I was thinking today, would it be possible to run XBMC on the unRAID server? I will have the unRAID box next to the XBMC box, and since the unRAID server will be on 24/7 I thought it might be beneficial to eliminate an entire PC. I can install XBMC to the cache drive or another small drive if need be.

You will need the skills to be able to compile a custom unRAID kernel at a minimum. It's likely you will also need to be able to install X11 Server and X11 Windows Manager.

 

If these are something you feel you have the needed skills to do, then it is possible.

 

It is likely easier to start off with a full Slackware distro (13.37 / Current) and install unRAID onto that followed by XBMC.

I like the idea of having a Mini/Nettop running XBMC near the TV and a Fully capable unRAID server in another room.

For the nettop I choose the Asrock ION 330 with a 2.5" SSD.

Then networked it to my own 20 drive unRAID server.

 

It's a bit more expensive this way, but the living room is quiet and one operation does not depend on another.

I.E. I can use the nettop with a local USB drive for music if I needed to while my unRAID server is being worked on.

 

One of these days I plan to recompile the XBMC kernel with the unRAID driver and see the feasibility of merging the two platforms.

What about running a VM on the unRAID box?

XBMC makes pretty heavy use of OpenGL and requires direct access to the GPU. That doesn't mean running it in a VM is impossible, but as far as I know only xen allows a vm to have direct control of a GPU.

Ok, well then how about running unRAID in the VM?

Ok, well then how about running unRAID in the VM?

 

Possible, but not easy nor noob friendly.

Possible, but not easy nor noob friendly.

 

You read me like a book I'll keep running the XBMC box until someone more knowledgeable gives it a shot.