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Chat => Guides & Projects => Topic started by: XEntity on September 07, 2011, 19:46:46 PM

Title: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on September 07, 2011, 19:46:46 PM
Here is a guide to the HP Proliant Microserver, from purchasing to upgrading to setting up.

Special thanks to Clock'd 0Ne, Russell, HUKD, those people I have linked to and all of those that have linked to this guide!



Contents


1. Initial Purchase
   1.1 - Specification
   1.2 - Purchasing
   1.3 - Performance Comparison
   1.4 - Additional accessories
   1.5 - Other discussions

2. Upgrades
   2.1 - BIOS
   2.2 - RAM
   2.3 - Drives
   2.4 - Graphics

3. Installation
   3.1 - Hardware
   3.2 - Accessories
   3.3 - Which OS?
   3.4 - Drivers

4. Misc Links


(http://photos.pcpro.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_PC_Pro/dir_317/it_photo_158899_52.jpg)



1. Initial Purchase


1.1 - Specification (With my comments)

    Processor:
        AMD Turion™ II Neo N40L (1.5GHz) / N36L (1.3GHz) / G7 N54L (2.2Ghz)
        AMD RS785E/SB820M chipset
    Memory:
        Two (2) DIMM slots
        2GB ECC (1x2GB) Standard or 4GB (1x4GB)/8GB Maximum, using PC3-10600E DDR3 Unbuffered (UDIMM) ECC memory, operating at max. 800MHz ECC not essential
    Storage Controller:
        Embedded AMD SATA controller with RAID 0, 1 (Can do other RAID, e.g. RAID 5 via software)
        Embedded AMD eSATA controller for connecting external storage devices via the eSATA connector in the rear of the server
    Internal Drive Support:
        4 Internal HDD Support <--- Not strictly true, there are 5 internal SATA connectors one for Optical drive, you can use a HD in here with suitable mount or removable HDD bay, however to get full bandwidth benefit a BIOS upgrade mentioned below is advisable
        Maximum internal SATA storage capacity of up to 12.0TB (4 x 3TB 3.5" SATA drives) +3TB as mentioned above + eSATA (which you can route internally also)
    Network Controller:
        Embedded NC107i PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Server Adapter
    Expansion Slots:
        Slot 1: PCI-Express Gen 2 x16 connector with x16 link
        Slot 2: PCI-Express Gen 2 x1 connector with x1 Link
        Slot 2-2: PCI-Express x4 slot for optional management card
    USB 2.0 Ports:
        Seven (7) USB 2.0 ports: 4 front , 2 rear, 1 internal (for tape or USB stick)
    Power Supply:
        150 Watts Non-Hot Plug, Non Redundant Power Supply (Actual power usage seems to be between 30 - 45 watts)
    Management:
        Optional MicroServer Remote Access Card
    Operating System:
        Supports Windows and Red Hat Linux If Windows - a server version suggested if RAID5 required
    Form Factor:
        Ultra Micro tower (1 x 5+1/4" Drive bay - for some reason not mentioned in standard specs)
    Warranty:
        This product is covered by a global limited warranty and supported by HP Services and a worldwide network of HP Authorized Channel Partners. Hardware diagnostic support and repair is available for one year from date of purchase. Support for software and initial setup is available for 90 days from date of purchase. Enhancements to warranty services are available through HP Care Pack services or customized service agreements. Hard drives have either a one year or three year warranty; refer to the specific hard drive QuickSpecs for details.
        NOTE: Server Warranty includes 1 year Next Day Parts replacement, 0-Years Labor, 0-Years Onsite support. Additional information regarding worldwide limited warranty and technical support is available at: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/platforms/warranty/index.html (http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/platforms/warranty/index.html)



1.2 - Purchasing your HP Microserver

You can get one of these fantastic servers from £109 for the N54L!

The HP £100 cash back offer is back and available on the N54L model (The cashback offer usually runs to the end of the month, but is extended each month):

- I have no idea how long this will continue to be repeated
- Make sure that the part code is correct as mentioned in the cash back deal and that the site you are buying from is HP certified.
- Apparently you do not need to post you proof, if you can scan your form you can send to promotions@out-bound.co.uk (you should get a response in a couple of days)
- Payment is reliable, you  just have to be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks.
- Check for the best price around! www.hotukdeals.com (http://www.hotukdeals.com) is always a good place to see where the latest deals are on and there's always Google
- Also don't forget quidco and other additional cashback offers or discounts!

1.3 - Performance Comparison

This link has a comparison of the different models processing power, looks to be 57% CPU increase from the N36L to the N54L although that wont tell the whole story admittedly:

http://homeservershow.com/performance-comparison-of-rumored-hp-proliant-g8-microserver-cpus-g630t-g530t.html (http://homeservershow.com/performance-comparison-of-rumored-hp-proliant-g8-microserver-cpus-g630t-g530t.html)

There is also this more comprehensive comparison between the N40L and N54L:

http://homeservershow.com/performance-comparison-of-windows-server-2012-essentials-on-the-hp-proliant-n40l-microserver-and-the-hp-proliant-n54l-g7-microserver.html (http://homeservershow.com/performance-comparison-of-windows-server-2012-essentials-on-the-hp-proliant-n40l-microserver-and-the-hp-proliant-n54l-g7-microserver.html)


1.4 - Additional accessories may be required

- The top bay is provided with a molex power connector and that's it, if you want to put a drive in there you will need a SATA cable (right angled ideally) and a molex to SATA power adapter - They'll only be a couple of quid - try eBay or Amazon

- Optical drive if you want/need one


General Discussion Threads on Other Sites

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-proliant-microserver-220-04-2-49-delivery-crescent-electronics/888083 (http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-proliant-microserver-220-04-2-49-delivery-crescent-electronics/888083) ~1500 posts

http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=958208 (http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=958208) > 2500 posts, first post has some good links..
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on September 07, 2011, 19:47:19 PM

2. Upgrades


2.1 - BIOS

Updating your BIOS can increase the speed of the Optical drive SATA port, as seems to be limited to operate in a combined IDE mode when shipped originally. However it was reported that the later HP BIOS supports the full speed but this has since been confirmed false, you will need the 3rd party modified BIOS to unlock AHCI mode for the 5th SATA port. There may also be other benefits of upgrading.

Latest HP BIOS:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=4248009&prodNameId=4310887&swEnvOID=4064&swLang=8&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=MTX-42694d7e7bb8426fb0d8637ec4 (http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=4248009&prodNameId=4310887&swEnvOID=4064&swLang=8&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=MTX-42694d7e7bb8426fb0d8637ec4)

Original post to 3rd party BIOS to increase SATA speed:
http://forum.wegotserved.com/index.php/topic/16427-whs-on-hp-proliant-microserver/page__st__120__p__104539#entry104539 (http://forum.wegotserved.com/index.php/topic/16427-whs-on-hp-proliant-microserver/page__st__120__p__104539#entry104539)

Updated 3rd party BIOS to increase SATA speed, which is based on the newer BIOS:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1521657-hp-n36l-microserver-updated-ahci-bios-support.html (http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1521657-hp-n36l-microserver-updated-ahci-bios-support.html)

BIOS mod guide if you already have the BIOS dated 01.17.2011 preinstalled from factory: (Thanks Clock'd)
http://www.avforums.com/forums/15113684-post355.html (http://www.avforums.com/forums/15113684-post355.html)


2.2 - RAM

ECC or NON-ECC?

What is ECC memory: http://www.tech-faq.com/ecc-memory.html (http://www.tech-faq.com/ecc-memory.html)

Basically is has in built error checking, which makes it more reliable (but slower and more expensive). Modern RAM is reliable enough you are highly unlikely to see any benefit in ECC.

What should I chose?

If you decide to run mission critical software that will have a lot of RAM throughput on it, then ECC may be worth while!

Most however have gone for non-ECC as it is inexpensive and an easy upgrade!


The HUKD thread has mentioned the below ECC (Thanks Clock'd):

http://www.base.com/buy/product/kingston-valueram-memory-2-gb-dimm-240-pin-ddr3-1333-mhz-pc3-10600-cl9-1-5-v-unbuffered-ecc/dgc-kvr1333d3e9s_2g.htm (http://www.base.com/buy/product/kingston-valueram-memory-2-gb-dimm-240-pin-ddr3-1333-mhz-pc3-10600-cl9-1-5-v-unbuffered-ecc/dgc-kvr1333d3e9s_2g.htm)
Also the 4Gb module:
http://www.base.com/buy/product/kingston-4gb-ddr3-1333mhz-ecc-240pin-dimm-memory-module/dgc-el-02026393.htm (http://www.base.com/buy/product/kingston-4gb-ddr3-1333mhz-ecc-240pin-dimm-memory-module/dgc-el-02026393.htm)
Slightly cheaper at Kikatech:
http://www.kikatek.com/product_info.php?products_id=114632 (http://www.kikatek.com/product_info.php?products_id=114632)

When choosing 'performance' RAM that is cheaper than ECC, please be aware that some modules by brands such as Corsair, Crucial, etc will feature large heatsinks. Due to low clearance above the RAM slots on the microserver motherboard it is not recommended to buy RAM with large heatsink unless these can be removed.


2.3 - Hard Disk / Solid State / USB Drives?

PLEASE NOTE: SCREWS FOR MOUNTING DISKS CAN BE FOUND ON THE INSIDE ON THE FRONT DOOR.
The most popular choice of HDD for storage is the Samsung F4 2TB, I'm not saying this is your only choice, but works well with the server and plays nicely with RAID (Some drives wont). Also it's the best bang for buck (or was until the flood)

Also make sure the firmware on the Samsung drive is up to date, the early model has a slight fault in the firmware. Guide here to update firmware: http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/how-to-update-firmware-(flash)-samsung-2tb-hd204ui/ (http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/how-to-update-firmware-(flash)-samsung-2tb-hd204ui/)

Official specs from HP state a 2TB per drive limit, however there are people happily running 4x3TB drives, it looks to be supported by default, but is worth checking before purchase. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU APPEAR NOT TO BE ABLE TO BOOT FROM 3TB DRIVES.

Some people chose to boot from USB drives, meaning that the full 5 internal SATA slots can be filled with HD's for storage, usually this uses a linux NAS distro (See "Which OS") You can also use an internal USB drive for keeping a drive image of the OS drive as I do with Acronis.

Solid State Drives.. Yes they work, but no I haven't a lot to add at this point. However you can fit a slim SSD or laptop HD in the top section along side another HD or optical drive, but you will need to take a feed from the eSATA and pass it through the cover over the PCI slots. If used I believe you will need to slide this in under the top part of the chasis above the HD array bays, this obviously wont be mounted securely!!!


2.4 - Graphics

Generally you should not need a graphics card if you are just planning to use the server as a fileserver, the onboard ATI powered graphics are more than capable for basic running.
If you are considering a HTPC or transcoding media server, you will need something more substantial. The two most recommended cards I have seen are the Radeon HD5450 1Gb which will confidently play 1080p with HDMI audio passthrough, or for those that prefer nVidia or wish to use linux/XMBC setup the GT510/GT520 cards are the recommended options, as these have better driver support.
You need to choose cards that are half-height and with low profile heatsinks, preferably passively cooled

Recommended cards
HIS HD 6450 Silence Edition £36.99 playing 1080p with audio pass-through in XBMC - confirmed by sexytw
Sapphire Radeon HD5450 1Gb - should come with half-height brackets and is suitably low profile
Zotec nVidia 210 512MB graphics card, its £25ish and plays 1080p with HDMI audio, also had more luck with nVidia cards over ATI when running on Linux (Ubuntu or XBMC Live). - Recommended by Leon


 

3. Installation


3.1 - Hardware

PLEASE NOTE: SCREWS FOR MOUNTING DISKS CAN BE FOUND ON THE INSIDE ON THE FRONT DOOR.

Useful guides and videos to assist with hardware installation:
HP Parts and Upgrades Guides (http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SupportTaskIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=uk&taskId=125&prodSeriesId=4248009&prodTypeId=15351&supportTaskId=23234)

Direct Link to Video guides:

HP Parts and Upgrades Video Guides (http://h20464.www2.hp.com/resultsCSR.htm?prodSeriesId=4248009&MEID=0A19D1A2-CF87-4F96-ABE4-2546FE1F5D48)


3.2 - Accessories

There is no additional SATA cable provided for a 5.25" bay device and the power connector located here is a 4-pin molex, not a SATA power connector. Please check if you have these cables spare if necessary, if not factor these into your purchasing.

Notes:
Some tall USB pens such as the Cruzer Contour will not fit the internal USB slot without a flexible adapter.
If planning on routing an eSATA to SATA cable through the expansion slot at the rear, a 0.5m cable length is perfect to accommodate this.

