R&D^
EXAMINING TECHNOLOGY AND PUTTING IT TO USE70 |MAMAMAXIMXIMXIMXIMUUUUMMPPPCC|JAN 2011 |www.maximumpc.com
The Wrap-Up
The fi rst generation of Windows Home Server off ered functionality
that wasn’t much better than existing NAS (network-attached stor-
age) boxes. You could build a better server, however, given the vast
array of add-ins that arrived on the market aft er WHS shipped.
Vail looks to be more of a true server out of the box. The built-in
media server is now DLNA-compliant, and can transcode digital
media fi les on the fl y. Vail will also be a true 64-bit server, which
means that most add-ins will need to be updated to work with the
new OS. But it’s also likely we’ll see newer and more robust add-ins,
particularly for home automation.
Even given Vail’s higher level of sophistication and added fea-
tures, it’s easy to set up and easy to manage. We’ve no doubt that the
next-generation Windows Home Server will do well in the market.
But if you plan on using your home server for anything more than
just a repository for fi les, you should think about building or buying a
system with a stronger CPU and the option of adding a GPU later, as I
did with this build. You’ll be able to take full advantage of Vail’s newfeatures and the wealth of add-ins that will become available. (^) Our Vail system has a small footprint, but lots of expandability.
TWO 2TB GREENPOWER
DRIVES A more robust
media server needs boat-
loads of storage. Our server
can accommodate four
more drives.
INTEL CORE I3-530 Using a
beefi er CPU will improve trans-
coding performance.
2GB DDR3-1333 Memory is cheap, so
add enough to your server for transcoding
performance and future growth.
SEASONIC FANLESS
PSU 80+ Gold rating
means greater effi -
ciency; the lack of a fan
means less noise.
SUMBIT YOUR IDEA Have an
awesome idea for Build It? Let us
know at [email protected].