that meets all your requirements


My worry would be that anything like the Synology is going to be rather underpowered if you add more than a couple of drives...

I already have a PC with XP on it....so there isnt really any point in replacing it with another device which requires an OS. I was really looking for something which is plug-and-go.....but maybe it doesnt exists.

[BobF64]

You mention Synology, what about the Synology USB Station 2?

Can't say I've tried one, or even seen one for that matter, but it might be worth researching a little.

Theres also the possibility of the PogoPlug, but thats aimed a bit more at external access.

[Bluecube]

I run FreeNAS on my Microserver installed on an internal USB port. It was dead easy to do and setup. While not quite the plug and play you're after, it's simple enough to be pretty much that.

[hamd01]

I run FreeNAS on my Microserver installed on an internal USB port. It was dead easy to do and setup. While not quite the plug and play you're after, it's simple enough to be pretty much that.

I've decided to go with this option.

I've bought a Proliant Microsserver, and will install FreeNAS on it.

People seem to opt to boot from a pen drive installed internally....is this the best way to go?

Will the 1GB member be enough I should I upgrade it?

[Bluecube]

I found the USB pen drive install simple and painless. Follow the instructions on the website and you'll be fine.

You should have 2Gb with it rather than 1. Either way that's enough for what you want to do.

[BobF64]

People seem to opt to boot from a pen drive installed internally....is this the best way to go?

Yes, as theres an internal USB socket, and it means you dont unplug or bash it accidentally.

Although, from what I recall of mine, its quite close to the drive cage, which is riveted in and doesnt come out without some drilling and such, so you should probably avoid large fat USB sticks just in case.

[dave87]

I already have a PC with XP on it....so there isnt really any point in replacing it with another device which requires an OS. I was really looking for something which is plug-and-go.....but maybe it doesnt exists.

From what I read of your opening post your main worry was cost of running/heat generation not the fact it tied up a WinXP licence - and you seemed quite happy with the XP setup bar the cost of running/heat.


Glad you've got it sorted though.

[Dareos]

Late to the thread, but also running an HP microserver, lovely bit of kit, currently looking at popping another 2TB drive in mine, running outta space...