For mounting HDDs in the spare 5.25" bay
Cheap & cheerful (as used by Clock'd 0Ne):
StarTech.com Metal 3.5 to 5.25 Inch Drive Adapter Bracket (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001UZQWG/ref=nosim/?tag=hotukdeals-21) - only £2.32 w/ free delivery from Amazon.co.uk
Removable swap bay for the spare 5.25" bay
IcyBox IB-168SK-B Mobile Rack (http://www.icybox.com.tw/page/dmr_products/dmr_ib-168sk-b.htm)
Cheapest prices found at Scan (http://www.scan.co.uk/products/icybox-trayless-ib-168sk-b-sata-to-sata-hdd-black-colour) or Tekheads (http://www.tekheads.co.uk/product/IcyBox-Trayless-IB-168SK-B-SATA-to-SATA-HDD-Black_11512.html) (both ex delivery)
Cheapest alternative found at Amazon.co.uk w/ free delivery:  StarTech.com 5.25" Tray-Less SATA Hot-Swap Bay (http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-5-25-Tray-Less-SATA-Hot-Swap/dp/B000KS8S9W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1315435862&sr=8-2)

Some installs (http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=11585.150) have managed to squeeze two 3.5" HDDs into the 5.25" bay using a Nexus "Double Twin" HDD Silencer or Noiseblocker X-Swing, but these are a discontinued line and now very hard to find, you may be able to find one via some extensive Googling or on eBay.


3.3 - Which OS

Windows Server 2003/8 - Is a popular choice for those people who want to use RAID 5 and have the ability to run other software, 2008 is officially supported by HP

Windows Home Server - This is also a popular choice for the more domestic use and now 2011 is now officially supported by HP, and 2003 works without problems.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server - I assume will also give the RAID5 benefit and the official support by HP, but for those in the Linux camp (I'm not)

Windows 7 - Good if you don't want RAID5 and want a lean windows machine, pro version is however desirable if only for remote desktop access.

FreeNAS - Able to boot from the internal USB slot, leaves the rest of the SATA ports for pure storage! But that is all you will get, you can't run other software.

Unraid NAS - Similar to the above, but I believe a bit more advanced - unRAID guide here: http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/unraid-server-setup-management-guide-(using-an-hp-microserver) (http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/unraid-server-setup-management-guide-(using-an-hp-microserver))


3.4 - Drivers

Official Drivers:
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Foundation Edition
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Small Business
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server (x86)
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Server (x86-64)
Available at: HP Business Support Website (http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DriverDownload.jsp?prodNameId=4248029&lang=en&cc=uk&taskId=135&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=4248009)

Server 2003 - Thanks Russell

NIC Driver -  http://www.broadcom.com/support/license.php?file=570x/win_xp_2k3_32-14.6.0.6a.zip (http://www.broadcom.com/support/license.php?file=570x/win_xp_2k3_32-14.6.0.6a.zip) taken from http://www.broadcom.com/support/ethernet_nic/netxtreme_server.php (http://www.broadcom.com/support/ethernet_nic/netxtreme_server.php)
AMD Processor Driver - http://support.amd.com/us/Pages/dynamicDetails.aspx?ListID=c5cd2c08-1432-4756-aafa-4d9dc646342f&ItemID=173&lang=us (http://support.amd.com/us/Pages/dynamicDetails.aspx?ListID=c5cd2c08-1432-4756-aafa-4d9dc646342f&ItemID=173&lang=us)
 (You'll need to have at least SP1 for 2003 on before installing the Processor Driver, which is a nice 372mb download.)
Chipset & CPU - http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/embedded/Pages/embedded_windows_all.aspx (http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/embedded/Pages/embedded_windows_all.aspx) think I've got the right one from a rather long list* on http://wwwd.amd.com/AMD/SReleaseF.nsf/softwarepages/DriversbyDeviceChipset?OpenDocument (http://wwwd.amd.com/AMD/SReleaseF.nsf/softwarepages/DriversbyDeviceChipset?OpenDocument)
Graphics Driver - Packages\Drivers\Display\XP_INF section in the Win XP Drivers from here: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/embedded/Pages/embedded_windows_all.aspx (http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/embedded/Pages/embedded_windows_all.aspx)

* For Server 2008 users the Vista/Win 7 drivers should be used

Windows XP (and 2003)
This forum post: http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?p=13201219 (http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?p=13201219)

Windows Home Server
This forum post has quite a bit on WHS: http://forum.wegotserved.com/index.php/topic/16427-whs-on-hp-proliant-microserver/page__p__98307#entry98307 (http://forum.wegotserved.com/index.php/topic/16427-whs-on-hp-proliant-microserver/page__p__98307#entry98307)

Windows 7
Apparently doesn't need drivers, W7 picks them up just fine (If anyone can confirm)

 

4. Misc Links
 

Tim's 7.24TB "Tiddler" Unraid NAS - includes BIOS mod/settings (http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1429720-tims-7-24tb-tiddler-unraid-nas.html)

Very cool: Massive Array of Inexpensive Servers (MAIS) (http://www.#fed225-bricks.com/2011/06/17/project-massive-array-of-inexpensive-servers-aka-mais/) :bow:

Install XBMC on it: http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/%28wip%29-automated-media-server-xbmc-setup-%28long-image-heavy%29 (http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/%28wip%29-automated-media-server-xbmc-setup-%28long-image-heavy%29)

Excellent guide/users thread over on LimeTech/unRAID forums: http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=67cf6f16a4c7a6288e9c8d8549815005&topic=11585.0 (http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=67cf6f16a4c7a6288e9c8d8549815005&topic=11585.0)

Microserver front door 'dust filter' mod: http://forums.hexus.net/chassis-system-modding/201873-hp-microserver-dust-filter-mod.html (http://forums.hexus.net/chassis-system-modding/201873-hp-microserver-dust-filter-mod.html)
 - Suitable with this filter material (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390325378318?clk_rvr_id=260616885761&afsrc=1)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: addictweb on September 07, 2011, 19:57:31 PM
Awesome idea, I was thinking we needed exactly this but wasn't sure if it was distinct enough from the XBMC guide to be worth creating.

I intend to replace Windows 7 with Windows Server 2008 R2 soon so I will try to document that fully.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on September 07, 2011, 22:42:33 PM
Admins feel free to modify the thread, if you want to add more content or other peoples posts..

I need someone to add some info on graphics card choices? and any other info you think should be included?

I think it's worth having a guide for this as the XBMC guide only really touches on this one..
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on September 07, 2011, 23:23:08 PM
This is brilliant. I've added some info the graphics card section and I will try and put some more details in the driver section :thumbup:

Adding an accessories section for recommended H/W such as for additional drives, e.g cables, 3.5" to 5.25" adapters...
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Russell on September 27, 2011, 19:40:52 PM
Great working putting it all together, one more from me for the 2003 drivers is the correct graphics drivers, they're found under the Packages\Drivers\Display\XP_INF section in the Win XP Drivers from here:

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/embedded/Pages/embedded_windows_all.aspx
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on September 27, 2011, 20:35:41 PM
Updated  ;)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on September 28, 2011, 11:00:54 AM
Nice guide, i'll add a link to my XBMC/Media server guide.

Would also recommend the Zotec nVidia 210 512MB graphics card, its £25ish and plays 1080p with HDMI audio, also had more luck with nVidia cards over ATI when running on Linux (Ubuntu or XBMC Live).
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Mardoni on September 28, 2011, 12:21:39 PM
Awesome guide !
I'm going to be ordering one of these before the end of September so this is really handy :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on September 28, 2011, 21:07:05 PM
Nice guide, i'll add a link to my XBMC/Media server guide.

Would also recommend the Zotec nVidia 210 512MB graphics card, its £25ish and plays 1080p with HDMI audio, also had more luck with nVidia cards over ATI when running on Linux (Ubuntu or XBMC Live).

Cheers and added your graphics card recommendation  ;)

And welcome to HUKD members, feel free to add your comments and I'll update the thread!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Mardoni on October 13, 2011, 14:19:48 PM
Great guide :)

I've taken delivery of my Proliant w/ Zotek GT 210 and 8GB (2*4) Corsair XMS 3; all hardware fits like a glove and works :)

I did make one silly pre-delivery purhase; I opted for a set of 3.5" to 5.25" brackets rather than a rack. I can now say that the brackets don't work as the Proliant's 5.25" bay has a quick release mechanism and doesn't allow for screw fittings. So I've got a rack on order now ;)

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on October 13, 2011, 14:24:19 PM
I went for the bracket and it doesnt fit but I sort of wedged it in instead :P
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on October 13, 2011, 18:04:58 PM
Is it the same bracket that Clock'd mentions in the main thread above? If so I'll change the thread?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on October 13, 2011, 18:30:30 PM
Hmmm it looks like it is the same one, I can't be sure tho. Wait for Clock'd to confirm.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Mardoni on October 13, 2011, 18:49:10 PM
That was the bracket I ordered but the one that was delivered was not made by Startech.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on October 13, 2011, 21:30:05 PM
Does that not then screw on to the HD and then the you screw the mount screws to that?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Mardoni on October 13, 2011, 22:16:38 PM
There's nowhere to screw the mount to the chassis, that's part of the problem. The 5.25" bay has a quick release mechanism not screws.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on October 13, 2011, 23:00:36 PM
There's nowhere to screw the mount to the chassis, that's part of the problem. The 5.25" bay has a quick release mechanism not screws.

You dont screw the mount to the chasis, there are screws that you attach to the optical drive, which are found screwed in to the inside of the door panel.

Surely you just put those screws in the mount, then slide the whole thing in?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on October 14, 2011, 08:30:47 AM

You dont screw the mount to the chasis, there are screws that you attach to the optical drive, which are found screwed in to the inside of the door panel.

Surely you just put those screws in the mount, then slide the whole thing in?

That may be the case, I didn't even realise that there were spares in the door until after I had put everything together :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Beanissocoollike on October 14, 2011, 09:54:56 AM
There's nowhere to screw the mount to the chassis, that's part of the problem. The 5.25" bay has a quick release mechanism not screws.

You dont screw the mount to the chasis, there are screws that you attach to the optical drive, which are found screwed in to the inside of the door panel.

Surely you just put those screws in the mount, then slide the whole thing in?

This is exactly what you do. Dang, signed in as the missus by accident!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Mardoni on October 14, 2011, 15:14:37 PM
Oh for the love of God, there are screws in the door panel ? I think it's time I go to Specsavers  :muttley:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on October 14, 2011, 15:33:30 PM
Oh for the love of God, there are screws in the door panel ? I think it's time I go to Specsavers  :muttley:

haha indeed, I only noticed after I had spent a couple hours finding odd screws to secure the 4 HDD's - Doh.

Maybe put it in big text at the start of the guide?! :P
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on October 14, 2011, 15:52:57 PM
I'm sure I mentioned this somewhere  :lol:

When I get my first drive and cover the unRAID setup I'll be sure to post up lots of photos and things ;)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Mardoni on October 14, 2011, 16:01:08 PM
Even with the screws the mounting bracket I received still doesn't fit right. I have to have the 4 mounting screws pretty much completely unwound in order to get the bracket to sit in the guide rail.

Hopefully this picture will highlight (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--5QAdyznWn0/TphOgmGVdrI/AAAAAAAAEWg/Fp0NA2GnuvI/s800/IMG_20111014_154245.jpg) the short coming :/

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on October 14, 2011, 16:03:23 PM
Try rotating your brackets 90 degrees and screwing them into the side of the HDD, then it should slide snugly in and out without having to screw in at the sides (this is exactly how I mounted my 5.25" brackets with 3.5" HDD)

Is it this you're using: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001UZQWG/ref=nosim/ (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001UZQWG/ref=nosim/)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on October 14, 2011, 16:05:14 PM
Try rotating your brackets 90 degrees and screwing them into the side of the HDD, then it should slide snugly in and out without having to screw in at the sides (this is exactly how I mounted my 5.25" brackets with 3.5" HDD)

Sounds like this is what I did, its not screwed in to the 5.25 but more wedged :P
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on October 14, 2011, 16:41:05 PM
I'm sure I mentioned this somewhere  :lol:


It was, but I've now added it in capitals to 2 sections above! ;)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Mardoni on October 14, 2011, 17:21:51 PM
I have employed the "Hulk Bend" methodology to the brackets and the HDD now sits in the 5.25" bay, in the brackets, snugly. The bracket's no longer have 90 degree corners but hey, it works.

