Ok so I would like to buy (or build) a 24/7 ultra low power mini-itx media server / NAS. Something that can store my music files, videos, documents and be able to relay such info to a LAN networked device or to a phone/pc over the internet (i.e. owncloud). I would also like it to run a : web, ftp, and vpn servers, as well as have the ability to stream music and video off of a few attached SSD's.
Id also like to have it running some flavor of linux (ubuntu, amahi) and unless someone can convince me (utilize the x86 architecture, as opposed to ARM).
Also and more important I want it to be able to run locally if the internet is down, as well as pay no monthy/yearly fees to use (aside from cost of hardware and electricity).
I have looked at several over the counter solutions from SYNOLOGY, QSNAP, as well as alternate ideas such as Tonino2. Im also down with building my own system and was contemplating using the ATOM - specifically either the Intel DN2800MT (Cedarview) or the Supermicro X9SBAA-F (Centerton).
I suppose I could wait for the Atom N2850... but like the usb 3 ports on the supermicro, however since there is no HDMI and only an internal PCI slot the supermicro might not be the best way to attach directly to TV. Where the N2800/N2850 has a direct HDMI as well as mini PCIE for BT or wireless LAN.
Can someone provide an honest assessment on the best way to go, that provides a bit of upward mobility, preferably fanless, headless using very little power (in both active and idle states). Id hate to have one file server box and another separate media player device - but it doesnt seem like there is really any way to have both - perhaps I am overlooking some other low-power platform?
UPDATE: 5/07/13:
Ive given up on ARM and ATOM solutions and am really looking into Intel I5 and I7 ultralow power systems. Intels NUC is ok, but after discovering the availability of 13W, 17W and 25W Intel I7 processors (Ivy bridge/Panther point) Im looking more into a Mini ITX solution something on the lines of the Jetway NF9G motherboard form jetwaycomputer.
(www.jetwaycomputer.com/NF9G.html)
This seems to be the ultimate compromise for power (watts) vs power (cpu performance)
If anyone knows any other companies making similar MoBo's using Ultralow power I5 or I7 mobile processors - please post feedback/ideas/suggestions and keep this post alive.
Id also like to have it running some flavor of linux (ubuntu, amahi) and unless someone can convince me (utilize the x86 architecture, as opposed to ARM).
Also and more important I want it to be able to run locally if the internet is down, as well as pay no monthy/yearly fees to use (aside from cost of hardware and electricity).
I have looked at several over the counter solutions from SYNOLOGY, QSNAP, as well as alternate ideas such as Tonino2. Im also down with building my own system and was contemplating using the ATOM - specifically either the Intel DN2800MT (Cedarview) or the Supermicro X9SBAA-F (Centerton).
I suppose I could wait for the Atom N2850... but like the usb 3 ports on the supermicro, however since there is no HDMI and only an internal PCI slot the supermicro might not be the best way to attach directly to TV. Where the N2800/N2850 has a direct HDMI as well as mini PCIE for BT or wireless LAN.
Can someone provide an honest assessment on the best way to go, that provides a bit of upward mobility, preferably fanless, headless using very little power (in both active and idle states). Id hate to have one file server box and another separate media player device - but it doesnt seem like there is really any way to have both - perhaps I am overlooking some other low-power platform?
UPDATE: 5/07/13:
Ive given up on ARM and ATOM solutions and am really looking into Intel I5 and I7 ultralow power systems. Intels NUC is ok, but after discovering the availability of 13W, 17W and 25W Intel I7 processors (Ivy bridge/Panther point) Im looking more into a Mini ITX solution something on the lines of the Jetway NF9G motherboard form jetwaycomputer.
(www.jetwaycomputer.com/NF9G.html)
This seems to be the ultimate compromise for power (watts) vs power (cpu performance)
If anyone knows any other companies making similar MoBo's using Ultralow power I5 or I7 mobile processors - please post feedback/ideas/suggestions and keep this post alive.