HP ProLiant MicroServer

witnessmenow

Is there much of a difference between the N40L and the N54L?

I have the N40L but I am a little concerned that it might be underpowered for plex server.

Realistically I probably wouldnt be out that much money, By the time I sold the N40L , It would just be the hassle of setting it up again.

stimpson

witnessmenow wrote: »

Is there much of a difference between the N40L and the N54L?

I have the N40L but I am a little concerned that it might be underpowered for plex server.

Realistically I probably wouldnt be out that much money, By the time I sold the N40L , It would just be the hassle of setting it up again.

For the money it's a no brainer. The N54L is 2.2 GHz vs 1.5 GHz. Apart from that they are pretty much identical.

I'd say you could just swap the drives in to the new machine and it might would work OK.

witnessmenow

witnessmenow wrote: »

Is there much of a difference between the N40L and the N54L?

I have the N40L but I am a little concerned that it might be underpowered for plex server.

Realistically I probably wouldnt be out that much money, By the time I sold the N40L , It would just be the hassle of setting it up again.

If you require transcoding then they are both underpowered and the extra power of the N54L wont make a huge difference. Neither of them are ideal for a transcoding server.

If you don't require transcoding then they'll both do fine. The extra performance from the N54L comes at the expense of power consumption and heat so its a straightforward trade-off. Which would you prefer, more CPU power or lower power consumption?

They use various brand PSUs and fans so there's also the possibility that you could wind up with a noisier machine than what you currently have. Im not particularly happy with the noise from my own N54L and havent decided if i'll keep it.

Alanstrainor

Elara: Kin wrote: »

They would use the invoice date.

Was about to take the plunge today too, and was worried I wouldn't have it. Is it only the invoice date? As the HP doc states that you must have the device before the 30th also.

stimpson

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Was about to take the plunge today too, and was worried I wouldn't have it. Is it only the invoice date? As the HP doc states that you must have the device before the 30th also.

They don't ask the delivery date in the form. You could always pick up from elara - they're near the Naas road.

blabley

Deleted User wrote: »

If you require transcoding then they are both underpowered and the extra power of the N54L wont make a huge difference. Neither of them are ideal for a transcoding server.

Little late to this thread but...

Got a N40 with Plex Media Centre and Media Player on Windows 8, runs perfectly well. Streams to other TV's via LAN and Tablets/Phones via WLAN very happily.

gerryk

[Deleted User] wrote: »

If you require transcoding then they are both underpowered and the extra power of the N54L wont make a huge difference. Neither of them are ideal for a transcoding server.

You are most likely basing this on conjecture rather than experience. I have simultaneously transcoded 1080p to my TV, streamed music to my phone and had at least one SIP channel streaming with no glitches anywhere. CPU utilisation didn't go over 75% either.

gerryk

gerryk wrote: »

You are most likely basing this on conjecture rather than experience. I have simultaneously transcoded 1080p to my TV, streamed music to my phone and had at least one SIP channel streaming with no glitches anywhere. CPU utilisation didn't go over 75% either.

I am basing it on experience.

Most likely you don't know what transcoding means.

N54L can manage some basic transcoding but at higher resolutions and bitrates it can't even decode most of my content in realtime, let along re-encode it. To say that its not ideal for a re-encoding server is correct.

Elara: Kin

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Was about to take the plunge today too, and was worried I wouldn't have it. Is it only the invoice date? As the HP doc states that you must have the device before the 30th also.

You will be fine ordering it today.

Gulliver

claytonie wrote: »

To save the whole printing scanning thing, I used https://www.fillanypdf.com/ to fill the PDF in and just did a signature with the mouse then sent an email with the completed claim form and the PDF of my invoice to promotions at out-bound.co.uk

Takes no more than 10mins to complete now its the 45 day wait for the cheque

I used the PDF tool above (thanks, claytonie!) the evening I received mine and got confirmation at 10am next morning, so as soon as you get your serial number and invoice you're good to go.

gerryk

Deleted User wrote: »

I am basing it on experience.

Most likely you don't know what transcoding means.

N54L can manage some basic transcoding but at higher resolutions and bitrates it can't even decode most of my content in realtime, let along re-encode it. To say that its not ideal for a re-encoding server is correct.