...now to see if I can cancel the unwanted rack (no I can't. :p)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: fishlos on December 01, 2011, 00:32:10 AM
Nice post.. just to make it more thoroughly may I point you to this set of videos HP has put together to cover most removal/upgrade activities.
Customer Self-Repair Steps (videos/animations) (http://h20464.www2.hp.com/resultsCSR.htm?prodSeriesId=4248009&MEID=0A19D1A2-CF87-4F96-ABE4-2546FE1F5D48)
regards
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Bacon on December 01, 2011, 05:02:13 AM
http://www.tekforums.net/bargains-and-freebies/sapphire-hd-6450-512mb-ddr3-low-profile!-27-inc/msg192319/#msg192319
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 01, 2011, 19:00:52 PM
Nice post.. just to make it more thoroughly may I point you to this set of videos HP has put together to cover most removal/upgrade activities.
Customer Self-Repair Steps (videos/animations) (http://h20464.www2.hp.com/resultsCSR.htm?prodSeriesId=4248009&MEID=0A19D1A2-CF87-4F96-ABE4-2546FE1F5D48)
regards

Cheers, there is actually a link to the HP guides in the Hardware section, but added your direct link to the videos..

Glad you found it useful!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: g725s on December 03, 2011, 04:44:12 AM
Thank you so much for all the helpful information and links about this HP server.  Just got an N40L for $249US.  And this thread is a great resource.  One of the best well laid out all-in-one threads I've found so far.

I do have a few questions:

Why don't you mention Windows Home Sever 2011 as an OS?  I thought the N40L is officially certified for WHS 2011 use.
 
Also, I thought I read or saw a post somewhere on the web where 3tb drives were being used. You only mention 2tb drives.  How large of drive can be used in this HP Proliant Microserver?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Bacon on December 03, 2011, 05:33:30 AM
Thank you so much for all the helpful information and links about this HP server.  Just got an N40L for $249US.  And this thread is a great resource.  One of the best well laid out all-in-one threads I've found so far.

I do have a few questions:

Why don't you mention Windows Home Sever 2011 as an OS?  I thought the N40L is officially certified for WHS 2011 use.
 
Also, I thought I read or saw a post somewhere on the web where 3tb drives were being used. You only mention 2tb drives.  How large of drive can be used in this HP Proliant Microserver?

According to HP the N40L supports 4x2TB drives only.

According to the web, 3TB drives can be used (although not officially supported) but you can't boot from them, only use them as data backup/storage i assume.

I'm sure someone else will confirm later.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 03, 2011, 18:00:04 PM
Thank you so much for all the helpful information and links about this HP server.  Just got an N40L for $249US.  And this thread is a great resource.  One of the best well laid out all-in-one threads I've found so far.

I do have a few questions:

Why don't you mention Windows Home Sever 2011 as an OS?  I thought the N40L is officially certified for WHS 2011 use.
 
Also, I thought I read or saw a post somewhere on the web where 3tb drives were being used. You only mention 2tb drives.  How large of drive can be used in this HP Proliant Microserver?

You're welcome, so WHS 2011 was not mentioned, as it wasn't officially supported at the time, but is now although not mentioned on the main product page (I've updated the OS list to include this) and there is also a link in the drivers section for WHS.

Bacon's correct about the 3TB drives, 2TB was only mentioned as the official spec mentioned this and at the time the 2TB F4's were the best bang for your buck, but you wont be able to boot from the 3TB drives. I expect that is because of BIOS issues, also best to check your OS supports it, there are people running WHS 2011 with 3TB drives in case that was the setup you were going to look for.

Also the bad news for you is that hard drives have tripled in price recently, unless you have purchased some already!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: g725s on December 03, 2011, 18:22:07 PM
Thanks for the clarification.

Yes I plan on trying out WHS 2011.  I'd also like to try RAID 5 because I want some kind of redundancy.  How will that affect streaming video to clients.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 03, 2011, 18:28:46 PM
It'll be quicker that a single drive, but to be honest unless your streaming to a lot of different people you wont have a problem.

Also for raid 5 you need to configure this in windows, don't try to configure it on the on-board raid, although you are probably already aware..
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on December 04, 2011, 01:23:27 AM
I'm using 3TB drives perfectly fine in my Microserver, however that is not being booted from, and I'm running unRAID, not Windows.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: g725s on December 04, 2011, 18:11:21 PM
My new N40L has BIOS 041 dated 7/29/2011

AHCI is enabled for all connected SATA devices in this BIOS.  Can anyone confirm?

No need for modified BIOS?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 04, 2011, 19:09:14 PM
You should be good to go, the latest HP BIOS is reported to have none of the speed issues that the original had, and the latest version is the one you have.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: g725s on December 04, 2011, 20:14:44 PM
Thanks for that Info.  I'm reading other fourms, as you know this little HP is very popular, and I am getting conflicting reports as to if all SATA connections are now full speed.  I don't have the drives just yet, just doing my due diligence.    Even the first post here by the OP (hey that is you  ;D) has no reference to the new BIOS having full speed on all SATA connection now.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 04, 2011, 20:48:08 PM
I thought I'd double check, and I can't still find anything conclusive, although by the looks of it, if you can enable ACHI you aren't running in IDE Emulation mode.

I'll throw it out to someone else here running a non optical drive on Port 4/5 (ports start from 0) as I'm running optical at the moment and don't have a spare to play with?

So I'll leave the original post until I can find something more conclusive :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 04, 2011, 21:00:46 PM
Looking even harder no one seems to confirm that it does work on the HP conclusively, I found one thread that looked like it was going to lead to the answer, then I realised it was your post :P on OC .au

There's a modified version of the newer HP bios found here, and it's mentioned that one of the features is the ACHI mode on the additional ports:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1521657-hp-n36l-microserver-updated-ahci-bios-support.html (http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1521657-hp-n36l-microserver-updated-ahci-bios-support.html)

I expect this will mean that it's not going to work otherwise, If you do find out any different, please let me know and I'll re-write the whole BIOS section :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on December 05, 2011, 10:10:13 AM
To be sure, use the modified BIOS, it's the only surefire way and is the one I'm using. The latest HP BIOS offers nothing new over the modified BIOS anyway. :thumbup:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: ws2000 on December 28, 2011, 00:32:12 AM
Hello

I was curious about why the GeForce GT 520 was recommended when its not a passively cooled card.  At least I cannot find one that is  :-[

I was thinking if purchasing this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125374&Tpk=GV-N520OC-1GI

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: knighty on December 28, 2011, 07:58:03 AM
Graphics Cards

Generally you should not need a graphics card if you are just planning to use the server as a fileserver, the onboard ATI powered graphics are more than capable for basic running.
If you are considering a HTPC or transcoding media server, you will need something more substantial. The two most recommended cards I have seen are the Radeon HD5450 1Gb which will confidently play 1080p with HDMI audio passthrough, or for those that prefer nVidia or wish to use linux/XMBC setup the GT510/GT520 cards are the recommended options, as these have better driver support.
You need to choose cards that are half-height and with low profile heatsinks, preferably passively cooled

Recommended cards
HIS HD 6450 Silence Edition £36.99 playing 1080p with audio pass-through in XBMC - confirmed by sexytw
Sapphire Radeon HD5450 1Gb - should come with half-height brackets and is suitably low profile
Zotec nVidia 210 512MB graphics card, its £25ish and plays 1080p with HDMI audio, also had more luck with nVidia cards over ATI when running on Linux (Ubuntu or XBMC Live). - Recommended by Leon


:-)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on January 05, 2012, 11:48:12 AM
Added link to the unRAID guide in the OS section above:

http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/unraid-server-setup-management-guide-(using-an-hp-microserver) (http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/unraid-server-setup-management-guide-(using-an-hp-microserver))

And have changed the formatting to make it easier to navigate..

 ;)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: joeyjoejoe206 on January 06, 2012, 16:20:21 PM
Hi,

just looking for some advice on what graphics card to put in my server.

the common options appear to be the ati HD5450 (http://www.ebuyer.com/201166-asus-hd-5450-silent-512mb-ddr2-dvi-hdmi-vga-out-pci-e-low-eah5450-silent-di-512md2-lp-/), or the Nvidia G210 (http://www.ebuyer.com/265014-zotac-geforce-210-512mb-ddr3-dvi-vga-hdmi-pci-e-graphics-card-zt-20309-10l/)

i have read that the NVidia card draws my power than the Ati, but my real question would be, does it matter if its the 512mb or the 1gb version (will this effect 1080p playback), and has anybody experienced problems with passive cooling? :dunno:

Thanks
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on January 06, 2012, 16:30:38 PM
You will not need 1Gb of video memory for playback of full HD content, even 512Mb is overkill for that (consider that uncompressed raw Blu-Ray video data is about 50Mb/s I think, even if all of that were dumped into memory you would have about a 10 second read ahead buffer). Just choose the cheaper option I would say.

Also on your point of passive cooling, these cards are designed to run passively cooled, they simply won't get hot enough to need a fan (especially only doing HD video decoding and not 3D gaming)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: JV2012 on January 22, 2012, 12:30:59 PM
Hi guys, looking to get this server up and running with XBMC. Before I buy it, can people tell me if it actually reliable? I'm going to get the Sapphire HD 5450 - is this the best buy? Will this drain the least power? Thanks Guys.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on January 22, 2012, 14:46:31 PM
Do you mean is the microserver itself reliable? Mine is running 24x7 currently as a dataserver using an unRAID setup, I've had absolutely not one issue with it, faultless IMO. :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on January 22, 2012, 23:37:49 PM
I'm running windows 7 and not a problem with it at all, 24/7 run time!

Posted from Paris :-)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: matt5cott on January 30, 2012, 15:16:28 PM
It appears this deal has been canned now, or am I missing something? :dunno:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on January 30, 2012, 16:07:50 PM
There is an updated version of the deal for the newer (slightly higher spec) Microserver still going on, e.g:

http://www.ebuyer.com/281915-hp-proliant-turion-ii-n40l-microserver-100-cashback-658553-421 (http://www.ebuyer.com/281915-hp-proliant-turion-ii-n40l-microserver-100-cashback-658553-421)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: M3ta7h3ad on January 30, 2012, 17:04:23 PM
These any good for running esx?

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on January 30, 2012, 21:36:34 PM
This might help..

http://www.techhead.co.uk/running-vmware-vsphere-on-an-hp-microserver (http://www.techhead.co.uk/running-vmware-vsphere-on-an-hp-microserver)

And this seems to think so..

http://serversplus.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/special-edition-vsphere-esxi-5-testbed-bundles-based-on-the-new-n40l-microserver-are-now-available/ (http://serversplus.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/special-edition-vsphere-esxi-5-testbed-bundles-based-on-the-new-n40l-microserver-are-now-available/)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: M3ta7h3ad on January 30, 2012, 22:08:58 PM
Nice, damn if I had some spare cash i'd get this. Looking for a decent esxi host that I can leave up and running for a test bed.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: ws2000 on February 03, 2012, 01:45:44 AM
Hello

I have a HP N40L with 8GB ram and 4 X Samsung Spinpoint 2TB HD204UI drives. Last week I got a HP 410P Smart Array card (Reported to work very well with the N40L) and I have had no luck getting it to work. The server recognizes the card at the bios level but not as a boot device. It hangs on the screen HP Smart Array 410P initializing ***** for roughly 5 minutes. I have no F8 option. I have tried the HP diagnostic tools and trying to flash newer firmware. In both cases no device is detected.

Any ideas? Bad card maybe? I have searched and found nothing to help me.

Thank you in advance
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on February 03, 2012, 10:01:54 AM
It sounds to me like you might have a dodgy card. I know its a noob thing to suggest but have you tried just taking it out and reseating it, etc in case it just isn't sat in the slot right and thats causing the problem?

Also, are you trying this with all the drives disconnected to make sure it's not the drives being plugged in causing a problem?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: M3ta7h3ad on February 03, 2012, 10:23:59 AM
Also you bought it from hp, you bought the server from new, why not contact hp support? Maybe it's a simple fix they can walk you through?

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: ws2000 on February 04, 2012, 02:42:53 AM
Also you bought it from hp, you bought the server from new, why not contact hp support? Maybe it's a simple fix they can walk you through?

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

I did buy both new.  I wasn't sure if they would help with this issue.  Is the P410 supported by HP in the N40l?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: ws2000 on February 04, 2012, 02:47:13 AM
It sounds to me like you might have a dodgy card. I know its a noob thing to suggest but have you tried just taking it out and reseating it, etc in case it just isn't sat in the slot right and thats causing the problem?

Also, are you trying this with all the drives disconnected to make sure it's not the drives being plugged in causing a problem?

