Server/client update advice

[mtncrux]

I am a long time SageTV user, I do not keep up to date with the latest PC technology and could use some advice.

I have a 4 year old AMD A8-5600K based system running windows 7 and SageTV 7. The PC has 12Gb or RAM and a dedicated graphics card (can't remember the model).

It serves as the SageTV server for two HD300s, and as the main player/client for my big screen TV. My only tuner is a basic HD Homerun. I mostly watch OTA, and ripped DVDs. I recently added two security cameras and Blue-Iris and the server is crying for help. If SageTV is recording a show, while I am watching another show, and Blue-Iris is recording, the cooling fans are running full blast.

My questions are:


1. Could my over-zealous cooling fan issue be fixed my something simple like re-mounting the processor heat sink? The processsor load doesn't usually go above 60% even when the fans are screaming. The AMD A8-5600K is about 4 years old, but I feel like it should be able to keep up with my needs. Blue Iris is set to write directly to the HDD without recoding the video stream.

2. Am I silly to be using my server as a client/player? Should I get a dedicated player and decouple the player from the server? If so, what box will give me a good SageTV experience and also support Amazon Prime and Netflix? (FireTV, Mi Box, other)

Eventually I would like to ditch the HD300's for something that supports streaming services.


So, should I consider upgrading my server/HTPC, or just buy an Android TV or FireTV box? I have a feeling that using a dedicated player/extender will reduce the load on the server enough to quiet it down.

[Skirge01]

You've probably already got all the information you need right there on the server, whereas we'd be guessing. When you've got activity going on, open up Resource Monitor and see what processes are overtaxing which area(s) of the computer. Then, use a process of elimination to see at what point the server can handle the load.

[panteragstk]

I would at least try one of the android TV options just to see if it makes a difference for you. If it doesn't then upgrading the server may be the best option.

I'd also look to see what drives everything is being recorded to. If the blu iris is recording to a drive that has sage recording running as well as you playing back a file then you'd help yourself a lot more by using dedicated drives so they don't have to work as hard.

If the CPU fans are what is so loud that is an easy fix by getting one that is more quiet. If that doesn't help you can always use it if you update your server hardware.