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01.10.07
What Should A Home Server Cost?
 By Nathan Weinberg
The big unanswered question with Windows Home Server is how much it'll cost you to get one.
 I'm going to try to answer that question, based on the minimum system requirements:
Let's start on the OEM side, by looking at the offerings from Dell, since its pricing can be somewhat reliable, and usually at the severe low end of the pricing spectrum. Also, lets assume we are buying a system with a 64-bit AMD Sempron processor, since those are being quoted for the HP reference design, and are both cheap and future-proof.
Dell's cheapest possible Dimension PC meets the Home Server requirements, and features:
| Processor | AMD Sempron 3400+ (2 gigahertz core) | | Operating system | Genuine Windows XP Home Edition | | Memory | 512MB Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz - 1DIMM | | Hard drive | 80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) | | Optical drive | 16X DVD-ROM Drive | | Price | $359 |
Now, for comparison, a similar system by a system builder in my area, ComputerNYC (I have no idea if they are any good):
| Processor | AMD Athlon64 3500+ (2.2 gigahertz core) | | Operating system | Genuine Windows XP Home Edition | | Memory | 512MB Single Channel DDR RAM - 2DIMM | | Hard drive | 80GB Hard Drive (7200RPM) | | Optical drive | 16X DVD-ROM Drive | | Price | $482 |
The Dell system is a slightly better deal, however, the ComputerNYC system can be ordered without an operating system for $92 less ($390) and comes with a faster and better processor, so I'll call it a wash. It seems like a simple matter to get a Windows Home Server capable system for $400, with Windows XP. The kicker: Home Server is an operating system, and you'd have to replace Windows XP with Home Server, which presents an entirely different set of problems.
We can assume Dell will only offer Home Server initially on some configurations, probably taking a high-end route and only letting you buy with a ton of hard drive space, a unique case, and more expensive hardware. As a result, don't expext to find it on their cheapest PCs. System builders, on the other hand, will usually do whatever the hell you want, even sell you Home Server without a PC. Windows Media Center was only supposed to be sold with a PC or an upgrade, and some stores sold it with an "upgrade" of a power strip. Cute.
Continue reading this article.
About the Author:
Nathan Weinberg writes the popular InsideGoogle blog, offering the latest news and insights about Google and search engines.
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