Yes to both.  Took it all apart twice and reseated.  The server sees it in the bios so I'm assuming its in there.  I have tried it with 0 to 4 drives.  Very frustrating situation.   
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on February 04, 2012, 08:22:37 AM
It definitely sounds like the card is buggered then, in the interests of your own sanity I'd RMA it now and wait for a new one.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: ws2000 on February 05, 2012, 19:01:54 PM
It appears that my 512 memory module is bad.  I pulled it out and the card started working as advertised.  I was able to update  the firmware to the latest version.  I then tried using the
memory module again and the card hung on initializing.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on February 05, 2012, 22:37:37 PM
Perhaps its just incompatible rather than bad, but at least you found out what the problem was :thumbup:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 05, 2012, 22:39:41 PM
Let us know how you get on when you get the new module, out of interest which OS are you planning on using on the server and for what purpose?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 07, 2012, 21:25:00 PM
Hi im new to the forum and to the proliant server, my experience starts and ends with a readynas duo so far. I have bought the WHS 2011 but npw im seeing the unRAID option and really dont know which option to take. I would like to use the server for file storage and backup and also run XBMC. Im lost with what raid option to use, can you experts help me out plz.

How easy is unRAID to use and what drives will i need to get?

Thanks  ;D
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: addictweb on February 07, 2012, 21:37:36 PM
Hi im new to the forum and to the proliant server, my experience starts and ends with a readynas duo so far. I have bought the WHS 2011 but npw im seeing the unRAID option and really dont know which option to take. I would like to use the server for file storage and backup and also run XBMC. Im lost with what raid option to use, can you experts help me out plz.

How easy is unRAID to use and what drives will i need to get?

Thanks  ;D

Hey coffeebeankat! Welcome to the forums!

If you want to run XBMC you cant choose unRAID, you'll need to use WHS. This guide (http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/(wip)-automated-media-server-xbmc-setup-(long-image-heavy)/) should give you everything you need.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 07, 2012, 21:49:00 PM
Like sexytw mentions unRAID isn't suitable if you want to run XBMC, as unRAID is a dedicated operating system and you can only run unRAID, if you wanted to use another computer with XBMC then you could use unRAID on this one and access the files over the network.

In terms of which HD you need to purchase, it's pretty much up to you in terms of size & cost, and the number of HDs is dependant on the type of RAID you want to run..

The Duo I believe supports RAID 1 which can mirror two drives, which is pretty much the simplest form of RAID along with RAID 0 (RAID 0 is a bad idea and joins two drives)

The next option up is RAID 5 which provides a parity drive, which is slightly better in terms of protection, but involves 3 drives, I suggest a bit of googling here, otherwise this could become a very long post.

Personally I'm running RAID 1, and some others on here are running RAID 5, if you have any specific questions, were more than happy to answer ;)

EDIT: And welcome to the forums BTW!!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 08, 2012, 23:03:45 PM
Like sexytw mentions unRAID isn't suitable if you want to run XBMC, as unRAID is a dedicated operating system and you can only run unRAID, if you wanted to use another computer with XBMC then you could use unRAID on this one and access the files over the network.

In terms of which HD you need to purchase, it's pretty much up to you in terms of size & cost, and the number of HDs is dependant on the type of RAID you want to run..

The Duo I believe supports RAID 1 which can mirror two drives, which is pretty much the simplest form of RAID along with RAID 0 (RAID 0 is a bad idea and joins two drives)

The next option up is RAID 5 which provides a parity drive, which is slightly better in terms of protection, but involves 3 drives, I suggest a bit of googling here, otherwise this could become a very long post.

Personally I'm running RAID 1, and some others on here are running RAID 5, if you have any specific questions, were more than happy to answer ;)

EDIT: And welcome to the forums BTW!!


Hiya , Thanks for the warm welcome :) I decided to opt for the proliant as abig learning thing for me from the ready nas as recently the ready nas had a firmware blip and i couldnt access any of my data as the drives are in ext3 (i think) it took me a week to workout how i was going to save my data hence i want the most relaible RAID option but one which allows me to have as much redundant space as possible, i dont really understand RAID in a big way although i have googled it a few times and given it a reasonable study but it still leaves me unsure of which one to use. :disappointed: I am aware that RAID 1 just mirrors the first so i have 2 x 1.5 tb drives at present but only 1.5 tb redundant. If i had say 3 drives all 2tb each what would be my total redundant if i use RAID 5 ? also would these drives have to be formatted before using and if so what to ? if then i added another 2 drives @ 1.5tb  from the readynas (selling it on) would that make the current drives downsize to 1.5tb as thats what the readynas does. I have had my proliant 2 weeks and as yet havent powered it up as im worried i will muck it up  :worried: I  have also got a graphics card today , should this go in before i power up and install OS or after?

Thanks for help x :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: M3ta7h3ad on February 08, 2012, 23:52:53 PM
Erm...that's how raid works.

2 x 1.5 tb can only store 1.5 tb of data in a redundant state.

1 drive is a physical copy of the other.

By the way ext3 is quite a common drive format, loads of tools out there for it including just a simple linux live cd.

I think 3 x 2's will give you 3 tb of redundant space but you'd be spanning physical drives so it'd not be the greatest, raid5 though will likely reduce that to 2tb.

2 x discs striped, 1 mirrored no?

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 09, 2012, 00:11:42 AM
Raid 5 will give you 4tb of usable space and 2tb of parity, spanned across the 3 drives.

In terms of formatting I'm not sure how it's done in WHS as its software RAID, so I assume you install WHS on one drive then build the other two drives in to the array? Someone else on here will have experience of that though, so you want no data on the drives before installation. I'm not sure what adding 2x1.5tb drives will then give you, unless you just mirrored those as a separate RAID 1

In terms of what you then format the array to, in windows its likely to be NTFS, Ext3 is usually used by Linux, which is basically what most dedicated NAS boxes are running, as it can be very slim and resource light.

In terms of the graphics card, install it first, only because it'll be easier to fit and you won't have to mess around with it as much, but really doesn't matter either way.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 09, 2012, 08:33:54 AM
Raid 5 will give you 4tb of usable space and 2tb of parity, spanned across the 3 drives.

In terms of formatting I'm not sure how it's done in WHS as its software RAID, so I assume you install WHS on one drive then build the other two drives in to the array? Someone else on here will have experience of that though, so you want no data on the drives before installation. I'm not sure what adding 2x1.5tb drives will then give you, unless you just mirrored those as a separate RAID 1

In terms of what you then format the array to, in windows its likely to be NTFS, Ext3 is usually used by Linux, which is basically what most dedicated NAS boxes are running, as it can be very slim and resource light.

In terms of the graphics card, install it first, only because it'll be easier to fit and you won't have to mess around with it as much, but really doesn't matter either way.


Thanks , To start off then using raid 5 i have to have minimum of 3 disks? The software i used was a free linux tool which scans through the drive then lets you select what you want to copy, took a while though to do but saved some very important files for me. If a drive went down in RAID 5 would it be just a case of replace it and it would rebuild?

Great to know the card can go in first saves a bit of fiddling, Will it boot up using the onboard graphics then have to be switched to use the card after installing drivers?

Just like to say a great thread on a great site , have been browsing some of the very good information and hope it will guide me to getting my machine working a treat (eventually) :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: knighty on February 09, 2012, 08:41:12 AM
you can plug the card in the connect your monitor straight too it to boot.... your on-board will probably be disabled automatically as soon as it detects the card :-)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 09, 2012, 18:23:58 PM
Thanks , To start off then using raid 5 i have to have minimum of 3 disks? The software i used was a free linux tool which scans through the drive then lets you select what you want to copy, took a while though to do but saved some very important files for me. If a drive went down in RAID 5 would it be just a case of replace it and it would rebuild?

So yes raid 5 is a minimum of 3 disks, and once you had set-up the RAID array, if one drive were to fail you would need to replace that drive and re-build the array, as it needs to re-copy the data to the 3rd disk, this can take some time but will mean you will retain your data, but each drive that is added to the array will be wiped first, so don't add a disk to the array with data on it!

Exactly how that is done in windows, I hope someone on here can comment? Or there should be a guide specifically for WHS on the intergoogle (I'm using the on board RAID 1 so haven't had to configure anything in the OS, and after a quick look it looks like the OS drive can't be part of the RAID array, which makes sense) so you would need at least one additional boot drive, although you could mirror that one if you wanted?

Hope the guide has helped anyway, sorry the info about WHS RAID 5 is a little outside my knowledge..
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 09, 2012, 22:06:51 PM
Thanks , To start off then using raid 5 i have to have minimum of 3 disks? The software i used was a free linux tool which scans through the drive then lets you select what you want to copy, took a while though to do but saved some very important files for me. If a drive went down in RAID 5 would it be just a case of replace it and it would rebuild?

So yes raid 5 is a minimum of 3 disks, and once you had set-up the RAID array, if one drive were to fail you would need to replace that drive and re-build the array, as it needs to re-copy the data to the 3rd disk, this can take some time but will mean you will retain your data, but each drive that is added to the array will be wiped first, so don't add a disk to the array with data on it!

Exactly how that is done in windows, I hope someone on here can comment? Or there should be a guide specifically for WHS on the intergoogle (I'm using the on board RAID 1 so haven't had to configure anything in the OS, and after a quick look it looks like the OS drive can't be part of the RAID array, which makes sense) so you would need at least one additional boot drive, although you could mirror that one if you wanted?

Hope the guide has helped anyway, sorry the info about WHS RAID 5 is a little outside my knowledge..

Thanks, i was wondering how i would set up the RAID 5 as never done that before as readynas just works out of box in mirror. So i will need 4 drives, can the WHS run from a usb drive in this case, what size would it need to be ?

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 09, 2012, 22:20:39 PM
You might be able to, if you do a quick google you'll probably find someone who has at least tried, but I don't expect it'll be that quick.. Bare in mind though you can get 5 hard drives inside and another if you take a cable through from the eSATA with a slight bodge and may have to use a laptop drive... And remember one drive comes with the server
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 12, 2012, 11:24:15 AM
No luck with finding info on running the WHS from a usb, so looks like dedicating a drive possibly the 250gb one which came with the unit. Does this drive with os have to be in any dedicated bay location? Is it best to keep the os drive free from any other data ? Struggling to find a decent 2gb HDD with prices being so inflated really hoping for a deal to show up
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 12, 2012, 15:58:39 PM
Just did a bit of research and looks like WHS requires 65GB of space to install, so really that rules out a USB stick.

The boot drive can be in any location, but if you are looking to expand at a later date, then I'd suggest in the Optical bay at the top, but you will need to update the firmware to a non official version to make use of the full speed on the port.

The other option to consider is to run the OS drive in RAID 1, and mirror it if you wanted a bit more security.

In terms of keeping the OS drive free of any other data, the easiest way would be to partition this off so have an OS section and a data section, but use it for non essential data if you are not going to mirror it in RAID 1.

The HDD prices at the moment on 2TB drives are silly, most of us got ours before the floods, but some weren't so lucky..

http://www.tekforums.net/computing-technology-web-communication/flooding-hdd-prices/ (http://www.tekforums.net/computing-technology-web-communication/flooding-hdd-prices/)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 12, 2012, 16:32:29 PM
Just did a bit of research and looks like WHS requires 65GB of space to install, so really that rules out a USB stick.

The boot drive can be in any location, but if you are looking to expand at a later date, then I'd suggest in the Optical bay at the top, but you will need to update the firmware to a non official version to make use of the full speed on the port.

The other option to consider is to run the OS drive in RAID 1, and mirror it if you wanted a bit more security.

In terms of keeping the OS drive free of any other data, the easiest way would be to partition this off so have an OS section and a data section, but use it for non essential data if you are not going to mirror it in RAID 1.

The HDD prices at the moment on 2TB drives are silly, most of us got ours before the floods, but some weren't so lucky..

http://www.tekforums.net/computing-technology-web-communication/flooding-hdd-prices/ (http://www.tekforums.net/computing-technology-web-communication/flooding-hdd-prices/)

Can you point me to this firmware plz, do i do this before installing the drive in the bay ?

I was hoping to do the RAID5 so could use the two 1.5 tb drives i currently have and a 500gb with the 250 gb as the os drive  would this work ok ?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 12, 2012, 18:39:46 PM
Section 2.1 of this guide covers the firmware, and should be the first thing you install..

For RAID 5 you need to have 3 matched drives? so you need to have 3 1.5TB drives..

And what I meant for the OS is to have a RAID 1 pair for the OS, which you can setup in the on board raid and a RAID 5 triple for the data, which you need to setup in the OS, but each of the RAID arrays need to use matched drives... I'm not sure what you mean about the 500 and 250 for this OS though
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 12, 2012, 20:33:19 PM
Section 2.1 of this guide covers the firmware, and should be the first thing you install..

For RAID 5 you need to have 3 matched drives? so you need to have 3 1.5TB drives..

