Mac mini server need?

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andyscott

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Andrew
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Well I am always thinking that it would be beneficial to run a server in my house.

I currently run a small business, doing album design and raw conversion stuff.

These are the systems we run in the house..

Mac Pro
Macbook Pro
Ipad x2
Iphone x2
Time Capsule - networked epson 2880
Windows laptop
Macbook Air
Apple TV x2
Buffalo NAS
Chromecast


Would a server benefit me at all (I realise I am a complete idiot when it comes to anything that technical). I was thinking about using mainly as an Itunes server for video (Nas will only serve music to apple tv)

Anything else I should be using a server for?
 
You can use a HP Microserver (think of a NAS running Windows) which will be cost effective and allow you to run iTunes on.
 
Having set them up, I'd chuck a Synology NAS into the mix to look at too, unless you were thinking of swapping out one of the Apple TVs for a Mac Mini for a bit more of a media hub.
 
I use a Mini server, exactly for that reason. It is a great and stable iTunes server. Serves three apple TVs. And I've got about 18TB of iSCSI storage connected to it. It is brilliant.
 
Why don't you just leave the Mac Pro on and use that as your server?
Stick Plex on it, give it some big hard disks and use it as a video server. Use the server for stuff that you need running 24x7.

My HP microserver does media playback to the house, backup, CCTV recording and serving to the internet and I also use it for downloading torrents, ebay sniping and other stuff that you just need a machine on all the time to cover.
 
A pro would use s heck of s lot of electricity. And wouldn't provide new toys :)
 
If you compare the cost of leaving a Pro on for a year vs the cost of buying a new server device and leaving that powered up for a year - I would be willing to bet a fiver that it would be several years before you got ROI
 
landwomble said:
If you compare the cost of leaving a Pro on for a year vs the cost of buying a new server device and leaving that powered up for a year - I would be willing to bet a fiver that it would be several years before you got ROI
Click to expand...
I know didn't you read the second part?
 
landwomble said:
If you compare the cost of leaving a Pro on for a year vs the cost of buying a new server device and leaving that powered up for a year - I would be willing to bet a fiver that it would be several years before you got ROI
Click to expand...

Save a fortune in heating in the winter too, may want an aircon unit for summer though
 
I think an aircon unit is a bit over the top for a home server. I run a 4 bay mini itx based windows server and it's on 24x7 in the cupboard under the stairs. Been running for the last 3 years with no overheating issues. I just have a small vent in the door to release the warm air but it's not really required.
 
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