Media Server Hard Drive

Media Server Hard Drive Guide

There are a few options to discuss about hard drives. You’ll need to decide whether or not you want your system files and media on the same partition, different partitions, or on different drives completely. By having your system files and media on separate drives, you make it easy to do system restores without worrying about your media.

If you choose to have your system files and media files on the same drive. You simply need to pick the largest drive possible, right now you best choice would be either a 4TB or 3TB. Since your system and media files are on the same drive, I recommend a 7200 RPM drive to help insure your system will be as snappy as possible. Most people have their own favorite hard drive company, but here are a few of my recommendations:

NOTE: Due to the flood in Thailand hard drive prices are EXTREMELY high right now.

HITACHI Deskstar 3TB 3.5″ SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Seagate Barracuda XT 3TB 3.5″ SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5″ SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

If you choose to have your system files on a separate drive, you can choose to store your media on a 5400rpm drive. Here are a few of my recommendations:

HITACHI Deskstar 3TB 3.5″ SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

HITACHI Deskstar 3TB 3.5″ SATA Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive 

NOTE: In the All In One HTPC Hard Drive Guide I recommend a SSD for system files. For your media server’s system files and SSD is extreme overkill. Your media server doesn’t need to be absolutely silent and honestly if you plan on having 24/7 or near 24/7 operation, you don’t need to worry about boot times. Feel free to pick a budget drive from your favorite manufacturer.

Your Media Server build is coming near a close. Next will pick out your media server power supply!!

Check back often for more guides to help you with your HTPC build!