I have 1080p and 720p files encoded XviD, DivX and a number of other encodings. All have to transcode to play on the Android Plex client. The only ones I have problems is MKV at 1080p... thet stutter a fair bit.
Not sure what the bitrates are, but I'm assuming reasonable high as the quality is good.

What sort of content are you trying to stream? More importantly, what sort of memory do you have? The transcode buffer size is a big limiting factor.

stimpson

gerryk wrote: »

What sort of content are you trying to stream? More importantly, what sort of memory do you have? The transcode buffer size is a big limiting factor.

+1 - I had transcoding issues with the stock 2GB - much better with 8GB.

2GHz is the recommended spec for PMS.

gerryk

2GHz is the recommended spec for PMS.

Processors arent made equal so 2GHz minimum spec doesnt mean a whole lot. The AMD Turion II is on the level of a dual-core Atom, slightly faster depending on clock speed. But even clocked at 2.2GHz its miles slower than a mainstream dual core at 2GHz.

gerryk wrote: »

I have 1080p and 720p files encoded XviD, DivX and a number of other encodings. All have to transcode to play on the Android Plex client. The only ones I have problems is MKV at 1080p... thet stutter a fair bit.

Well, there you go. 95% of 1080p content that most people have are MKVs (with x264 video) and you've just said that stutters for you.

So I don't know why you are arguing with me that when I say its not ideal for a transcoding server. Something that stutters with common content is not ideal.

I didn't say it couldn't manage some very simple scenarios - Xvid is extremely simple and old fashioned. But as soon as you start pushing it with modern HD content, trying to transcode 1080p, or trying to transcode two 720p streams at once, you are going to run out of CPU power and experience stutters.

And as I also said, if you don't require transcoding, it will be just fine.

stimpson

Deleted User wrote: »

Processors arent made equal so 2GHz minimum spec doesnt mean a whole lot. The AMD Turion II is on the level of a dual-core Atom, slightly faster depending on clock speed. But even clocked at 2.2GHz its miles slower than a mainstream dual core at 2GHz.

Looking at benchmarks, it looks to be quicker than a 2GHz Core2Duo, which was my previous setup. That transcoded to my iOS devices without issue.

I'm having issue with Plex on un RAID over 3G, so I haven't tested it, but I have transcoded 1080p to my NowTV box without stuttering. It did take some time to buffer but once it got going it was fine. This is with 8GB RAM.

stimpson

OK, scratch that - it looks like the latest Plex iOS update fixed my issues. I'm now playing a very high bitrate rip of the Dark Night Rises in 720p over 3G. Took about 5 seconds to buffer and hasn't stuttered once in 3 minutes of play. It's also apparently playing Chicken Run on the TV back home at the same time

Edit: And a High BR Avatar rip that used to stutter on my Core2Duo (with the client and server on the same machine) transcodes fine too.

danoriordan1402

Was wondering if I order another one today would I still be eligible for the cashback?

Dammer

danoriordan1402 wrote: »

Was wondering if I order another one today would I still be eligible for the cashback?

To get the refund you need the invoice and serial number of the microserver sent off to HP (by email or post) before the end of this month.

If you do purchase send all the info by email, the address is mentioned earlier in this thread.

I think you will really need the invoice today, and the serial number, to have any chance of getting the refund.

Maybe HP will extend the offer for next month...

stimpson

Dammer wrote: »

To get the refund you need the invoice and serial number of the microserver sent off to HP (by email or post) before the end of this month.

You had a monhts grace previously - for the June offer you had to submit the claim before 21st July.

It's worth emailing them on promotions@out-bound.co.uk to ask. They're pretty good at responding.

fran426ft

I ordered from Elara on Tuesday and received it at work today. They emailed an invoice to me with today's date on it and not the date I ordered it. I'd say it would be a risk if you ordered today as you may not get it until Tuesday which is October.

stimpson

fran426ft wrote: »

I ordered from Elara on Tuesday and received it at work today. They emailed an invoice to me with today's date on it and not the date I ordered it. I'd say it would be a risk if you ordered today as you may not get it until Tuesday which is October.