And what I meant for the OS is to have a RAID 1 pair for the OS, which you can setup in the on board raid and a RAID 5 triple for the data, which you need to setup in the OS, but each of the RAID arrays need to use matched drives... I'm not sure what you mean about the 500 and 250 for this OS though

Ok thanks , found the firmware details. Maybe it might be cheaper option for me to get another 1.5tb drive until prices become more sensible again as i already have two. So  it is possible to set up 2 RAID options on one device? would the RAID 1 just mirror the os , the the RAID 5 on other 3 drives keeps it secure from the os should it go pear shaped. does the RAID 1 need to used matched drive?

Regarding the 500gb and 250gb i was presuming i could use these in the unit but now that you point out the drives must be matched i can see that wont be possible.

If in the future i wish to upgrade the drives am i right to belive they must all be replaced to keep in-line with the matching pairs?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 12, 2012, 20:37:11 PM
Section 2.1 of this guide covers the firmware, and should be the first thing you install..

For RAID 5 you need to have 3 matched drives? so you need to have 3 1.5TB drives..

And what I meant for the OS is to have a RAID 1 pair for the OS, which you can setup in the on board raid and a RAID 5 triple for the data, which you need to setup in the OS, but each of the RAID arrays need to use matched drives... I'm not sure what you mean about the 500 and 250 for this OS though

Ok thanks , found the firmware details. Maybe it might be cheaper option for me to get another 1.5tb drive until prices become more sensible again as i already have two. So  it is possible to set up 2 RAID options on one device? would the RAID 1 just mirror the os , the the RAID 5 on other 3 drives keeps it secure from the os should it go pear shaped. does the RAID 1 need to used matched drive?

Regarding the 500gb and 250gb i was presuming i could use these in the unit but now that you point out the drives must be matched i can see that wont be possible.

If in the future i wish to upgrade the drives am i right to belive they must all be replaced to keep in-line with the matching pairs?

Just to clarify, ideally you match the drive model itself, but it's not essential, but you must match the size of the drive otherwise you basically lose out on usable space, so no you don't have to replace all if one dies.

And yes you can run multiple types of raid on the same machine :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: soopahfly on February 13, 2012, 19:58:20 PM
Anyone having playback issues with Nvidia cards, make sure you don't have LogMeIn installed as the Mirror driver makes a mess of direct-x.
The other thing to do is turn off the threaded optimisation in the Nvidia Control panel.
I was getting strange tearing issues vertically.

Mine's been buttery smooth since doing this, and mines a CULV Celeron and Ion.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on February 18, 2012, 11:10:20 AM
Section 2.1 of this guide covers the firmware, and should be the first thing you install..

For RAID 5 you need to have 3 matched drives? so you need to have 3 1.5TB drives..

And what I meant for the OS is to have a RAID 1 pair for the OS, which you can setup in the on board raid and a RAID 5 triple for the data, which you need to setup in the OS, but each of the RAID arrays need to use matched drives... I'm not sure what you mean about the 500 and 250 for this OS though

Ok thanks , found the firmware details. Maybe it might be cheaper option for me to get another 1.5tb drive until prices become more sensible again as i already have two. So  it is possible to set up 2 RAID options on one device? would the RAID 1 just mirror the os , the the RAID 5 on other 3 drives keeps it secure from the os should it go pear shaped. does the RAID 1 need to used matched drive?

Regarding the 500gb and 250gb i was presuming i could use these in the unit but now that you point out the drives must be matched i can see that wont be possible.

If in the future i wish to upgrade the drives am i right to belive they must all be replaced to keep in-line with the matching pairs?

Just to clarify, ideally you match the drive model itself, but it's not essential, but you must match the size of the drive otherwise you basically lose out on usable space, so no you don't have to replace all if one dies.

And yes you can run multiple types of raid on the same machine :)

I have secured a 3rd 1,5tb drive now at resonable cost , and will follow you advice about setting up a RAID1 for the OS to do this i have one internal 250gb drive currently but no matched drive (internal) i do have an external 250gb drive (2.5") would this be usable for the RAID 1 if plugged into one of the usb connections? or does it have to be fitted inside on one of the bays?

Looking forward to getting this up and running soon.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on February 18, 2012, 13:29:23 PM
Sounds good, yes the drive will need to be in your computer, if the external one uses a SATA drive, why nt remove it from the external caddy?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on March 03, 2012, 11:01:50 AM
Sounds good, yes the drive will need to be in your computer, if the external one uses a SATA drive, why nt remove it from the external caddy?

I have finally managed to secure all the upgrades and drives needed, had some issues with a drive from robert dyas which was faulty  :-X I have so far managed to fit the ram, the graphics card and the drive to the 5.25 bay. so will my first job once powering on be to update the firmware so the top hard drive function better? followed by the whs install? how do i set up the two different RAID options?

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on March 03, 2012, 13:33:53 PM
Yes upgrade the BIOS first, then you can raid the boot drive using the raid option on boot before you install WHS, it should prompt you to press F8 or similar, if not you might have to enable raid in the BIOS.

The RAID 5 you then need to setup in WHS
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on March 07, 2012, 10:00:38 AM
Yes upgrade the BIOS first, then you can raid the boot drive using the raid option on boot before you install WHS, it should prompt you to press F8 or similar, if not you might have to enable raid in the BIOS.

The RAID 5 you then need to setup in WHS

Thanks, wish me luck, will be first time i have attempted this. :worried:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on March 07, 2012, 19:01:39 PM
You'll be fine, you wont break anything trying to set it up, just don't put anything important on there until you've done it ;)

Let us know how you get on!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on March 08, 2012, 09:21:29 AM
You'll be fine, you wont break anything trying to set it up, just don't put anything important on there until you've done it ;)

Let us know how you get on!

Quick question, i wanted to run xbmc on the hp but can i also use it as a server to backup my files ect at the same time,would it involved partitioning my drive in some way ? sorry if thats a daft question.

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: addictweb on March 08, 2012, 11:23:59 AM
Quick question, i wanted to run xbmc on the hp but can i also use it as a server to backup my files ect at the same time,would it involved partitioning my drive in some way ? sorry if thats a daft question.

If you run the same or similar setup to the one in the guide there is no need to partition. You install Windows then run XBMC as a Windows application. Windows then handles all you backups as it would normally just with XBMC running at the same time.



Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on March 22, 2012, 17:28:34 PM
Arrgg im not getting this setup into action too well, life keeps interuptiong. stolen half hour from my kitchen duties to revisit the site and work out how to do this bios update, but im sorry to say im  lost again.

I can see there are 3 versions on the front page, how do i find out which one i need? and do i execute this file on my pc then plug into the server after?

im going to aim to set up a day to work on this shortly asit has sat waitng for over a month for me  :o

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on March 22, 2012, 19:23:22 PM
Arrgg im not getting this setup into action too well, life keeps interuptiong. stolen half hour from my kitchen duties to revisit the site and work out how to do this bios update, but im sorry to say im  lost again.

I can see there are 3 versions on the front page, how do i find out which one i need? and do i execute this file on my pc then plug into the server after?

im going to aim to set up a day to work on this shortly asit has sat waitng for over a month for me  :o

I'd expect you will want the last link of the 3 posted by Clock'd, and you can run this on any computer, as it just creates the USB drive (obviously you'll need a USB drive handy!)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on March 22, 2012, 20:09:39 PM
thanks  :cheers:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: drakeonfire on March 29, 2012, 19:24:02 PM
Hi,

I have a question on choice of OS. I want to use the server for backing up several computers around the building, however, I also want to use part of it as a web server (Just for development phase, it would host no actual sites, only ones I was working on).

What would be your advice on OS choice? I'm going to get 8GB of RAM, and will be purchasing more HDD space soon.

Thanks.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on March 29, 2012, 19:35:25 PM
If you're using it for web development surely a linux distro would be most suitable so you can get apache/php and so forth setup in a typical linux server config? It depends what development platform you use, if it's Java for isntance you might find Windows easier?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on March 29, 2012, 20:34:23 PM
As clock'd says your web development requirements may have to dictate your OS choice, in terms of your network backup what OS are you running on your network, I assume it's a windows network?

Backup

Assuming a windows network, what type of backup are you looking to run? Are you looking to run backup software on each machine and push to the server, if so the OS on the server may not matter so much. If you are looking at a pull backup, I.e. the server pulls the data from the network computers, then you may be better running some form of windows OS? Do you have any thoughts on the software or strategy?

I'm not a fan of computer specific data, that is then pulled or pushed to the server, a better option is obviously have the server master the data, and use offline files if you use laptops.

Also what's your current network setup, do you have any domain controllers?

Web server

When launching websites what is your target OS? As these are usually Linux based, but not always? Also it may be advisable to separate webserver from file server? The other option is to run virtual servers on the one server, of which my personal experience is limited and may need some technical knowledge to setup. What's your knowledge of Linux? And what services are you expecting to run on the web server?

Sorry not to give a definitive answer, but there are lots of options and trying to work out the best choice  ;)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: drakeonfire on March 29, 2012, 21:45:53 PM
Hey,

Thanks for the replies.

I'm clueless
If I'm honest - I'm a total newb when it comes to this stuff. Never tried Linux. I was hoping to use this as a nice learning experience, while also gaining beneficial from the end product.

Current Network Setup
All the PCs in the building are running Windows (XP on a few, most are Win 7). I'm not entirely sure how to explain the network set up, I didn't set it up myself, but basically it's got no server but all the PCs connect to a device ... which then connects to another device. Essentially theres phone and internet ports all around the building, each cable leads back to the box in teh attic, where the two devices are, cables go into one, then they go into the other from the first device. As for domain controllers ...I would guess we don't have one, but that's only a guess.

Back ups
Preferably it would be people choosing what to back up onto the server, but I'd like it (If Possible) so that each computer / person has their own area that has their backups on, and who can access that area is restricted by set permissions (As we also have some employees that work here, I wouldn't want them access our private files, but I would want to be able to access their data etc).

Having said that ... I would of liked it so we wouldn't need to do anything after initial setup, as I'm the only one that has technical knowledge (though limited in areas like this!), I think people may struggle to remember how to, and to backup to the server every so often. So if it would be possible, after the initial setup on the machine, would it be able to backup the same areas as before that would be specified in the initial run? Does that make sense?

Web Server
The company I have hosting with for the websites that go live use Linux on a cloud network, so there built to work on that anyway but are developed on Windows machines. The languages I currently use (Server Side) is PHP and I use MySQL to interact with databases.

Services
Services wise I'm not totally sure what you mean, I use XAMPP as a local server on my machine and have the Apache + MySQL service running all the time. But XAMPP also has things like phpMyAdmin etc (Though thats not a service as far as I'm aware, it's just a GUI web app for accessing / changing stuff in databases).

Preference
I'd really like to be able to use something I haven't done before ... like Linux. I did look at freeNAS but that doesn't have web server (Though they say it's coming in 8.2).

Thanks, I really appreciate your advice.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on March 29, 2012, 22:09:06 PM
You'll find that OS's like FreeNAS or unRAID are just stripped down core versions of one flavour of linux or another, you can typically bolt on whatever you want to these if you know what you're doing (kind of like buying Windows Basic vs Windows Home Ultimate Turbo edition). It would probably be easiest to start with something easier to work with as a transition from Windows, like Ubuntu, and add on whatever packages you need for it. Out of the box I'm sure Ubuntu could meet most of your requirements though (can't vouch myself as I've not used it).
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on March 30, 2012, 19:43:09 PM
Personally if you don't have a techincal knowledge, I wouldn't put Linux on the box if you are going to use it to backup important data! I'd put something on there you know, probably some form of windows... I'd then use another computer to play with Linux. The main reason being if you break linux, then to fix it is either going to take time or be near impossible depending on knowledge and googling skills!

Current network setup:
Yep sounds like a standard non domain based network, so will make things a little more difficult :)

Backups:
One question does each user have a different username to login to their computer, do they all have passwords?
If so I'd setup multiple shares on the server with each folder the same as their username, you'll then need to setup the users on the server as normal users but they would need to enter their passwords on the server (Due to lack of domain controller) This will mean that you can restrict access to each folder by the username.

Then I'd map a network drive to that folder on the server, so assuming the server is called "SERVER1" you could use the below code in a file called 'mapuserdrive.bat' and put this in the startup folder of each user..

Code: [Select]
net use u: \\server1\%username% /persistent:yes

If you then wanted to map the my documents folder to use the U drive then you could, and that would automatically backup all documents to the server, if you have laptops however you'll also have to setup cache, to allow offline files, which will sync when the share is available (connected to the network)

If you are using XAMPP currently, and happy with that, then there's no reason you couldn't run that on the server as well..

The other alternative is setup windows server as a domain controller, but that would be quite a pain if your users aren't part of a domain already and Windows 7 home I don't believe is compatible?

Maybe we have given you some ideas, maybe I've just confused matters :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: drakeonfire on March 30, 2012, 20:21:57 PM
Thanks for the replies once again, I really appreciate the time you are taking to offer this advice.

