Another quick deal on the N54L MicroServer for us in North America. Promo code EMCYTZT4194 brings it to $290, then Newegg offers a $50 Visa rebate card if you purchase it on September 16th or 17th.

 

I grabbed this server last year for the same price and didn't have to get a rebate, but Newegg has a decent reputation on fulfilling rebates. Definitely a good deal for good hardware, even after adding $80 for the IPMI Remote Access Card. I downgraded my 10-drive system to 5x3TB in here, plus a 128GB SSD Cache drive and I'm very happy. It has enough power to run Plex Server, transcoding 1080P content.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=59-107-921

 

Here's the IPMI Card at Amazon, since Newegg doesn't have it in stock.

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Server-Remote-Access-Car/dp/B0042AL4R2

How does your remote access card work? 

 

I just removed the one I got for my N40L because I couldn't reliably do KVM over IP with it.  Every time I tried to access the KVM screen console I would get kicked out to the logon screen.  It was useful to see the temps but that was all it was useful for when I had it installed.  I even updated the firmware on the card but that didn't fix it.  I may have to open a support ticket with HP to see if they can get me one that works if your not having any problems.

How is this server in a living room environment? Is the power supply fan loud? Usually small fans run loud when transcoding?

How is this server in a living room environment? Is the power supply fan loud? Usually small fans run loud when transcoding?

Yes, the N54L is a bit too loud for the living room. The N36L is very quiet. Either they changed the fans or the N54L has the fan running at a higher speed all the time because the CPU is faster. Some people have swapped out the fan: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1193-page7.html