Breaking into the Vault (a Look Inside the new HP Data Vault)

The new HP Data Vault is really nothing more than a rebranding of the HP MediaSmart Server targeted at the SoHo market (which I think it's a great idea). So it's no surprise that the hardware will be pretty much the same as well, but let's take a look anyway shall we? As the case is identical to the MediaSmart Servers, this means the standard disassembly instructions work here as well.

The layout looks virtually identical to all of the HP MediaSmart Sever mainboards going way back to the EX470. You'll find the processor up front, the chipset behind that and the RAM on the left; when looking from the front (click on image below to enlarge).

The Data Vault continues the use of the same CN9 KVM connector, which means that you can connect a VGA monitor, keyboard and mouse if you so desire (and have the right connector hardware).  JP1 is (I believe) is to reset the CMOS and JP2 is to enable the keyboard. People have had mixed results with JP2 using a USB keyboard and I can't get it to work either. There is discussion that you need a PS/2 keyboard hooked up. You can read more about this on MediaSmartServer.net (hey Alex, notice the silkscreened "C").

Here is a shot of the P.O.S.T. screen (I apologize for the blurry camera work).

I mentioned in the last article that the power supply has changed over that of the EX47x (especially the fan placement). In the photos on the front and back on the mainboard/power supply, you can see the fan in now in the back on the unit pushing air out, instead on in the front pushing air in.

The processor in the Data Vault X510 is the Intel dual code E5200 which runs at 2.5 GHz. Below is how it is reported with CPU-Z. Technically the chip is NOT an Intel Core 2 Duo 9as reported by CPU-Z, but a Pentium Dual-Core. From the product comparison matrix on Intel's website, it looks like the Data Vault X510 is ripe for an upgrade to an E5300 (2.6GHz) or an E5400 (2.7GHz).

The mainboard is reported as a Wistron (same as the EX47x, EX48x and EX49x series) model 532837-ZH1 and the BIOS is AMI (American Megatrends, Inc). The Southbridge chipset is the Intel 82801IR (ICH9R) (PDF datasheet from Intel).

The four internal SATA drives connect via the ICH9R's AHCI controller, while the single eSATA port is connected to a second SATA controller, the Silicon Image SiI 3531, which does support a port multiplier. Yay!

Here is a look at the Device Manager showing most of the pertinent hardware.

Bottom Line

The HP Data Vault continues the tradition of the MediaSmart as a sturdy little workhorse. The memory is already maxed out at 2GB and the CPU is a snappy 2.5GHz. The 2.6GHz or 2.7GHz CPU upgrade that I eluded to above is probably not even worth the money for the little performance increase that you will see. Therefore I don't think you will see this unit "hacked" in too many ways. It's pretty nice just the way it is.

HP StorageWorks X510 Data Vault Unboxing

I won't go into an extreme amount of detail (yet), but the HP Data Vault X500 arrived this evening and I wanted to give some unboxing photos and some of my first impressions.

Click on an image below to enlarge:

included in the box are:

• The HP Data Vault X510
• power cable
• CAT5E network cable
• 3 CDs (server recovers, PC restore and software install)
• Setup poster

Noticeable differenced between the MediaSmart Server and the Data Vault X510 are the words HP Data Vault (instead of HP MediaSmart Server) on the front and simple an HP (instead of HP MediaSmart Server) on the back. Other than that, they are identical. Same single USB port in front, 3 USB, eSATA, power and network in back.

Note that the Data Vault X510 some in 1TB (1x1TB), 2TB (2x1TB) and 3TB (2x1.5TB) models. The one I received was the 2TB model. HP has once again chosen the Seagate drives. I would have preferred the Western Digital green drives, but then again if you follow my blog at all, you already knew that. :)

There is one other change that is not immediately apparent. the power supply has a fan in the rear that draws air from the case. In the older models the fan was in front and it pushed air into the case. You can make this out my looking at the read photo of the two side-by-side above. More on this once I break out my trusty #00 Phillips head screwdriver. :)

Installing the Connector Software

Installing the connector software as as easy as it in with the HP MediaSmart series. The only thing that I noticed was the default name of the server has changed from HPSERVER to HPSTORAGE.

Wow! Perdy (the main HP tab on the Home Server Console!

