Core - Hardware selection primer

Version	Status	Date Updated	Updated By
710	Relevant info	2nd June 2011	purps
810	Relevant info	2nd June 2011	purps
1004	Unknown	N/A	N/A
1204	Unknown	N/A	N/A
1404	Unknown	N/A	N/A
Usage Information

This page is a primer that introduces you to the hardware necessary for a Core.
To learn what a Core is, start with reading the section "The Core", and follow the links.

Hardware selection primer for Core

The most important component of a LinuxMCE system is the "Core". This is the main LinuxMCE server that runs all of the primary applications and services.
Because most of the workload is carried at the core, it is best to dedicate one PC as the Core server. This dedicated Core can be physically located anywhere on the network and still perform its duties. You can place it somewhere out of the way and not connect a monitor to it if you so choose. In this configuration, a Core is said to be running "headless".
If you only have one computer to install your LinuxMCE system, that computer will have to be used in a "hybrid" configuration, serving both as the Core server and also the media player.

Processor and memory

Because the Core handles processing for the whole network, it should be the "brawniest" PC in regards to processing power. A dual-core 64 bit processor with a lot of RAM is very nice to have as the Core Server.

Fans

Since a Core can be hidden away from living room (in a closet, in the garage, or basement somewhere), fan noise is usually not an issue. When not using a "pure Core", care must be taken to ensure that the noise level is acceptable for a media center. It is wise to use silent fans and equipment. See hybrid setup.

Drives

The Core carries the PVR and all network media storage functions for the entire system. It does require a large amount of storage. This can be large capacity internal hard drives, a large capacity external hard drive, or a NAS (network-attached storage) connected to the home automation/multimedia network.

Of course, you need a DVD/CD/BD drive, at least for software installation if that's the method of installation you choose.

Network adapters

The Core should have 2 NICs (network interface cards) -- one for connecting to an "external" network (such as your cable modem, DSL modem, or home LAN router) and one for connecting to the "internal" home automation/multimedia network (your LinuxMCE system network).

Capture devices

It is best to have the TV card and the surveillance cameras video capture boards in the Core server. The TV tuner card on the Core can be used for the entire system.
The home automation interface is usually attached to the Core as well.
The PC to be used as a Core will need to have plenty of expansion slots to accommodate all necessary cards, with cooling fans proportionate to the load.

Audio

Output and sound cards are relatively unimportant for the Core, because output is usually channeled through the Media Director PCs.

Nevertheless, some home automation/multimedia systems channel output through a central whole-house multi-channel amplifier which is connected directly to the Core. If you plan to do this, change from Core to hybrid, and add a good (nVidia) graphics card and a good sound card (with surround sound jacks -- 5.1, 7.1, or even 11.1) to the server.

Dedicated Core vs Hybrid

A dedicated core will not provide front-end functions (except the web interface), but will run only back-end applications and the web server. This means that it won't act as a media center. To be able to play movies, listen to music and watch TV, you'll need to use Media Directors.
This is the setup recommended when you have enough devices to cover your multimedia needs because the resource intensive back-end applications have access to all of the Core's resources.

However, when you are only using one computer or need to use your Core to play media, you will need to run it as a Hybrid. In the Hybrid configuration, the computer serves both as the Core server and the media player.

Since this Hybrid can be used as a media player, it will need to have a connection to a TV to enable you to watch your movies and all the hardware recommendations for the Core and Media Directors apply to this computer.

Core hardware requirements

For information on LinuxMCE hardware terms, minimum/optimum hardware for LinuxMCE system components, and general hardware advice, please read the Hardware page. If you would like to find out if the equipment you are planning to use can be used to run LinuxMCE, look at the LinuxMCE HCL, or consult the list of possible Core server platforms.

The following is an insert from Hardware#Minimum Core (PC) Requirements listing the requirements and hardware advice for the Core server PC.

Summary

A good Pentium 4 with at least 80 GB of storage and two network cards (Gigabit ideally) is often sufficient for a standard core. Although these modest requirements will get you a satisfactory system, a high-end server with RAID-5 storage will offer the best performance.

Sample Core servers

For a list of examples of PCs that have been setup as Core servers, take a look at the Core Category.