[mythtv-users] Questions about new hardware purchase

[Fred Firestine]

Hi everyone,

I am purchasing a replacement for my frontend/backend system. I would
appreciate if you could take a quick read and see if there are any
potential problems (and/or workarounds you can offer).

It is a Dell PowerEdge SC440 server:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/pedge_sc440?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

I am getting the "Dell Deal" at the center of the page, which includes

Dual Core Intel(R) Pentium E2160, 1.8GHz, 1MB Cache, 800MHz FSB
No OS preloaded
2GB DDR2, 667MHz, 2X512MB Single Ranked DIMMs (upgraded from 1GB for $10)
2 x 160GB3 7.2K RPM Serial ATA 3Gbps 3.5-in Cabled Hard Drives
48X CD-ROM Drive (whatever, I will upgrade that)
On-Board Single Gigabit Network Adapter (I have seen problems with
this in Google searches, seem to be resolved)

I am putting the two Hauppauge cards I have been using into the new
system. One PVR-350, one PVR-150. I have been using the PVR-350 video
out, so the onboard video should be fine for system maintenance.

There is no sound card included. Again, the PCI Express interface
seems to limit the choices, but I have found the Creative Sound
Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio which seems problematic at best. Any
suggestions there?

I have been using a PCI interface wireless adapter in my old system.
This worked fine (signal strength was weak, but acceptable).
Unfortunately, this new system (and many I have investigated) has only
two PCI slots, which are being used by my capture cards. Madwifi does
not support USB wireless devices, so I was searching for a PCI Express
wireless card which would work.

ABIT AirPace WLP-01
http://reviews.cnet.com/adapters-nics/abit-airpace-wlp-01/4505-3380_7-32314515.html

I am also looking at ethernet via household electric, but that seems
expensive (about $100 for the first two nodes). If anyone has any less
expensive solutions, let me know. Maybe a wireless extender of some
kind?

One more question... Given the size of the drives, I am considering
setting up a Logical Volume to put it all together. Is this OK, or a
bad idea? When I used Fedora for my old setup a couple of years ago it
seemed OK, but of course then my aging hard disk crashed. ;-)

Anyway, thanks for looking this over. I am hopeful this new system
will do a good job for years to come.

Fred