HP Proliant Microserver

Leon · September 28, 2011, 12:30:20 PM

I don't have a disc drive in my server but I have it next to my TV for digital media and its a hell of a lot quiter than my 360. I sleep with it on and barely notice it at all.

The DVD drive noise will depend on the one you put in there but to be honest you'd find it hard to find a drive noiser than the 360

Mardoni · September 28, 2011, 13:00:06 PM

That's true, the Xbox's drive is a noisy bugger

XEntity · September 28, 2011, 21:30:40 PM

Mines quiet as anything, if you have a film on unless it is a silent film I expect you wont notice

Also just adding a link to the other thread here, for the Micro server guide etc..:

http://www.tekforums.net/guides-projects/hp-proliant-microserver-purchase-upgrade-setup-guide/

Mardoni · October 11, 2011, 15:56:34 PM

Just ordered mine w/ RAM and GFX upgrades

If it's quiet then I intend to put Ubuntu and XBMC on it, otherwise no XBMC and it'll just go up into the loft

edit:
A quick post-purchase question ! What audio outputs does this have ? I currently use an optical SPDIF connection into my AV-Receiver. I have a USB soundcard that I can use if needs be but I'm hoping for onboard support ?!

XEntity · October 11, 2011, 19:17:26 PM

Quote from: Mardoni on October 11, 2011, 15:56:34 PM
Just ordered mine w/ RAM and GFX upgrades

If it's quiet then I intend to put Ubuntu and XBMC on it, otherwise no XBMC and it'll just go up into the loft

edit:
A quick post-purchase question ! What audio outputs does this have ? I currently use an optical SPDIF connection into my AV-Receiver. I have a USB soundcard that I can use if needs be but I'm hoping for onboard support ?!

No sound onboard as it's a server platform, not sure but do you have HDMI out on the graphics, and does that give sound output

Mardoni · October 12, 2011, 10:54:12 AM

I thought as much. HDMI audio is no use to me, my AV Receiver is too old

Leon · October 12, 2011, 11:44:31 AM

USB sound card? Haven't looked at them but I know they exist

On a side note I've had to shut my Microserver box down as last month I moved all my stuff to my parents house, set things up and came back to London... not realising that in the 11 months I've been away my parents have moved from an unlimited package to a 20GB package... oops... I already hit 100GB in a few days :/

Mardoni · October 12, 2011, 13:37:36 PM

I have a USB Soundblaster that I use with my laptop for the same reason (laptop has HDMI out but no SPDIF), I'll plug that in

Your parents are going to love you when their bill comes through

edit:
Server's been delivered but no sign of the Ram and GFX. *curse you eBuyer free shipping*

Mardoni · October 12, 2011, 14:33:56 PM

I can't believe I'm having to ask this :s

How did you guys get access to the RAM slots ?

Where is the optical sata port located, I cannot see it ! ?

Leon · October 12, 2011, 14:47:26 PM

2 big thumb screws at the front of the mobo secure it to the case, un-screw them and move the cables out of the way / disconnect them and the whole board sides out.

The extra sata port is in the middle of the board close to the front.

Mardoni · October 12, 2011, 14:49:45 PM

Easy as pie (when you know how)

Clock'd 0Ne · October 12, 2011, 14:50:46 PM

I typed while you we're replying, so I'll finish anyway

The SATA port is at the front right next to the BIOS battery, just below where the drive cage sits.

As for the RAM, I've not been at it myself but you have to unplug the cables from the motherboard, unscrew it at the front and slide it out to access the RAM slots.

Mardoni · October 12, 2011, 15:11:32 PM

I just didn't see the thumb screws at the front, they were hiding behind the PSU cable

*honest*

edit:
BIOS update done.
HDD moved up to 5.25" bay.
Ubuntu install underway

Waiting on the RAM and GFX...

I'm really impressed with how quiet it is. I think it'll easily sit in the living room and not be a noise distraction

Guess that means I need to start saving for a Bedroom TV now, no point in having my Revo sitting idle

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HP Proliant Microserver