Linux Format forums

blundakat · Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:53 pm Posts: 13

Hello

I am playing with the idea of using an old PC as a media server. The main thing I'm concerned about is power consumption, its an old Pentium D processor. I realize it will be running 24/7 but using up electricity while its not being used seems a little waste of money. I was just wondering if anyone can recommend a distro/package which is particularly good at power management?

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Dutch_Master · LXF regular Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:49 am Posts: 2354

Every modern distro has proper power management these days. But you could run some seti@home or similar project on that machine. On a Pentium D you're not gonna get many points quickly though Wink

wyliecoyoteuk · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:01 pm Post subject:

Depends what you mean by media server.
Do you want TV, or just music, video and pics?
It is possible to use a headless box, and even power down to S3 sleep mode at set times of day, or use wake on lan, if the box supports it..

If you want TV, MythTV is the best choice, especially Mythbuntu.
If you don't, check out XBMC or subsonic
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AndyBaxman · LXF regular Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 9:47 am Posts: 519

Would suggest MediaTomb

Works well for me and streams nicely to iPhone, Android and my LG TV.

Web based management, too, so suitable for headless deployment.
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Ram · Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:04 pm Post subject:

blundakat · Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:53 pm Posts: 13

TV is not a must, certainly not just yet anyway.

I would like to be able to torrent on the box as well

Thanks for your help guys!

EDIT: headless deployment is also important