I've been running the original version of WHS for many rears now, I never upgraded to the 2011 version because it didn't support drive pooling.  However the HP Datavault I've got died with the last power outage and the reloading process doesn't work anymore (it is a headless server) with Windows 7, therefore I think it is time to give it up.  It is a shame because it is a great little piece of hardware, but it has very little processing power so you cannot really run anything else on it.

 

I'm not afraid to build my own system as I used to be a hardware tech, but that was 15 years ago so I don't know all of the current hardware and what is compatible with what as far as MB, CPU & RAM.  Therefore I'm leaning toward one of the HP ProLiant MicroServer's, but I don't know enough about them to understand the different models.  This unit will mostly be used to hold my movies and TV shows for distribution on my home network.  I've been running XBMC because the HP DataVault didn't have enough horsepower to be a Plex server.

 

I'm thinking about this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16859108164 so I would like any comments.

Lots of people here run that server.  Not much processing power either but you only need that if you are intending to do media transcoding really.  There is a big thread in the build sub forums dedicated to the Microserver.

 

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=11585.0

 

 

When I started out with unraid, I had planned to buy all the parts and put together a small box, then came across the N40L. It does what I need it to, just use it as a file server, and for media. Think one of the best things about it is the compact size and runs quietly, which is a huge plus. Holds 5 drives easily, and can add one more without too much work. Newegg puts the n54l on sale fairly often, should be able to knock at least $50 off the regular price. Think a used N40L goes for around 150 or so.

 

The thread Chris posted a link to, is worth reading thru, lots of good info there. Also take a look at http://homeservershow.com/forums/index.php?/forum/67-microserver/ info on the hp microservers there as well.