My technical knowledge limitation is mainly regarding the linux type OS's as I've never used one, only Windows / Mac and Google OS i've used.

The computers are all on Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (Except one that is Windows XP, and also a family Laptop that is on Windows 7 Home Premium).

Each user has their own username, and every has a password specific to them. Most of the computers are only used by 1 person, so there's no username the same on another machine (If you get what I mean).

I'd like it so they wouldn't need to login to the server if possible (I think that's what you were implying?) - rather just have something automatically back up their files to it, not store the actual ones on there, but the backups.

Would these be compatible if I were to install something like Ubuntu? And would I require a server version of say Ubuntu or just use the normal one?

Thanks.

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on April 09, 2012, 10:44:39 AM
sorry for another question, i have booted the hp and my bios is 04/02/2011 bios id 041 can i just use the modified update over this or do i need to make it 2011.01.17 specifically?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on April 09, 2012, 11:22:16 AM
You can use the modified BIOS over this without having to change BIOS versions beforehand, the reason that 2011.01.17 BIOS version is mentioned specifically in the guide is just for example as that was what they shipped with originally, the method is the same whichever BIOS revision is already on the unit.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on April 09, 2012, 13:54:22 PM
thanks  :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on April 09, 2012, 16:50:39 PM
Soo..four and a half hours later and i still cannot get the files onto the usb to flash, tried everything i know. I went to the Av forum link in first post

followed guide

 1. Get the latest HP firmware (SP52016.exe) that can be patched dated 2011.01.17 (A) (28 Feb 2011).

2. Execute the official HP firmware (SP52016.exe)

3. Run the HTM file start.htm, click on the link "Launch HP USB key Setup Creation Utility". The HP USB creation utility "HPQUSB.exe" will run and select your usb stick as the target.

when trying to setup the usb it brings up the box to chose location of usb drive and then takes around 20 mins to copy files. on inspection it has copied the whole contents of my documents folder, so i deleted the files re downloaded and placed the exe file in another location, treied from c/ and no joy , then created its own folder and placed HPQUSB.exe in it before running , this time it copied only some of the files that are in the list , i have tried to execute the file under administrator and get no joy.   

please what do i do???

update, copied the extra files onto the usb alone with the modified rom , plugged into server and booted, get a screen with lots of lists with illegal partion table says file name not recognised at bottom...

wow this is stressful stuff.

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on April 09, 2012, 17:45:45 PM
Update..I have flashed the bios now, found on another thread that i needed to run the hpqusb exe from the flat files folder...would have been a lot easier had this been explained in the instruction thread.

Totally exhausted now...will advance to next stage another day.

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on April 09, 2012, 19:55:13 PM
Thanks for the replies once again, I really appreciate the time you are taking to offer this advice.

My technical knowledge limitation is mainly regarding the linux type OS's as I've never used one, only Windows / Mac and Google OS i've used.

The computers are all on Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (Except one that is Windows XP, and also a family Laptop that is on Windows 7 Home Premium).

Each user has their own username, and every has a password specific to them. Most of the computers are only used by 1 person, so there's no username the same on another machine (If you get what I mean).

I'd like it so they wouldn't need to login to the server if possible (I think that's what you were implying?) - rather just have something automatically back up their files to it, not store the actual ones on there, but the backups.

Would these be compatible if I were to install something like Ubuntu? And would I require a server version of say Ubuntu or just use the normal one?

Thanks.

Sorry for the late reply on this one! I've been busy and had forgot about this post..

If they have all got their own username you can create shares in this format "Username$" the $ on the end basically makes the share hidden, so no other users on the network will be able to find it unless they specifically know what they are looking for... This is a very low level of security...

What I suggested above was that each user replicates their username and password on the "server" computer, they would only need to do this once... This will give a bit more security in addition to the above..

You could then use the below to map a network drive, or you could use something like synctoy to run a scheduled backup to the network drive...

Code: [Select]
net use u: \\server\%username%$ /persistent:yes
If you want to go down the linux route Ubuntu is a good choice to get started with, and I assume you could use the same principles, I've played with Ubuntu a few times but not sure exactly what's possible.. and any version should do...

Let us know how you get on though! And any questions please shout and we'll try to help where we can!

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on April 09, 2012, 21:06:41 PM
Update..I have flashed the bios now, found on another thread that i needed to run the hpqusb exe from the flat files folder...would have been a lot easier had this been explained in the instruction thread.

Totally exhausted now...will advance to next stage another day.

Sorry I couldn't remember the process in so much detail or I would have offered to help had I been around, it was a long time back that I flashed my BIOS! I'm glad you finally got there in the end though :thumbup:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: coffeebeankat on April 09, 2012, 23:22:27 PM
Its cool,glass of wine has aided recovery  :w00t: Its a learning curve anyway, now im nto the next hurdle. so Is it right that im next looking to put drivers on? im going to be using WHS2011 but the hp site doesnt list the drivers? which ones do i need and where can i get them from please.

Also what are the opinions on stablebit Drivepool http://stablebit.com/DrivePool (http://stablebit.com/DrivePool)


Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on June 02, 2012, 01:50:22 AM
Hi Coffeebeankat, somehow I missed this reply, hows your build going?

Just updated a few bits on the guide that were out of date, if anyone else has anything the want to add let me know..

28k views now!

Thanks for viewing  :ptu:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: edgarguedes on June 08, 2012, 09:33:07 AM
Hello from Portugal,


I want to buy this server, thge main reason is for streamming and sharing files over home conection to apple tv 2 bedroom, macmini for plex and xbmc, and imac on office.

SInce this server is for storing files music and my movies, and stream all over my Mac universe, caN YOU PLEASE HELP me and advice  :thumbup::

1 - what video card should i buy for stream videos and decode ? ( not to play 3d)
2 - what OS should i install to be more compatible with mac universe (smb is ok) and same time can run plex server on it?
3 - its 4 gb of memory ok for what i need? streamming - nothing else
4 - any more advices that you realize i need to setup my machine

Thks in advance

Best regards to all

Edgar
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on June 08, 2012, 09:47:46 AM
Welcome :)

1. If you are just using it as file server for your other devices to access then you don't need a graphics card. If you want to hook it upto the TV to watch stuff then something cheap will do (I'm using an nVidia 210 in mine).
2. Which versions of OSX are you running? The newer ones are much happier on a windows machine than they used to be. Linux is another option as PLEX has a linux client (http://www.plexapp.com/linux/linux-pms-download.php)
3. 4GB will be more than enough.
4. I had mixed success with the MicroServer and plex streaming. The low powered dual core CPU wasn't happy transcoding 1080p on the fly to my tablet. It could do 720 and below fine but the really big files (which most my movie collection is) had to be transcoded by my main machine.

I've heard that the newer versions do a much better job but I haven't tested it out since. Maybe someone else can jump in with some feedback on that or if your not bothered about sending 1080p to your mobile devices via PLEX than its not an issue ;)

Also check out my media server setup guide in my signature for some more info on what you can do.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Rivkid on June 08, 2012, 10:46:57 AM
My thoughts:

1. Agree with Leon
2. It doesn't matter. I run Plex media server on a Windows 7 machine (main server) and it works fantastically from my all my apple and windows devices (haven't tried apple TV tho). I'm sure the linux version is just as good if you don't want to buy a windows license. SMB into Apple is absolutely fine from thw windows machine.
3. Agree with Leon
4. I'm surprised Leons had performance issues - I run a Pentium D Acer Desktop PC w. 3GB RAM on Win7 and have never had any performance issues.  I don't use a lot of 1080p TBF, but its run fine when I have. Be interested to know what OS you're running on it Leon - i.e. do different server versions have different requirements for performance? Or do perhaps the different clients? (Android vs iOS etc..)


I keep wanting to buy a HP Microserver myself, but the Acer is doing such a great job I can't justify spending any money on one!!

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: edgarguedes on June 08, 2012, 13:23:00 PM
I have on Imac Lion and on Macmini Snow leopard.

My doubt was if a buy a video card like a budget one for trancoding and streaming, not because of the macmini and imac, but for atv2 since dont have hardware acceleration,
                          this card will do transcoding for my ipad and atv2?


Thks for the quick help guys

Best regards

Edgar
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on June 11, 2012, 18:50:51 PM
I have on Imac Lion and on Macmini Snow leopard.

My doubt was if a buy a video card like a budget one for trancoding and streaming, not because of the macmini and imac, but for atv2 since dont have hardware acceleration,
                          this card will do transcoding for my ipad and atv2?


Thks for the quick help guys

Best regards

Edgar

I'm not sure if this is still a question or not but the card wont do the transcoding, the computer CPU will handle that.. So as mentioned the card isn't required for transcoding..
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on June 11, 2012, 23:22:08 PM
indeed. only if you are going to be watching directly off the server will you need a gfx card.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on June 15, 2012, 16:13:12 PM
Running out of space in my server with 4x 2TB drives... With HDD's still expensive and seeming like a waste to upgrade all drives to 3TB instead of 4TB (which are SILLY priced) I'm tempted to buy a 2nd server but then thats comes with the extra maintenance/power/space and the annoyance of having my media over 2 devices (not an issue on XBMC but is when trying to find stuff from PCs)

Suppose I could buy a 2nd and have one as media player in living room, one as media player in Bedroom and media shared over both.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on June 15, 2012, 23:19:55 PM
What about external hard disks, connected via eSata or USB?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on June 16, 2012, 02:24:45 AM
Add 3-4 USB drives witch is doable but not what im after.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: knighty on June 16, 2012, 02:31:23 AM
sata raid card and an external dock ?

or nas drives ?



I think you just want to buy another one for the bedroom tbh :p
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on June 16, 2012, 02:49:10 AM
Shhhh I'm making excuses!!

Nah to be honest I can go external, I can go 'extreme' but HP are still doing the £100 off every other month years later so wait till they do it again, add a single 1 TB drive to start and a £20 GFX card and I'm the uber man of the house share.

I can live with that and its the best way to get 8x 2TB drives instead of 4x 3TB drives and 4x 2TB F4's going to waste :P
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on June 16, 2012, 11:10:09 AM
I'll be hooking 5x drives up inside mine, when my mix of 2/3TB drives is filling I'll be upgrading to 4TB so can't really see them filling for a long time when total capacity will be 16TB (taking off my parity drive).
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on June 16, 2012, 11:55:46 AM
HP are still doing the £100 off every other month years later so wait till they do it again

Sorry mate, get your wallet out... It's every month, not every other month, it's on offer at the moment at £110 cashback..
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: tommyleinen on September 02, 2012, 05:05:02 AM
Sorry for being a complete n00b but I have a quetion regarding WHS 2011.... do you need a software firewall with this OS or is the built in fw sufficient? :nana:
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on September 02, 2012, 13:50:12 PM
Are you connecting the server direct to the Internet, or via a router? If the latter the the router firewall should e sufficient? I generally don't use the software firewalls as my router gives me the protection.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: birket on September 03, 2012, 11:08:48 AM
Hi

Just building up my microserver and still debating options for drives to go in there.

If I were to find some kind of 5.25" mount that would allow me to install both a slimline DVD player and a 3.5" hard disk, where would I find a black case cover for the microserver that will allow just the drawer of the slimline DVD to eject? I don't really want to see a big hole in the front of the server through to the internals of the machine.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on September 03, 2012, 11:21:03 AM
I think you would have trouble finding a faceplate for that unless it came with the slimline drive, maybe you could go old skool and mod your own one with a Dremel? ;D

The only place I can think of that might do something suitable is http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/ (http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/)

Or maybe something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-5-25-Inch-Converter-Slot-Load-FP58B/dp/B007C1KPQY (http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-5-25-Inch-Converter-Slot-Load-FP58B/dp/B007C1KPQY)

Seems overclockers do them too http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-196-SV&campaign=pcm/googleshopping&pup_c=gs (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-196-SV&campaign=pcm/googleshopping&pup_c=gs)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: birket on September 03, 2012, 11:34:48 AM
Thanks for the reply. I figured as much. I think I may opt instead for an external DVD drive that I can just plug in when I need to.