Don't fear, the Easter Egg was left in as well:

The Data Vault runs the same MediaSmart 3.0 software as the EX49X series so it's no surprise that the multimedia features were left in. The folks at HP indicated that this may change down the road as they may not be utilized (or even wanted) by many small businesses. I would look for some better value added Add-ins that specifically target small businesses.

Also note a bit of confusion about the name. On the HP official literature and website, it is referred to as the HP StorageWorks X510 Data Vault. On the unit itself and on the software, it is simply called the HP Data Vault. I think that HP StorageWorks X510 Data Vault is probably what it's mother call it. It's friends simple call it HP Data Vault. :)

*** Update *** For a deeper dive into the hardware itself, see the article Breaking into the Vault (a Look Inside the new HP Data Vault)

New HP EX49x Series

HP Launches New Home Server with Enhanced Features for PCs and Macs

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2009 – HP today launched the HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers, new models offering increased capacity, high-performance processors, more control, new user interface and additional Mac support – all at a lower price.

Based on the Microsoft Windows® Home Server platform, the updated HP MediaSmart Servers have a refined user interface and a web-based home page that makes accessing and using the server easier than ever. Additionally, the new models offer a new video converter with custom settings and profiles that will automatically convert video libraries, including unprotected DVDs.

The explosion of digital content is attracting a new kind of buyer to the home server space,” said Jason Zajac, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Attach Group, HP. “This buyer wants all the power and capacity that past buyers wanted, but also wants it to be easy to use. The new MediaSmart ED490 and EX495 give them both.”

The MediaSmart Server features a new media collector, which allows users to collect media by computer, media type or file location. The server automatically collects and organizes media files across Macs and PCs and streams it across a home network and the Internet.

The HP EX490 and EX495 offer additional features for Mac users, including administration, media collection and a new disc recovery utility providing bare metal recovery on a Mac using Time Machine.

“The new release of HP MediaSmart Server software and hardware continues HP’s leadership in building compelling functionality on top of the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform,” said Russ Madlener, director, Solutions Marketing, Microsoft. “HP is delivering a true cross-platform product by adding the ability to administer the server from a Mac using Microsoft’s new Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.”

The new video converter automatically converts videos, including unprotected DVDs, into a format that can be played at the home or remotely. Users are able to control how their videos are converted by selecting the device the video will be played on or choosing specific video settings using the advanced controls features.

In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a free HP MediaSmart Server iStream application from the Apple App Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the server. Users can easily access their pictures, listen to their music collections and watch their favorite videos – all streamed directly to their mobile device from their HP MediaSmart Server.

MediaSmart Server EX490 and EX495 features include:

• New HP Media Collector
• New HP Video Converter
• Improved user interface with new web-based home page
• Mac administration, media collections and a new Mac disc recovery feature
• HP Media Streamer
• Server for iTunes
• PC Hard Drive Backup
• Server Backup
• Smart Power Management
• Processors:
• EX495: Intel® Pentium® Dual Core
• EX490: Intel Celeron®; Two gigabytes (GB) of DRAM
• Expandability: additional drives can be added for up to 7 terabytes (TB) internal storage and 17 TB of storage using internal and external drives.

Pricing and availability

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server EX490 with 1 TB of hard disk storage is $549 while the HP MediaSmart Server EX495 with 1.5 TB is $699.

The HP MediaSmart Server can be preordered beginning today. The servers will be introduced in select European countries beginning next month.

More information is available at www.hp.com/go/mediasmartserver.

Hands on WHS build with the Intel D945GSEJT (only 14 watts)

Last week I ordered the new low power Intel Atom powered motherboard, the D945GSEJT. It is a fanless, ultra low profile "half-height" (less than 2 cm high!) mini-ITX motherboard. I used it to build a Windows Home Server with 1GB of SDRAM and a Western Digital 1TB hard drive. The whole thing draws from 12-16 watts when idle which it truly amazing compared to anything else out there including HP's low powered LX195 (which draws 26W).

Here is my shopping list:

• Intel D945GSEJT (from mini-box.com)- $118
• 12V power brick - $19
• DDR2 667 laptop memory – $11
• Western Digital green 640GB hard drive (optionally 1TB) - $69
• Windows Home Server System Builders DVD - $93

Total build cost (minus a case, but including the OS) is $311. So as you can see, this will run you slightly more than the FX195 build that had a few weeks ago, but still under the $399 MSRP of HP's LX195. Plus (and this is a BIG PLUS) at 14 watts, it draws almost HALF that of the LX195.

