Hi. I'm having a little difficulty with on-line research and was hoping for suggestions. I'm looking to centralize my in-home LAN by setting up a server to provide central storage, authentication, and netboot services (PXE over tftp, e.g.) So I'm looking to buy something more than a desktop PC, yet not too much more.

Specifically:
- Designed to allow easy and quick hot swapping of at least 6 SATA drives.
- Portable and compact enough to be practical for in-home use.
- Sufficient built-in cooling.
- x86_64 arch
- Not simply a NAS

Open-minded on all other specs. Would appreciate any suggestions, as my Google searches tend to end up at standard Desktop PCs or complicated enterprise solutions I know little about. Thx.

Maybe something like this?
http://www.mnmsystems.com/qnapts-659pro12tbas-1-1.aspx

For what exactly you want, it is a little difficult trying to locate a server with those exact specs. Have you thought about building your own?

1 members found this post helpful.

Hmm... maybe I should build my own. Just found these cheap hot-swap drive enclosures:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-071-_-Product

ICY DOCK MB877SK-B Tray-less Aluminum Body 3.5" SATA I & II Mobile Rack Removable Hard Drive Kit

That's just what I was going to suggest! lol
Building up a system will also be a lot cheaper than the overpriced consumer rubbish they peddle in the shops!

Very true. I only custom build desktops and servers anymore for that reason....