Skip to content

HP Microserver - much cheapness again!

Neo_VR
in The Technology Shed

Featured Replies

What software's best to put on it though? I got myself a Synology 212j for its simplicity and the software it came with, but would consider an 'upgrade' to something like this if I can get more disk into it (the 212 is only 2 disk).

I have the 212j and have got 6TB fitted. :p

Plenty of room for growth :yes:

Nas4Free probably

I have the 212j and have got 6TB fitted. :p

Plenty of room for growth :yes:

So you have a 2 bay product and you have both bay's full.

You only grow by replacing a drive so you'd have to replace one then the other once it's rebuilt.

That assumes you've used a growable RAID structure.

For the money, I'd take the HP and install something like NAS for free.

Without the cashback it'd be a different question, but with that, it's an offer that would be quite hard to beat.

Edited by cheezemonkhai

Nas4Free probably

So you have a 2 bay product and you have both bay's full.

You only grow by replacing a drive so you'd have to replace one then the other once it's rebuilt.

That assumes you've used a growable RAID structure.

For the money, I'd take the HP and install something like NAS for free.

Without the cashback it'd be a different question, but with that, it's an offer that would be quite hard to beat.

Thanks for the info - while I might not go for the HP microservers, I am definitely interested in the NAS4FREE.

Apologies for a slight thread derail but this appears a good place to ask.

Got an old PC (dual core machine about 5-6 years old with plenty of drive bays) so I might convert it to a NAS (strip out the graphic card, sound card etc to save power while running). Currently using 2 external hard drives for backing up laptop and desktop.

Any tips?

  • Author

For info.. there are "hacks" that will allow the synology "diskstation" OS to run on the microserver ;)

  • Author

Thanks for the info - while I might not go for the HP microservers, I am definitely interested in the NAS4FREE.

Apologies for a slight thread derail but this appears a good place to ask.

Got an old PC (dual core machine about 5-6 years old with plenty of drive bays) so I might convert it to a NAS (strip out the graphic card, sound card etc to save power while running). Currently using 2 external hard drives for backing up laptop and desktop.

Any tips?

To be honest i wouldnt bother. One of the great things about the wee microserver as well as the price is that it only draws about 50w when running full tilt - any PC more than a couple years old will probably draw at least 5-6 times that when idle!

Does that CCL one have the cashback deal?

If its that price after pay day i will be ordering one.

I bought the old N40L, added Server 2012 and 8GB RAM and it's got about 6TB of RAID'd storage now.

Definitely recommend the unit at the cashback price. I've got no affiliation to them but look in the Computers and Networking forum on AVForums.com and there's some tremendous threads about the different versions of the Microserver along with some BIOS upgrades that enable faster SATA ports and better RAID levels.

Jon

    •
    • Like 3
    • Author

    Does that CCL one have the cashback deal?

    If its that price after pay day i will be ordering one.

    Yes CCL does - thats where i ordered my last one from.

    its done by filling in a form from HP with serial number of the box and sending it off.

    +1 for the AVForums threads. Very helpful people on there (i.e. "helping" you to spend more money :rofl: )

    I've had my N40L since February 2013 and it's been rock-solid so far. It's far from standard as it's running a BIOS hack to allow higher speed SATA connection, 6 x WD RED 3tb hard drives and a 128gb SD for the OS (Windows Home Server 2011). The noisiest part of it is the PSU fan, although this is replaceable with Pico units (with a power "brick) outside the unit, making the N40L silent.

    Mine cost me £98 (after £100 cashback) delivered from Serversdirect.com

    Cannot beat it for the money IMHO

    Is there a version of this that is similarly priced but rack mounted?

    For info.. there are "hacks" that will allow the synology "diskstation" OS to run on the microserver ;)

    Is that the way to go?

    • Author

    Is there a version of this that is similarly priced but rack mounted?

    Is that the way to go?

    No rackmount option unfortunately

    To be honest depends what you want to use it for, there are several alternatives, freeNAS, nas4free etc if you just want nas functionality, cant comment on the suitability and ease of use though

    If you have mainly windows machines at home, then Windows Home server 2011 is relatively cheap and integrates nicely to backup windows machines and allows sharing as well as being easy to use.

    Whs is just over £35 at ccl at the mo.

    •
    • Like 1

    http://www.hotukdeals.com/

    Have a look through. The same server deals are in there I think and an offer for Windows server.

    If i could actually find one for sale at a reasonable price i would have one.. ho hum i guess i have until the end of the month.

    • Administrators

    Be sure to order the correct one.\

    704941-421

    http://h41225.www4.h..._microse_16911/

    Not a lot of them around, I'm tempted because it will draw less power than my mac pro from 06 which is currently running openfiler vm's.

    ebuyer has them for pre order at 209inc vat, so 109 afterwards.

    I rang CCL today to see if i could preorder, it was a no go.

    Though they did confirm more stock mid week and it will be staying at £187.95.

    No stock and bad reviews of insight on hotukdeals.

    What is interesting is they are one of our biggest suppliers at work and we get quite good pricing. When i login the price actually goes up :p

    Used to use them for work years ago too without any problems. I remember delivery charges being high so it was only worth ordering a lot from them.

    • Author

    Whs is just over £35 at ccl at the mo.

    Its just a shame that 2012 essentials is 400-odd quid!. oh and the one thing it doesnt have is hyper-V... even win8 does hyperV!

    Just for info; CCL now have stock you can preorder. I have ordered mine this morning, if you want one i would get in quickly.

    Create an account or sign in to comment
    Go to topic listing

    Recently Browsing 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Important Information

    Welcome to BRISKODA. Please note the following important links Terms of Use. We have a comprehensive Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

    Account

    Navigation

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.