*cough* http://www.pdfescape.com/ *cough*

iMuse

You have until the end of October to claim your cashback

http://www.elara.ie/Microserver.pdf

fleet

Any word on this being extended?

stimpson

fleet wrote: »

Any word on this being extended?

You won't know until next month. They never say anything until they launch the offer.

vibe666

ebuyer have 7 in stock with free UK delivery at £249 if anyone's looking for them. http://www.ebuyer.com/430446-proliant-microserver-turion-2-2-2gb-250gb-nhpl-sata-lff-in-704941-421

parcel motel should do the trick for delivery.

iMuse

Any recommendations for a cheap graphics card that will fit this machine, Looking to put XBMC on it and will only need to play files up to 720p. Also any recommendations for a USB or internal tuner card?

paddyp

iMuse wrote: »

Any recommendations for a cheap graphics card that will fit this machine, Looking to put XBMC on it and will only need to play files up to 720p. Also any recommendations for a USB or internal tuner card?

sapphire 5450 was recommended earlier think this is the one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sapphire-11166-02-20R-5450-DDR3-Graphics/dp/B0036DD4CO/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1380585773&sr=1-4&keywords=SAPPHIRE

6450 for a few pennies more:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/VTX3D-Graphics-PCI-Express-DirectX-Technology/dp/B005YZO3MW/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1380586098&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=6450

stimpson

I have a Sapphire 5450 but I'm running headless. I'll let it go for €25. Pm me if you're interested.

MAJJ

stimpson wrote: »

I have a Sapphire 5450 but I'm runnIng headless. I'll let it go for €25. Pm me if you're interested.

Same card I am using on this machine and xbmc. Same seller i bought memory from, real nice guy to deal with.

Elara: Kin

Not being extended but there is a new model that might be on offer.

stimpson

Elara: Kin wrote: »

Not being extended but there is a new model that might be on offer.

The gen8 is on offer in the UK, but it's far more expensive than the N54L.

Elara: Kin

stimpson wrote: »

The gen8 is on offer in the UK, but it's far more expensive than the N54L.

Yes just got the offer and it is more expensive and you need to buy a switch with it.

randombar

Can you send it on to me there?

Elara: Kin

GaryCocs wrote: »

Can you send it on to me there?

http://www.elara.ie/generic.aspx?match=all&type=PCSA&typedesc=Servers

randombar

Might look to upgrade the Ram on the N40L instead, any recommendations people?

Elara: Kin

GaryCocs wrote: »

Might look to upgrade the Ram on the N40L instead, any recommendations people?

Here ya go.

http://www.elara.ie/productdetail.aspx?productcode=MME3427885

http://www.elara.ie/results.aspx?search=KTH%2DPL313ES%2F2G

Kingkong

Or pick this up for the half the price.

I put this into my N54L no problems even works ok with the existing 2gb ram stick.

It costs 34 euro and you can pick it put in pcworld aswell

http://www.currys.ie/Product/INTEGRAL-IN3T4GNZ-PC310600-DDR3-PC-Memory-4-GB-DIMM-RAM/317015/7.16

vibe666

Elara: Kin wrote: »

http://www.elara.ie/generic.aspx?match=all&type=PCSA&typedesc=Servers

the pictures of the server are wrong.

http://shopping1.hp.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/WW-USSMBPublicStore-Site/en_US/-/USD/ViewProductDetail-Start?ProductUUID=5w4Q7EN5qPoAAAE8VfB_pHDH&CatalogCategoryID=H20Q7EN5z88AAAEuEQIsTi_9

actually a nice little box. a bit pricy, but a much beefier CPU, you could even call it 'mid-range' at a push and it would make a really nice plex media server.

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Celeron+G1610+%40+2.60GHz&id=1819

claytonie

I'm about to pull the trigger on UnRaid pro if anyone is interested in splitting the 2 key deal drop me a PM.

randombar

vibe666 wrote: »

the pictures of the server are wrong.

http://shopping1.hp.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/WW-USSMBPublicStore-Site/en_US/-/USD/ViewProductDetail-Start?ProductUUID=5w4Q7EN5qPoAAAE8VfB_pHDH&CatalogCategoryID=H20Q7EN5z88AAAEuEQIsTi_9

actually a nice little box. a bit pricy, but a much beefier CPU, you could even call it 'mid-range' at a push and it would make a really nice plex media server.