I have another question regarding USB connections on this server. The server has 2x USB connections on the back, and 4x USB connections on the front. Off the top of my head, I have the following USB devices that I will need to connect:-

2x USB single tuners
1x USB IR for my wireless MS keyboard and remote
1x USB wireless dongle
Occasional 2x USB connections for the external DVD (it uses two USB connections so that it can draw power without a plug socket being used)

Ideally, I would rather have most of this going on around the back of the server, but there are only 2 USB sockets there. Can I simply fit in a multi USB port adapter on the back (like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-Port-Usb-2-0-Power/dp/B001UE6OC8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1346668388&sr=8-9) and have all these USB devices hanging off this?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on September 03, 2012, 12:43:03 PM
Yeah you would have no problem attaching a powered hub like that to the back for extra ports, one of the great things about USB is being able to daisy chain them.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: birket on September 03, 2012, 14:29:19 PM
The internal USB port on my system will remain unused as I plan to use a Windows 7 based OS (tahnks to this forum for guiding me thus far). I therefore wonder what else would be useful to plug into this port? How about a USB wireless network dongle, or do most people have these directly connected to the router via a cable or a homeplug type setup?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: birket on September 03, 2012, 14:57:28 PM
Right, I hope I have no bought everything I need to build this system. A few items I had bought already need to be returned as either they do not fit or I have changed my mind on the build! I bought a graphics card which, although low profile, has a huge heat sink on it which prevents it from being installed in the machine. I also bought an external DVD writer and a 5.25" to 3.5" bracket as I was going to fit a fifth HD in the optical drive bay.

So, the spec will be as follows:-

4 x 2TB data disks (2 of these are brand new and 2 will be brought over from my existing media centre once all is up and running properly)
1 x 'normal' internal DVD player
1 x SSD Sandisk SataIII 64GB OS drive somehow sitting on or under the optical drive. This will be connected via a 0.5m eSATA to SATA cable routed from the outside of the case, through the 2nd PCI opening and via a molex to twin SATA power cable
ATI Radeon™ HD5450 512MB Graphics Card
I also bought and inserted an extra 2GB stick of RAM the other day for around £15 from PC World. TBH, I am not sure if this will work as it is not the same brand (though it is the same speed) as the supplied HP RAM - what do you think?
2 x single USB tuners hanging off the back of the machine via a USB hub

I will be running W7 with XBMC etc. There will be no RAID as I would rather backup manually to an external hard disk. When my ISP upload speeds are good enough, I may consider off site backup which would be great.

The cost so far has been about £100 for the server, £160 for the 2 hard disks, £40 for the SATA disk, £40 for the GFX card and £15 for the RAM, so £355 in total. If I can get it to work, that seems pretty good to me for an 8TB HTPC using far less electricity than my existing setup.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on September 03, 2012, 15:16:15 PM
As long as the RAM you have is the same speed/type then the brand won't matter, you shouldn't have any problems. The memory installed by default is ECC memory (typically used in servers) but you don't have to use ECC memory, regular stuff is fine.

On the point you made about wifi or wired, I have mine connected wired as I wanted gigabit speeds for streaming fullHD to my PS3, if you don't have the need for such high speed then you could go wifi. Be aware though transferring lots of data over G wifi is horrendously slow, it would literally take days copying to fill those drives. I don't think N is much better really either. I sent a 1GB file from my laptop to the server yesterday over wifi, it took 30 minutes.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: birket on September 03, 2012, 15:29:57 PM
So with regards to RAM, the new stick I bought is not ECC. Does it matter if there is one ECC and one none ECC?

I may just persevere with my wireless G network for the time being. There isn't really much that needs to be streamed to other machines in the house - its really just to get broadband onto my HTPC.

Incidentally, I will alos be running Squeezebox server as I have 3 or 4 Squeezebox devices around my house. Does anyone know of an alternative to Squeezebox Server (that will still run with my SB devices), or should I just stick to this?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Eggtastico on September 03, 2012, 16:12:16 PM
The internal USB port on my system will remain unused as I plan to use a Windows 7 based OS (tahnks to this forum for guiding me thus far). I therefore wonder what else would be useful to plug into this port? How about a USB wireless network dongle, or do most people have these directly connected to the router via a cable or a homeplug type setup?


you can usually mix eec with non eec - it just means the eec wont work in the stick that has it.
For the internal USB port, I would use a wifi dongle in case you want to connect the machine into another room for example, or a bluetooth dongle or wireless dongle for wireless keyboard/mouse/remote control. You could even prob. mod an IR receiver for an IR remote.
Or just a pendrive to save settings/configs to incase worst case scenario.

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: birket on September 05, 2012, 09:57:42 AM
I now have most of my n40l server setup, from a hardware and OS point of view. I have a 64GB SSD drive stuck to the top of my optical drive, connected via an eSATA to SATA cable from the outside port.

The first thing I did was to update the BIOS to the 'bay' BIOS, so I downloaded the HP BIOS, followed the instructions and substituted the HP BIOS file for the modded BIOS file. Rebooted with the USB stick and the BIOS 'seemed' to update OK. Now when the computer boots, the post screen seems to mention the Bay bios as it loads up, so I assume that it has installed correctly.

However, within BIOS, I do not seem to be getting some of the menus that some of the threads in various forums seem to suggest I should be getting. For example, this thread shows a photo of a Sothbridge screen: http://homeservershow.com/forums/index.php?/topic/3397-modified-bios-for-microserver-n40l-enables-hidden-features/

Now I do get a Southbridge page in the BIOS, but there are only two options there. I am at work now so I don't have the n40l next to me to know exactly what it says, but for sure there are none of the options shown in that picture.

Does this sound normal?

One thing I do notice with the machine is that it isn't as quiet as I was hoping it might be. This machine will sit beneath my TV in the living room, so I wanted something as quiet as possible. I have seen a thread about changing the case fan for something quieter (which isn't as straightforward as it should be due to the arrangement of pins on the fan/motherboard connector. However, the thread suggests that a good portion of the noise comes from the small PSU fan rather than the case fan, and this, of course, cannot be changed. A pity it is as loud as it is.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: patters1978 on September 17, 2012, 18:44:13 PM
Cheers for this guide it has helped :) But now im stuck lol

I need my hp for the following things

XBMC
Sopcast
Back-up of photo's,vid and music a must has to be 100% safe
Remote desktop without logging out the user
Raid 5 (i think i want this but still unsure)

my setup
 n40l
8gb ram
nvidia 210
60gb SSD with os
4 x 2TB samsung F4

I was gonna just raid 1 the drives making 2 safe places + back-up windows on an external HDD
But i have just spent £300 + on these drives and i technically only have just under 4TBs lol would like to increase that with raid 5

i just dunno what to do  :'(
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on September 17, 2012, 20:00:44 PM
Sorry I'm in Portugal on holiday at the moment, so might not be able to reply, but next question will be, which OS? If you are also looking for remote desktop without logging out, then expect you are looking at VNC.

If you are looking for raid 5 then windows server and I think pro will give you software raid. If you are planning on using Linux, then I have no idea :-)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on September 17, 2012, 20:57:37 PM
I think most linux flavours support RAID 5 no problem, so you should be golden either way.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: birket on October 10, 2012, 12:08:21 PM
I've ordered and partially installed the PicoPSU (120W) to replace the stock one in the n40l. I was finding it just too loud. Installation is certainly fiddly, particularly when fully loaded with SSD main drive, optical drive, 4x SATA drives and GFX card! I thought had it all up and running, but realised I hadn't got any power going to my set of SATA disks! Unfortunately, it isn't just a simple case of connecting a molex to this array - it needs 4 seperate molex connectors! I've ordered a 4-way splitter, so hopefully, if I can fit it into the tangle of spaghetti, we should be up and running soon.

It has to be said that the picoPSU is amazing - 100% silent! I had ordered the replacement Scythe fan and was going to perform the fan mod too, but to be honest, I don't think I'll bother as most/all of the noise must have been coming from the PSU.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: addictweb on October 10, 2012, 12:17:40 PM
An update on running multiple XBMC instances all controlled via an android/iOS remote ...

To run multiple instances you need each instance to run on a separate event port (default 9777). You can change this to whatever you like the in guisettings.xml

guisettings.xml -> services -> <esport>9777</esport>

Might help someone.

Note: This is only required if you want to be able to control the instances outside of your wifi network. If you are happy to access each instance on its local IP then you dont need to change the port.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on October 10, 2012, 21:24:25 PM
Wrong thread I think :-) wasn't this conversation in the xbmc thread? Poco PSU looks good, would be good to know the power consumption as well, as I believe these use much less :-)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: addictweb on October 10, 2012, 23:06:30 PM
Wrong thread I think :-) wasn't this conversation in the xbmc thread? Poco PSU looks good, would be good to know the power consumption as well, as I believe these use much less :-)

Ah crap. Point still stands, and hopefully will still rank on google.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: craigmiles on November 07, 2012, 11:08:24 AM
Hi. I have just got my HP Microserver this morning. I have created a USB pen to mod the bios to enable full speed of the other two Sata ports.

Will WHS install ok on these or do I need them in another mode?

I have also purchased a 6450HD graphics card. What drivers are people using with this card as WHS is not specifically mentioned on the AMD website for an OS?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on November 07, 2012, 20:56:52 PM
WHS will install fine, for graphics I expect any W7 or the latest server version driver will work. I thought all of the installers are pretty generic on graphics anyway i.e. self detect.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: craigmiles on November 07, 2012, 22:16:33 PM
WHS will install fine, for graphics I expect any W7 or the latest server version driver will work. I thought all of the installers are pretty generic on graphics anyway i.e. self detect.

Thanks. Managed to flash the bios ok, upgraded ram, installed new video card and installed WHS. So far so good. What anti virus software is good for WHS? Next plan is to decide how to manage my media and then get everything up and running with XBMC.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on November 07, 2012, 22:48:45 PM
WHS will install fine, for graphics I expect any W7 or the latest server version driver will work. I thought all of the installers are pretty generic on graphics anyway i.e. self detect.

Thanks. Managed to flash the bios ok, upgraded ram, installed new video card and installed WHS. So far so good. What anti virus software is good for WHS? Next plan is to decide how to manage my media and then get everything up and running with XBMC.

Congratulations, for antivirus, there's a thread here, and to be honest there is no one answer, and it's a matter of choice :)

http://www.tekforums.net/computing-technology-web-communication/best-free-anti-virus-software/ (http://www.tekforums.net/computing-technology-web-communication/best-free-anti-virus-software/)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on November 22, 2012, 23:37:19 PM
Just a bump to say that eBuyer have the N40L for £219.98inc. vat + £100 cash back, back down to the good old price!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Neo78 on December 05, 2012, 07:40:59 AM
Hi Guys,
i was wondering, did any of you guys found any storage controller drivers for 2003 R2?

I have the Micro N40L G7 configured with RAID 1 but i cannot install 2003 R2 because it doesn't recognize the "Hard Disk". (The F6 function)

I've searched HP but i cannot find any drivers but no luck.

If anyone knows, please let me know.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 13, 2012, 20:05:16 PM
Sorry no idea but I'd assume that the standard server driver should work, it's the same OS isn't it?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on December 13, 2012, 20:06:00 PM
NEW! Microserver Coming Soon!

The main change appears to be a new processor, with two models available:

1. 4GB RAM no HD
2. 2GB RAM, 250GB HD

The SRP is from £269 ex VAT, to put it in perspective the SRP on the N40L is £239 ex VAT

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/sm/WF25a/15351-15351-4237916-4237917-4237917-4248009.html (http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/sm/WF25a/15351-15351-4237916-4237917-4237917-4248009.html)

Processor:
AMD Turion™ II Neo N54L (2.2GHz)
AMD RS785E/SB820M chipset

Memory:
Two (2) DIMM slots
2GB (1x2GB) Standard or 4GB (1x4GB)/8GB Maximum, using PC3-10600E DDR3 Unbuffered (UDIMM) ECC memory, operating at max. 800MHz

Storage Controller:
Embedded AMD SATA controller with RAID 0, 1
Embedded AMD eSATA controller for connecting external storage devices via the eSATA connector in the rear of the server

Internal Drive Support:
4 Internal HDD Support
Maximum internal SATA storage capacity of up to 8.0TB (4 x 2TB 3.5" SATA drives)

Network Controller:
Embedded NC107i PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Server Adapter

Expansion Slots:
Slot 1: PCI-Express Gen 2 x16 connector with x16 link
Slot 2: PCI-Express Gen 2 x1 connector with x1 Link
Slot 2-2: PCI-Express x4 slot for optional management card

USB 2.0 Ports:
Seven (7) USB 2.0 ports: 4 front , 2 rear, 1 internal (for tape)

Power Supply:
150 Watts Non-Hot Plug, Non Redundant Power Supply
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Adrock on January 02, 2013, 14:44:54 PM
A microserver, serving media to XBMC and doing a few other bits will be perfectly fine with 4GB of RAM right?

I'm looking at getting a 4GB stick and then maybe getting another in the future for 8GB. I'm not entirely sure what it'll end up doing but its gonna be doing newsgroup based stuff aswell.

I'm gonna be running mint linux, I think, so its gonna be open to adding lotsa stuff to it. Stuff like newsgroup indexing interests me, for personal use, which could be quite RAM intensive, couldn't it?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on January 02, 2013, 23:26:08 PM
I've got 4GB in mine, running windows and torrents, live encoding, DNLA, SABnzbd, VPN etc.. runs fine, to be honest in you are not watching it do it's stuff then I don't think you have to worry too much
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on May 24, 2013, 19:08:11 PM
HP ProLiant G7 N54L 2.2GHz MicroServer 109.99 after cash back!!!!!