Notes/caveats:

• I built the whole thing on the bench and have yet to decide on a case, but I wanted to get these photos and build instructions out ASAP. Obviously, I would recommend that you do your build in a suitable case.
• A traditional power supply is not needed, making this system completely silent (well except for a spinning hard drive). It uses a an external 12V "power brick.
• I was observing power fluctuations of between 12 and 16 watts. I chose 14W as an average.
• You could probably get away with the lower wattage 2A power brick, but I already had a 5W adapter on hand.

That said, here's how to build yourself a great little low cost/low power WHS!!

1. We will be installing the OS from a USB stick, so first make a bootable WHS USB stick from instructions here.
2. Next "borrow" a monitor and USB keyboard and mouse and plug them into the mainboard. (Note: we won't be needing them after the build).
3. Insert the laptop SDRAM.
   
4. Attach the SATA power connector to the main board
   
5. Attach the SATA data cable to the mainboard
   
6. Attach the SATA power and data cables to the drive
   
7. Plug in the 12V power adapter
   
8. Now after I tell you about this next step, I want you to forget that you ever heard it from me. Because I didn't built up my unit in a case (i.e. on the bench) I didn't have a momentary switch handy. Therefore, to turn on the computer, I use a screwdriver to momentarily short the power pins together. The power switch normally connects to the two pins marked with red (see photo insert below).
   
9. After the tedious hour long OS install and there you have it, you will have yourself one lean mean fighting machine, um… one of the lowest powered Windows Home Servers that you can buy!

Microsoft MVP featured in Baltimore Business Journal

About a month ago I was contacted by Microsoft to see if I would be interested in doing some PR for them. They were promoting their MVP program, which of course I am a huge fan, so I said yes. They wanted coverage from local papers so a few days later the Baltimore Business Journal contacted me for an interview. It was published today in a segment they call "Two and a half minutes with…".

They also sent out a photographer to take some photos around the house. Yes, that's me stylin' an Microsoft MVP shirt and (it's a shame that you can't see it better) a WHS "Vail" t-shirt under that. I have a cigar in one hand and holding my latest creation, the Home Servidor™ in my other hand.

Creative segue to introduce the Home Servidor

What's a Home Servidor? I'm glad you asked. :) I've partnered with a woodworking friend to form a small startup business. We manufacture and sell Windows Home Servers that are built into the body of a humidor. We call it the Home Servidor.

The top of the humidor (insolated from the bottom for heat and airflow) holds a tray with capacity for up to 12 of your finest cigars. Disguised in the bottom is an Intel Atom dual code Windows Home Server with support for two internal drives. Yes that is a fully functional Windows Home Server in the picture above. I'll write up a detail review with photos in the coming weeks.

MSRP for a a single drive Home Servidor is $799. Not exactly the cheapest WHS in the world, but they're all hand made and our cost is pretty high (we don't have HP's buying power). Then again, we don't expect to sell that many, at least at first. Our market? Remember those guys at AIG who got multi-million dollar bonuses after the bailout? :)

Category: Microsoft promotion
Sub-category: Shameless self promotion

*** Update ***

Scanned PDF article "Two and a half minutes with Donavon West" is on my Skydrive

Upgrading the Memory in the HP MediaSmart Server LX195 to 2GB

Yesterday Hewlett Packard announced it's newest Windows Home Server: the entry level LX195. The original EX470 came with only 512K prompting me to write my original 2GB RAM upgrade article. The EX470's replacement, the EX485 comes pre-configured with 2GB of RAM, so no upgrade necessary.

You would think that HP would have learned from their past mistakes, but the new LX195 only comes with 1GB of RAM. This will probably be fine for most users (which is why they were OK with it), but more RAM always helps. So without further ado, I present to you:

HP MediaSmart Server 2GB RAM upgrade redux.

1. First order the RAM. Any 2GB stick of DDR2 677 will do, but I used Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory. It only set me back $24 and included free shipping.
2. Next find a clean flat surface. unplug the LX195 and lay it on it's side with the back facing you.
3. Unscrew the two screws on the back of the unit.
   
4. Slide the cover back and remove.
    
5. Remove the two screw holding the hinged metal case in place.
   
6. Lift up on the metal "handle" until the case locks into place.
   
7. Remove the old memory by unlocking the two hinged plastic clips with your thumbs.
   
8. Drop in the new memory and press down until you hear the click of both clips.
9. Press in on the plastic case locking mechanism, lower the metal case and replace the two screws.
    
