Upgrade to Green 750GB drives only $109

Load up those empty Home Server drive bays with affordable, green 750GB drives from Samsung for only $109. When under full load, the drive uses 12.2 watts, but during idle periods the drive only uses 6.8 watts. Not quite as "green" as Western Digital GP drives, but these drives yield much better performance. But don't just believe Samsung. Tom's Hardware has a thorough 11 page side-by-side comparison on Samsung Spinpoint vs other drives (the review compares terabyte drives, but the specs of the 750GB model are similar).

Click here to order and remember to use promo code EMCAFBDAC at checkout. Oh yeah, you also get free shipping.

*** Update ***

It was pointed out here that the Samsung drives have issues with the HP EX470. Until this is resolved, I would suggest that you stay with Western Digital GP drives. I have the 750 GB and 1TB models and they both work just fine.

Sorry about this confusion!

We Got a New Look

If you haven't been over to We Got Served in a while (like that would happen), you should check it out. The website has an all new look, very clean and polished. Congratulations Terry.

Home Server Show Podcast

I stumbled across a new Windows Home Server enthusiasts site called the Home Server Show. I can't say for sure, but I believe that Dave is the first to take on the daunting task of creating a WHS Podcast. His first podcast was published yesterday and featured Ian Dixon from TheDigitalLifestyle.com who has a podcast of his own called the Media Center Show.

I wish Dave good luck with the show!

Bill Gates and Ben Chandler. Separated at Birth?

I know this is completely unrelated to Windows Home Server, but... The other day I saw a photo of Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler (as he announced his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama) and thought to myself, "Hmmm. This guy looks familiar". At a minimum Bill and Ben have the same barber and taste in eyewear.

 

Combination Toaster/Home Server

In my 5 part article on building a $400 Windows Home Server, I used the Shuttle KPC barebones computer as a base. One of the cool things about the KPC is that the front of the case can be used as a picture frame. In the article I invited readers to send in pictures of their systems.

Shad Fernandez emailed this interesting interpretation of a KPC based Home Server. His inspiration? He stated in his email:

Anytime I'd look at my server I'd think "if only it could make toast".

Well maybe it can't actually make toast, but I bet you're going to fool a lot of people. I'd like to congratulate Shad on a wonderfully humorous design!

Home Server Gallery

I hope that Shad's DIY Home Server has inspired you. It's inspired me so much that I'm starting a gallery of custom Home Servers with photos submitted by readers. Click on the "Gallery" link on the main menu at the top of the blog.

So if you don't have one already, get started on building a cool, impressive or interesting Windows Home Server and send in your photo!

$10 off Promo Code for Windows Home Server System Builder DVD

Those of you interested in building a DIY Home Server (such as the $400 KPC) may want to take advantage of this offer. NewEgg has a $10 off promo code on the Windows Home Server OEM DVD, plus FREE shipping, bringing the final cost to just $149.99.

Simply click here and use the promo code MICROSOFT42810 at checkout as shown below.

"Memory Upgrade" Wins by a Landslide

In my first in a series of polls conducted over the last month, I asked the question "What is the best HP EX470 Upgrade?". The people have spoken and by a margin of 3 to 1 over it's nearest competitor, "Upgrade RAM to 2GB" has won with 68% of the popular vote (the delegate count is yet to be determined).

Upgrade RAM to 2GB	68%
Upgrade CPU	12%
Add a Hard Drive	19%

BTW... Votes from Florida and Michigan to not count.