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Celeron+G1610+%40+2.60GHz&id=1819

So 240 ex vat after cash back hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Anyone want to buy my 4GM Ram N40L for 200??

gerryk

GaryCocs wrote: »

So 240 ex vat after cash back hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Anyone want to buy my 4GM Ram N40L for 200??

Nope... you have to buy the switch to avail of the offer -

HP Microserver €134 Cashback when purchased with HP PS-1810-8G Switch (J9833A) Details Here Only €324.43 after €134.00 Cashback - Ends 30/10/2013

dunworth1

Hi guys sorry if this has been answered already

But does anyone know the rough electricity cost for running the micro server 24/7?

unkel

Depends if you can let it go to sleep or not and how much it's in use

If in use for a few hours a day and idling the rest of the time (but not aslee), about €50-€60 per year in electricity

If you can let it sleep and WOL when you want to use it, a lot less than that!!!

MAJJ

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/windows-7-professional-sleep-mode-not-available/4dba343d-63e8-40d9-83b3-ba1afe411d60

Am running win 7 pro on mine and using XBMC.
Just noticed I only have hibernate and no sleep option as it is greyed out.

Checked the bios and see no options there. Have WOL enabled which is what I am testing from the xbmc remote android App.

Ran a CMD command mentioned below and it reports S1/2/3 are not supported in firmware. Mine is stock and had machines from years ago without issues like this.

Any ideas?

stimpson

It doesn't support s3. Should do s1 and 2 though.

phantom_lord

I have the 40L for running a few things - downloads, couchpotato, headphones, squeezebox, crashplan. And I find any time I go to remote log into it, that's it's excruciatingly slow. Would upgrading the ram make much of a difference or is it more a processor issue?

Nforce

I run my 45l headless and access it using RDC. No lag whatsoever though as I'm running a 2560x1200 res monitor it does tax the on board gfx a bit!
I'm running Windows Server 2012,fwiw.

stimpson

phantom_lord wrote: »

I have the 40L for running a few things - downloads, couchpotato, headphones, squeezebox, crashplan. And I find any time I go to remote log into it, that's it's excruciatingly slow. Would upgrading the ram make much of a difference or is it more a processor issue?

What speed is it connecting to your router at?

MAJJ

MAJJ wrote: »

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-desktop/windows-7-professional-sleep-mode-not-available/4dba343d-63e8-40d9-83b3-ba1afe411d60

Am running win 7 pro on mine and using XBMC.
Just noticed I only have hibernate and no sleep option as it is greyed out.

Checked the bios and see no options there. Have WOL enabled which is what I am testing from the xbmc remote android App.

Ran a CMD command mentioned below and it reports S1/2/3 are not supported in firmware. Mine is stock and had machines from years ago without issues like this.

Any ideas?

Just in case anyone has read the above, a positive update in this post here.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=86895119#post86895119

phantom_lord

stimpson wrote: »

What speed is it connecting to your router at?

It's a wired connection so that end should be fine. I mean more when using programs, e.g. I use Itunes on it for home sharing and doing anything with that takes forever.

stimpson

phantom_lord wrote: »

It's a wired connection so that end should be fine. I mean more when using programs, e.g. I use Itunes on it for home sharing and doing anything with that takes forever.

You should check your connection speed, as 2 gigabit cards connected with a CAT5 cable will still only run at 100Mbit. Assuming it's all connecting at gigabit speeds....

iTunes (much as I love it) is a resource hog, especially with a large library (turning off Genius on your clients may help as it tends to slow stuff down).

Depending on the version of Windows you're using, that could be a drain on your system resources too. You can add more RAM, but if you're using a 32bit version of Windows, it can't address more than 4 GB (could be as low as 2GB - see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx)

I like small light OS's designed for media serving - I'm running unRAID, but freeNAS gets good reviews, and both have iTunes servers (unRAID has Couch Potato, squeezebox, headphones and Crashplan support!). The less resources taken up by the OS, the more available for applications.