Project Home Server – Quest For An Upgrade

The project. Upgrade to a new home server with new specs and software, etc.

Why? My HP MediaSmart home server was end of line and both Microsoft Windows Home Server and my Avast Antivirus Home Server software were no longer upgrading or being supported.

What is it? The Home Server was for a few things. It served (pun) as a file share location for photos, videos, etc., as well as a backup server for all desktops and laptops with access to that server. Simple.

Upgrade. After a little research I decided on the HP Proliant N40L Microserver. To add to the challenge, I read where folks were installing VMWare ESXi on it, creating a virtual environment. Originally I had planned on just installing MS Windows Server 2012 Essentials. After reading, I convinced myself of doing this virtual and ALSO going with unRAID OS and CrashPlan for backups. But before you purists out there start losing your digital panties and choking on your Bawls, it’s okay. I’m not sure how I’ll work the 2 OS’s together. I may not and play with 2012 Essentials as a test server. Either way, it’s time for an upgrade.

Parts.
HP Proliant N40L $280 (discount)
upgrades to the upgrade
16 GB kit Crucial Ballistix (non ECC) $90
Intel Gigabit CT NIC (addition to existing) $40
16 GB Micro Flash Drive (for ESXi) $13
2x 2 TB Western Digital Red Drives $115 x2

More to come on how it goes.