10. Replace the plastic cover and the two screws.
11. Power everything back up. When you go to the Windows Home Serer Console, you should now see that you have 2GB of memory.
    

As you can see, this was much easier than the original upgrade. With practice, I bet you could do the entire upgrade in less than 30 seconds, but you should probably take your time. :)

HP Announces the LX195 Home Server

Hewlett Packard lifted the embargo today on it's new Windows Home Server, the LX195 MediaSmart Server. It is based on Windows Home Server (with expansion via USB drives).

This from the HP marketing info:

The HP MediaSmart Server LX195 is a home server that can automatically backup and protect your digital memories, centralize your media and content for sharing with friends and family, and enables you to enjoy your digital media while at home or away.

• Powered by Microsoft Windows® Home Server software
• Intel® AtomTM1.6 GHZ Processor 230
• Network-based backup of PCs using Windows® Home Server and Macs
  using Apple’s Time Machine®
• Easily share your photos with family and friends
• Remote access to digital media and files from any Internet connected
  PC or Mac
• Media streaming to PCs, the entertainment center and popular
  gaming devices
• Automatic digital content organization across all PCs
• An internal 640GB hard disk drive with plenty of room to expand with
  the four USB 2.0 ports on the back of the product

A hands-on in depth review later in the week. (click pics to enlarge)

*** UPDATE ***

MSRP is $399. It will go up for sale on HP.com sometime next week but is already showing up on some online retail sites. I'll find out where and post links.

*** UPDATE 2 ***

Dimension: 3.90”(W) x 8.20”(H) x 8.00”(D)

Complete PDF brochure on my Skydrive.

WHS Hacks: Installing Windows Home Server on the Thecus N5200

The Thecus N5200 is a Linix based NAS server, but Jaymz has figured out (i.e. hacked) how to install Windows Home Server on it. Great job! The thing is a little under powered with it's 600MHz Intel Celeron, but it has 5 hot swappable SATA drives and a Gigabit network in a small little package. I a little jealous that I didn't think of this first. :)

Read the how to here.

Tom's Hardware attempts to steal my thunder

Tom or Ed obviously don't read my blog. If so, they would know that I've already covered HP MediaSmart EX470 memory upgrade and processor upgrades. Seriously though, check out the article Hacking The HP EX470/475 MediaSmart Servers : Get Your Hack On. It has some good step-by-step instructions and interesting before and after benchmarks.

Where to buy the new HP MediaSmart Server

The brand new HP MediaSmart Server EX485s are beginning to appear on showroom floors everywhere. But who has the best deals? Here are some of the places offering the EX485:

	HP is selling the MedisSmart Server directly for $519 with free shipping. You MUST enter coupon code SV2132! (Note that you will have to pay sales tax) more info
	Newegg also has the EX485 for $549 and they too will throw in free shipping. Where you're there, why not pick up 2-3 of the Western digital 1TB green drives (see special $10 off offer). No sales tax in most states! more info
	Amazon.com still has the EX4985 on "pre-order" status, but it is also $549. more info

Buy.com has it too at $591 + $17 shipping and claims the list price is $708 (which it is not). Frys.com also has it at $549, but is showing sold out.

If you know of any good deals on the MediaSmart Server, comment and let other know!

CyberPower Windows Home Server 100

It would seem that OEMs like HP are not the only ones catching Windows Home Server fever. CyberPower Inc., a manufacturer of custom gaming machines, notebook systems, and high performance workstation announced today announced its Windows Home Server 100. It is based on the dual core Atom 330 Intel D945GCLF2 mainboard (the same board that powers my 10TB Rack Server). It is all off the shelf components, but if you are leery about doing it yourself, this may be a viable alternative.

Here are the specs:

• CASE: InWin BM639 Mini-ITX Home Server Case
• CPU + Mainboard: Intel® Atom™ 330 1.6GHz 533MHz 1MB L2 Cache Processor + Intel D945GCLF2 DDR2/667 Mini-ITX Mainboard w/ Video, Audio, & Gigabit LAN
• MEMORY: 2GB (2GBx1) PC2-4200 DDR2-533 Memory
• Data Hard Drive: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM Hard Drive
• OS: Microsoft® Windows® Home Server OEM Version
• SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT

List price of the configuration above is $399. See the CyberPower website for ore information.