PC set up in preparation of SB 2

Nick B · « **on:** 17 Dec 2005, 05:50 am »

It was suggested I repost this as a new thread, so I am doing so.

I think I'm getting close(r) to understanding all this. Was at a computer shop today and explained what I want to do. The guy suggested I add 2 internal HD's....120 G Seagates. Cost is about $100 each. Then add an ethernet card and run it to the Linksys. Much cheaper than wireless and not necessary in my application. He would alternate slots and add a larger fan if necessary. Would also check the power supply to see if it's adequate. He said it can be configured to automatically backup my entire HD or just my music server data. This makes sense to me and I wonder if someone can confirm this is an OK way to proceed. I have done some very simple pc work before and could install the HD's, but configuring the backup and all that is way beyond me. [/u]

davehg · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 07:19 am »

for several reasons:

Internal drives require the fan from the PC case. Unless you are looking at cooling solutions and silent cases, the fan in most PC cases is too noisy. Most new external drive enclosures have ultra quiet fans.

External drives are easily portable. Great for a solid backup solution (if you are smart, you will have a secondary backup stored offsite or in a secure location).

See my blog and system at http://musicserver.blogspot.com

Nick B · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 08:18 am »

My pc and dedicated music and backup drives will all be located away from the SB2, so noise isn't a problem. My current fan is fairly noisy and the new one is likely to be the same or even less noisy per the tech. He was trying to save me a few bucks by using a wired ethernet and internal drives. Either way, it seems OK to add at least one of the two new harddrives in the tower. I'll see what the prices are regarding the internal vs external drives. He highly recommended the Seagate. I've heard of Seagate, so I'm comfortable with that recommendation unless someone says otherwise. No way can I figure out how to do auto backup though. Due to your blog and jakepunk's primer, I was able to explain my needs for a dedicated pc music setup and then he showed me each of the items and setup options. Thanks

EchiDna · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 09:21 am »

Quote from: davehg

.... Most new external drive enclosures have ultra quiet fans....

most external cases have small, slow fans - hence the lack of noise.... I wouldn't trust those fans to do the job of moving air in any environment other than sub arctic. Long term reliability of a drive used at over 50 degrees celcius has to be compromised somewhat.

external drives (not all but many) are fantastic at sealing in heat and poor at dispersing heat from the drive. look for those with direct HDD to aluminium surfaces and some form of 'heatfins' externally - these do the job much better than smooth sided sleek boxes.

you can of course upgrade the fans in either your pc or external drive to some thing like those offered by Nexus which I've personally found to be great in all of my PC's. cheap and good - and recommended.

jqp · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 05:05 pm »

Take a little time to consider where you will be after you get a PC for use as an audio system.. How much money will you have spent? Will it be worth it in the long run, when you will be doing DIY going forward to upgrade and to reconfigure software and hardware. A computer salesman will not be up to speed on what you are trying to achieve, after you leave he will be selling another "perfect PC" to another customer he may never see again. Building a PC is no harder today than it was 10 years ago. Anyone can go into a Best Buy any week, and get a 250GB hardrive for $125 or less. Likewise anyone can follow the easy instructions to configure backups if they so desire.

There are nice power supplies and there are cheap pieces of junk. I just replaced a cheap piece of junk power supply with another cheap piece of junk power supply for $30, just to get a less-used PC at home back up and running. If I were building a music system I would get a very good power supply, something like an Antec $60-$100 at CompUSA (or you can order on-line for much less) and plenty of quality hard drive space. Nowadays, a terrabyte of storage inside one PC is not unheard of.

After you get a PC assembled and configured for you, you will be on your own anyway. I would decide how much it is worth it to me to have someone set up the PC to the point where I will be "done" (for a little while), versus getting more of a bare-bones PC (or even building it yourself) and moving forward with specific components and software I need for an audio system.

Selling PCs successfully today means selling the latest "sweet-spot" technology at a decent profit. For many applications the consumer doesn't need to do better, but you sure can do better. You will be working with the hardware and software going forward, more than with audio equipment probably.

jqp · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 05:17 pm »

I would actually do a little research on-line for case reviews, power supply reviews, etc. Get a case that has enough room and won't cut your hands. You can get a good case from a store if you know what to look for.

Here's an idea - if you can afford 2 PCs within a few months, maybe get one, work with it and then build another one based on what you have learned needs to be improved. Using some of the parts from the first PC you can build a much better solution, and it may be cheaper than trying to get the perfect PC from the beginning.

Ethernet cables are often easier and faster ( now you can have 1000 Mbit between PCs ) than monkeying with a wireless network.

Nick B · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Dec 2005, 05:54 pm »

I've learned the hard way via numerous power supply failures and hard drive
problems that it pays to get good quality parts. My current pc reflects that and I've had no problems as a result. I have a standard size case and there should be enough space to add the additional harddrive(s). I'll research the external drives some more and make sure the fan has enough rpm and moves enough air if I go that route. The Nexus link was helpful in that regard. I have had some work done by the local guys who are system techs for the local college. So I can use them or the local computer shop. Once I get things setup as to the EAC, FLAC etc, it should run smoothly. I've installed a fair amount of software, so that shouldn't be a problem as far as running it and keeping it updated. The learning curve on computer audio is steep, but I am getting there and I now have comprehensive references via the AC members. Costwise, it should run me about the same to go the SB2 route vs buying a modded APL unit from Alex Peychev for $1,100.