HP MSS Comparison

[wamblej]

I am really debating between one of the HP MediaSmart Servers and the Acer Easystore server. In doing so, one thing I would love but can't find is a quick and easy comparison of the different models of the HP's.
The Ex470 is a really good price right now and I am tempted to get it - except it is pretty low on the NAS speed charts. This is however an old testing method and I am wondering if in reality it would be more competitive with newer testing. An example of this is why would the Ex470 (running a sempron) be slower than a MSI Wind which is running on an Intel Atom chip? I guess it could be the minimal memory in the Ex470, but I'm not sure.
Basically I'd really love to hear some opinions and comparisons between all these HP MSS and the Acer Easystore server. Thanks!

 

[jam3ohio]

MSS Comparos

I can help you a bit with the MSS's but have no experience with the Acer.

EX470 and 75 are the same machines, except the 75 came with one extra hard drive loaded. They shipped with 512 of memory. You really need to upgrade that to 2gb if you load add-ins. I have a 475 with 2gb memory and get really good speed across my gigabit network on backups. Esata port muliplier is supported, meaning that you can get a esata enclosure with 4 bays to work.

The 480 and 85 models are faster with 2gb loaded from the factory and faster processors. However, the port multiplier on esata was deleted, meaning that you can only attach a single drive to the esata port.

The 490 and 95 models for the first time differentiate the hardware with the 95 being the higher performing unit. Port multipliers are back for this series and this time 5 drive bays are supported.

Here are a few reviews that may help you on the MSS:

49x series:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/09/14/review-hp-mediasmart-server-ex490-and-ex495/

48x series:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2008/12/28/review-hp-mediasmart-server-ex48/

Here is a good article about the 48x series that compares a little to the 47x series:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/01/11/a-closer-look-at-the-new-mediasmart-server-hardware/

I like the 475 that I have as it has plenty of room to grow via external enclosures, and based on your post, that will be required. The 495 is latest and greatest and has the ability to support a 5 rather than 4 bay enclosure. If you pick up a 475, upgrade the memory (no longer voids warranty, see homeserverhacks.com for work instructions). Also note that all users of the 47x series are due to be upgraded to latest hp software this month for a nominal fee; this delivers some really handy media aggregation software that you might find useful. If you buy the later units, that is already out there for you.

I hope this helps you out.

Jim