Pre-built or build your own?

[jettman]

I am looking to get a Server for Sage. I am currently w/o a desktop.
Is it better to build your own or buy a pre-built one?

I am looking at this one:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pa...oductDetail.do

Or should I just build my own w/an X2 processor?

[Polypro]

After building my own, I'll never get a pre-built again...you can piece together known working compatible hardware. It may cost a little more, but trouble free operation can't be priced

P

[jettman]

I am also worried about compatibility w/Vista (not including the video card, that is a whole other ballgame).
Do you think drivers will be an issue for the Motherboard and any other hardware?

[Kirby]

I always build my own. I like knowing exactly what parts are in my system, and be able to choose certain brands/models. Building your own will sometimes cost you more if you need to duplicate the software bundles that are included with one like that model you linked.

As an example, I went to newegg just now, and got a case/PSU, same cpu, same amount of ram, comparable MB, lightscribe dvd, and hard drive, and I am already over the CC price. Still would have to add keyboard, mouse, card reader, software, OS, and shipping (already at $26 on those components).

I guess its mostly a matter of personal choice, and what fits your needs, budget, and skill level.

[Kirby]

Originally Posted by jettman

I am also worried about compatibility w/Vista (not including the video card, that is a whole other ballgame).
Do you think drivers will be an issue for the Motherboard and any other hardware?

Personally, I wouldnt try and plan ANY component right now being compatible with Vista. I know I am going to not run Vista on my equipment any time soon.

[dbfresh23]

Gotta decide what is more important to you, price or performance because you certainly aren't getting both. For price you won't even be able to come close to an HP or Dell. Performance, if done right and with quality parts a custom machine will run circles around anything Dell or HP want to sell you.

[Kirby]

Agreed! I have on a rare occasion purchased a small server type setup from Dell just for parts. Some of those $200 entry level servers, and gut them for the drives, cpu, etc, when you come across a nice 25% discount code or something, but other than that, I always buy exact components I want.

[stevech]

I like build-you-own so you can research and select the best motherboard. then buy top quality disks.

[tmiranda]

I split the problem into components by running a dedicated server for Sage, a NAS box for storage and then use SageClient (on my desktop) and the MVP to watch. I believe by doing this you get the best of all worlds while not forcing any one component to do things it is not good at. Building OR buying one box to do all three functions is expensive, will entail compromises, and will be difficult to upgrade. Forget about "Vista Proofing" with a one box solution you will probably end up replacing just about the whole thing. By plitting up the problem "build or buy" is an afterthought, it does not matter much.

The Sage server does not have to be anything fancy. It can be a very low powered machine made from spare parts or a cheapo machine from Dell/HP. I personally use a Dell 400SC with a 2 GHz Celeron and 512MB of memory. I bought this from Dell about 1.5 years ago for $249. The decision to "build or buy" does not really matter, either will work just fine since you are not taxing the system.

I use NASLite+ for video storage. I have it running on an 800 MHz VIA Eden based motherboard that was really cheap. I bought a decent case with good cooling, a good power supply and plenty of space for some drives. The Eden runs really cool so heat is not an issue. I could have easily used a low end server from Dell/HP. Again, build or buy is no longer a critical decision.

For watching recordings I usually use the MVP conencted to a living room TV but sometimes use my "desktop" machine (which is actually a big server, but that is another story.) The build or buy decision here is really based on what other tasks you intend to do with the machine since SageClient is not a very demanding application.

I have built many systems but was unhappy with the "one system" Sage solution. Heat was always a major issues, especially when you start stuffing a fast CPU (or dual CPUs ), 6 drives, a high end video card and several tuners all into one case. The system was very noisy, hot and unstable.

Now my Sage server is cool and quiet and more stable since it is dedicated to just one task. My NASLite+ box is cool and quiet and has plenty of room to grow (speaking about hard drive space) and my desktop is not doing several jobs all at once. So by splitting up the problem "build or buy" is not nearly as critical.

If you really want to run Sage on your "every day, do it all and play games too" machine you have no real choice other than to build. YMMV

[crash]

Micrsoft Media Center Edition is now only about $130. Buy it instead and skip Sage TV.

[dbfresh23]

Originally Posted by crash

Micrsoft Media Center Edition is now only about $130. Buy it instead and skip Sage TV.

Nice First post Crash, very uneducated though. Advising someone to use an inferior product isn't the best way of helping out fellow HTPC users.

[paulbeers]

Hmmm...Microsoft is now invading our forums!

[Kirby]

Nothing more that I want than a system filled with MS DRM, and to be able to look into the future and see Vista and what it is going to do for DRM! Give me my fair use rights (which MS and DRM dont) and I will forever be happy!

Long live the King! (SageTV)

[stevech]

Without Competition There Is No Excellence.

To wit: Microsoft
And your local cable company's monopoly.