[ale] Home Data Server Project

[Ryan Marshall]

I did something similar recently and here's the thought processes I
went through:

First, RAID is not a replacement for backups.  RAID is for high
availability.  If the extra cash is worth not having to live without
your server for as long as it takes you to restore from backup, go for
it.  I couldn't justify the cost.  Also, RAID won't save your butt
from an "oops."  Then, there's the issue of hardware failure.
Granted, RAID will protect you against a single drive failure, but if
you're using hardware RAID and the controller fails, you're in a
pickle unless you can get that exact model again.

I ended up with a single drive, doing a weekly rsync to an external
USB drive that stays powered off and disconnected.  I might even keep
the backup drive at work for that extra level of reassurance.

On the issue of HTPC storage, I've read that streaming HD video on SMB
through a wireless-G connection doesn't work all that well.  I can't
confirm it personally since I opted to plug in my set-top box and use
NFS instead.  YMMV.  Keep in mind that wireless networks use a shared
bus, so there's only 54 (or 108)Mbps shared amongst all devices.

Finally, I had to think about the cost of operation and that steered
me towards an Atom platform for low power consumption.  I don't
particularly care for intel, but the whole system consumes between 30
and 50w.  Dual 1.6's is way more than I need when I'm not trying to
transcode video on it.

I've had bad experiences with small cases overheating and killing
drives, so I opted to forego the optical drive and instead got a 3.5
to 5.25 adapter with 2 front mounted 40mm fans.  I keep USB DVD drive
around and use it as needed.

On the software side, my Windows install mounts the SMB shares and my
linux installs mount the NFS shares.  I run an SSHd daemon for SCP'ing
files from work and a few more daemons for various other interests.

Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the build, although I'm starting to
feel the need for a 2tb drive.  The downside obviously is that since I
use a single drive, I can't just go out and get multiple drives that
offer the best $/gb at the moment.  But, that cost is offset by the
simplicity of the hardware.

Take from that what you like.