Linux Media Server

[flipdaddy]

I would like to build a linux media server.
My first question is why do many people talk about making a server
out of an old unused pc sitting in the corner?
I would like to store all of my movies and music plus back-up my pc's
and imac. If i do all this work on a server i would like my files to be safe and
would to reach them whem i'm on the road.
I think Raid 5 is a good idea and would have 3 to 5 Tb of storage.
I am looking for some thoughts on choosing hardware.

Thank you for your time.

[Bill]

I would like to build a linux media server.
My first question is why do many people talk about making a server
out of an old unused pc sitting in the corner?

Because, if you are making just a personal server, you do not need a lot of high priced equipment like you would need for an internet server that thousands of people use each day. How many people at one time would be accessing this server? If it is only you and a couple of others in your house, then the server does not need to do a lot of multitasking. A 5 or 6 year old computer should have not problem doing this, especially if you upgrade a few things.

I would like to store all of my movies and music plus back-up my pc's
and imac. If i do all this work on a server i would like my files to be safe and
would to reach them whem i'm on the road.

A personal server should be able to do this for you.

I think Raid 5 is a good idea and would have 3 to 5 Tb of storage.
I am looking for some thoughts on choosing hardware.

Raid 5 would be a good idea, if you can justify the cost of the hardware. How much are you willing to spend is the biggest question here. If you want to do it cheaply, you may be able to do a software controlled array, if the hardware on the computer is capable. You may not get raid 5, though. It might be raid 3 or 7 or something like that. But, if you really want raid 5, there are plenty of options.

[flipdaddy]

I dont have any old pc's i can use. I try to donate my stuff
to someone in need.
I would like to hold the cost around $1,500.
I do want to convert my movie collection (about 90 dvd's) and (25 blu-ray)
for HD streaming. I also want to store my music (200 cd's) and be able to stream
them over the internet.
That's why i didn't think an old pc would work.
I never built a server so any help or advise would be great.

[Rob]

If I had a budget of $1500 to build a media server, i'd probably get a dell tower poweredge server and add a media card to it..

Like: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Powered...ht_4453wt_1165

That's a dell t310 w/ plenty of cpu/mem for what you're looking to do.. and has 4TB of hard drive

Remember.. if you buy one like that.. you'll likely need to add a sound/media card to it..

Rob