Digital Home Thoughts: Upgrading HP EX470 and EX475 MediaSmart Servers

"Although the new generation of HP MediaSmart Servers offers more memory and a somewhat more powerful CPU, with bargain prices like those for refurb units readily available (not to mention even lower prices on used units), you can apply some modest hardware hacks to these older servers. You’ll wind up with a system that’s as good or better than the newer, more expensive models, while saving some money in the bargain."

The HP MediaSmart Servers are among the more popular and prominent Windows Home Server incarnations. Recently, HP released the EX485 and EX487 models, bumping up CPU power and memory making the EX470 and EX475 look like capable but weak workers. Tom's Hardware has come to the rescue with a guide on how to bring your old, decrepid server up to scratch. The tight fitting components of the MediaSmart servers don't make it easy, so this isn't for the timid. But the extras, especially the memory, can certainly be worth it. Windows Home Server is not the only NAS solution available and it certainly is not the cheapest, but it is really easy to use and with add-ons, it can serve a lot of extra uses as well.