Be quick this is the new model, it has has £50 cash back for a while on the old list price of 312.09!

- £100 CASHBACK AVAILABLE UNTIL 30TH JUNE!
- AMD N54L / 2.2GHz
- 2GB DDR3 SDRAM
- HDD 1x 250GB

£209.99 - £100 = £109.99!!!!

This is a better deal than the old one!!

Linky: http://www.ebuyer.com/430446-proliant-microserver-turion-2-2-2gb-250gb-nhpl-sata-lff-in-704941-421 (http://www.ebuyer.com/430446-proliant-microserver-turion-2-2-2gb-250gb-nhpl-sata-lff-in-704941-421)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on May 24, 2013, 20:44:36 PM
Awesome, now I'm back in the UK and working I was thinking I may need a 2nd microserver. Will have another look at finances in a few weeks.

edit: got a supplier link for that price? If not I'll just google around tomorrow :P
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on May 24, 2013, 20:47:29 PM
Doh! Updated with link!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Leon on May 24, 2013, 21:09:08 PM
Was pricing things up early and it does work out cheaper to buy a new microserver and 4x 2TB drives than upgrade my current one with 4x 4TB.
Title: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on March 06, 2015, 19:50:58 PM
HP Micro Server Gen 8 - £145 (after cash back)!!

Appears to be a bargain!

CPU: Intel Celeron G1610T / 2.3 GHz
RAM: 2GB - 1 slot free
Optical: None
Ethernet Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet
Remote Management Controller: Integrated Lights-Out 4
Slots:
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 - low-profile
1 x microSD Card
1 x VGA
5 x USB 2.0 ( 2 front, 2 rear, 1 internal )
2 x USB 3.0

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-proliant-gen8-g1610t-micro-server-179-99-144-99-after-cashback-ebuyer-2159040 (http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-proliant-gen8-g1610t-micro-server-179-99-144-99-after-cashback-ebuyer-2159040)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/27382557/MicroserverGen8Icon.jpg)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on April 01, 2015, 18:30:07 PM
Now £119.99 after cash back!!!

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-proliant-gen8-g1610t-microserver-179-99-ebuyer-119-99-after-cashback-2177468 (http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-proliant-gen8-g1610t-microserver-179-99-ebuyer-119-99-after-cashback-2177468)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Binary Shadow on April 04, 2015, 09:19:05 AM
Just bought the g8 £119.99 after cashback.

From what I have read it will only work with ECC RAM
Title: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on April 04, 2015, 16:47:15 PM
Yeah, I heard the same. A few things to note the cpu is replaceable in this model,  so can up the power to an i3 (or higher if you don't mind being a bit more risky exceeding the 35w barrier and generating more heat in the case. Other thing to note that the built in remote management requires a licence to unlock all features, although I think you can get some cheap licences on the eBay.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Binary Shadow on April 04, 2015, 17:59:28 PM
Indeed, or shell out the £400+ for the xeon model?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: bytejunkie on April 07, 2015, 08:32:20 AM
From what I have read it will only work with ECC RAM

thats a requirement for all of them. its getting harder to find cheap server ram.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on April 07, 2015, 13:12:45 PM

From what I have read it will only work with ECC RAM

thats a requirement for all of them. its getting harder to find cheap server ram.

The previous versions N36-N54 would be fine on Non-ECC RAM, it was just recommended.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Binary Shadow on April 11, 2015, 18:53:06 PM
Very happy with my G8, very nice bit of kit

Running 16Gb RAM, 4x 3TB SATA discs and an 8GB USB flash drive to boot freenas
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Clock'd 0Ne on April 11, 2015, 19:35:00 PM
Why do you need so much RAM in it if its just doing Freenas?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Binary Shadow on April 11, 2015, 22:36:51 PM
Why do you need so much RAM in it if its just doing Freenas?

I don't I just like to max stuff out and keep my options open
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on April 13, 2015, 09:46:36 AM

Very happy with my G8, very nice bit of kit

Running 16Gb RAM, 4x 3TB SATA discs and an 8GB USB flash drive to boot freenas

Have you used the remote management care in it yet? Do you know what you end up getting without a licence? So very tempted at this price, but I really don't need it!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Binary Shadow on April 14, 2015, 06:10:33 AM
talking about the ilo4?

without the advanced license you can turn the power on and off or send a reset. with it you get a full remote session/kvm. this is pretty standard on all hp servers.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on April 15, 2015, 00:30:31 AM
Yeah, only used the DRAC on the Dells before, which I didn't need to worry about any licensing.. Pretty pointless without the licence though by the looks of it then
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: M3ta7h3ad on May 09, 2015, 17:48:44 PM
Mate of mine bought this on the deal then found a Xeon processor for cheap and basically upgraded it to the £400+ one by spending about £200.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: .H. on May 20, 2015, 16:48:05 PM
Hello, I'm New on this board.

I searching information about additional HDD in optical drive
You talking about this item : http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001UZQWG/ref=nosim/

Can i add 2 HDD with it ?
(in order to have 6 * 2T )

i search a solution to have this in my N40L


thanks

Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on May 20, 2015, 21:17:20 PM
Yeah that would be fine for fitting a single 3.5" drive in the optical bay, but won't hold two, not sure if there is a proper mount to get two in there..
Title: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on May 31, 2015, 21:23:40 PM
£99 + £4.95 p&p after cashback.

Can't go wrong for £104...

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-gen8-microserver-now-99-after-80-cashback-4-95-delivery-2217762 (http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/hp-gen8-microserver-now-99-after-80-cashback-4-95-delivery-2217762)

Edit: just realised this offer only becomes effective tomorrow, hoping the cost does not go up!
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: bathingape on July 31, 2015, 17:51:29 PM
good thread.  I have the N36L with modded BIOS, running WHS 2011.  I have an SSD slotted under the optical bay, and 4 x HD's in the 4 bays, and also have a removable HD enclosure in the optical bay.  I like to slot hard drives into the caddy for backups but want to replace multiple back up drives with one larger drive, so my question is - what is the maximum sized hard drive that the N36L/WHS 2011 can see?
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on July 31, 2015, 21:36:33 PM
So the N36 to the N54 are all the same bios..

When I wrote the original post, 3TB drives were about as big as you could go.. at the time 3TB were supported, although you could only boot from a 2TB max (As stated in the 2nd post)

After a quick google people are running 6TB in the 4 Bays, and pretty much if anything supports 3TB it should support any size greater.

But for some reason the optical bay seems to be limited, and wont play nice with large drives.
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: bathingape on July 31, 2015, 23:03:44 PM
So the N36 to the N54 are all the same bios..

When I wrote the original post, 3TB drives were about as big as you could go.. at the time 3TB were supported, although you could only boot from a 2TB max (As stated in the 2nd post)

After a quick google people are running 6TB in the 4 Bays, and pretty much if anything supports 3TB it should support any size greater.

But for some reason the optical bay seems to be limited, and wont play nice with large drives.

Excellent - I am booting off an SSD too, and also have a 3TB running in one of the bays with no issues.  Hopefully if I get an 8TB drive and stick it in the optical bay removable slot then I can just back up to there without the need to swap drives anymore !
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on July 31, 2015, 23:56:36 PM

So the N36 to the N54 are all the same bios..

When I wrote the original post, 3TB drives were about as big as you could go.. at the time 3TB were supported, although you could only boot from a 2TB max (As stated in the 2nd post)

After a quick google people are running 6TB in the 4 Bays, and pretty much if anything supports 3TB it should support any size greater.

But for some reason the optical bay seems to be limited, and wont play nice with large drives.

Excellent - I am booting off an SSD too, and also have a 3TB running in one of the bays with no issues.  Hopefully if I get an 8TB drive and stick it in the optical bay removable slot then I can just back up to there without the need to swap drives anymore !

No like I said, the optical bay appears to have a 2tb limit, the 4 bays will take anything..
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: bathingape on July 31, 2015, 23:58:25 PM

So the N36 to the N54 are all the same bios..

When I wrote the original post, 3TB drives were about as big as you could go.. at the time 3TB were supported, although you could only boot from a 2TB max (As stated in the 2nd post)

After a quick google people are running 6TB in the 4 Bays, and pretty much if anything supports 3TB it should support any size greater.

But for some reason the optical bay seems to be limited, and wont play nice with large drives.

Excellent - I am booting off an SSD too, and also have a 3TB running in one of the bays with no issues.  Hopefully if I get an 8TB drive and stick it in the optical bay removable slot then I can just back up to there without the need to swap drives anymore !

No like I said, the optical bay appears to have a 2tb limit, the 4 bays will take anything..

ahhh ok so not an issue to take one of the existing HD's and stick them into the optical bay, providing their < 2TB and stick the 8TB one in it's place.    I've just ordered an 8TB literally 5 mins ago :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on August 01, 2015, 10:11:37 AM
Yeah that should work :-)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: ERU on August 05, 2015, 10:15:20 AM
Does anyone have the Win8.1 / Win10 network drivers (2013) for this? The HP site is a nightmare...

EDIT
After a bit of reading (http://homeservershow.com/forums/index.php?/topic/5734-anyone-successfully-install-server-2012-r2-essentials-on-a-microserver-n36ln40ln54l/) I went to the manufacturers site in the end:
http://www.broadcom.com/support/?gid=9
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Fade on August 14, 2015, 16:22:23 PM
Hi,

My first post in this forum. I just bought a used HP N54L server. It came with a AMD 6450 gfx card, 6GB RAM, new silent fans, passive external psu and a WD NAS 4TB HDD. I want to put more HDD in it, but I need 3 more disc trays/carriers (the "frame" you mopunt the disc in before you put it into the server) But I struggle to find them anywhere... I have the discs, but missing the carriers. The part number is 624879-001 (Non-hot plug) and I've been looking for it everywhere. Is there some other carrier that fits? Will any carrier that have G7 in the name fit?? Like this one?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Style-378343-002-2-5-SATA-SAS-Tray-Caddy-for-HP-Proliant-DL-ML-G5-G6-G7-G2-/151539358492?hash=item2348731b1c

I tried to look for them in Norwegian web/stores, but I only find them with an insanely expensive HDD included (carrier + 500GB disc = 220£, carrier + 2TB disc = 407£ +shipping), I paid 155£ for the whole server.

Hope that you can help me find 3 carriers :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: Fade on August 14, 2015, 16:47:40 PM
Case solved. I contacted the guy I bought it from asking if he had the other 3 carriers. He said he forgot to send them so he will send them to me :)
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: oldosc on March 25, 2016, 18:56:16 PM
Hi  First post..Bought one proliant when first out to replace my Dell which crashed and burned loosing a lot of data (mostly some of my 6000 jpegs, and some video)
 I bought it because my partners son bought one (he was software architect for bluetooth so I thought he might know a bit. I managed to cobble it together with 4 old hdd and a WinXP Pro
and put Hyperos on to give me fool proof backup..All well till Feb,when Hubris arrived. I upgraded one drive to 7 (ugh) Linux mint on another. Every thing then went pearshaped..no OS anywhere
  Tried every boot and repair disk..no avail. Used my mac to chase forums, finally worked out bios needs ide to run xp (dont know how that changed. reformat install xp (I own a genuine disk from an old vaio).  One trouble is at 80 memory has gone a bit, cant always rem what I did yesterday (in detail) would like to get the Proliant running have many photos to reorganise.
   We have a Campervan and take pics half the year in Europe. Also have a P£ drone ..awesome views.( sorry about the preamble..old men go on a bit that,s why it's best to avoid them.
     Any how cann get PROLIANT to connect to BT broadband, have exhausted all my repair disks,
Title: Re: HP Proliant Microserver - Purchase, Upgrade & Setup Guide
Post by: XEntity on March 28, 2016, 11:28:26 AM
Sorry but I have no idea what your question actually is? :-)

Sounds like when you installed your new OSs, which I think you are saying is Windows 7 and Linux Mint that the MBR (master boot record) was overridden, chances are you need to set your boot drive in the bios to the drive with the last OS you installed.. Or run a tool to fix the MBR from a boot CD.

However I expect the key here is to get your data back? Is your data stored on your boot drive or another drive? Ideally your data should be on a separate drive to your boot drive, if it is then remove that drive from your system before doing anything else (if you haven't already wiped it) you should then remove every other drive and apart from the drive you want to install the OS on, then proceed to install after installing add back in your data drive, you should then have access to your data again.. Then add any other OS drives if you get boot issues then it's defaulting to a different boot drive and you'll need to change in the bios.

If you think you have lost the data then use your backup to restore.. But not used that software so no idea how you do that.