I finally got around to RMA'ing (that means returning for replacement for those who aren't familiar with the term) the failed 500GB hard disk and the 2GB of memory I originally got for the backup server. I am waiting for the 500GB drive RMA to be accepted but the 2GB of memory is already accepted, but to save a wasted trip to the post office I will send them all together. I have 3 parcels in total to take to the post office so I think its best to wait

The 500GB drive as you all know failed and started causing errors such as "I/O error on \\device\HardDisk\D" in the event log so it was removed and temporarily replaced with a 500GB USB disk. The 2GB of RAM was DOA (dead on arrival) and was causing random crashes. I had to take out 2GB of RAM from my desktop machine to get the server online. That was 3 months ago and I never got around to sending the memory back until now! It was packaged up but never sent due to lack of time.

So, now I do have time, and the real need with the failed disk I'm getting organised and sending things back that need replacing. That way the memory from the server can go back in this desktop machine where it belongs and I can once again reduce the power usage of the server by doing away with the 500GB USB disk that uses 4x the amount of power.

I'll keep you all updated!

Things are made like crap these days...

It is even getting worse than it having to be sent back, last week our "1080p" TV came in after a month on backorder and without telling us they decided before the backorder they would have to substitute us so the substituted a 720p!

The most surprising thing about that post was the power usage difference between USB and internal. I knew it was substantial, but even I wouldn't have thought 4 times larger.

Thats what you find out when you're energy conscious like I am When I used 4 external drives, the server used to use about 165 watts. Now it uses about 120watts with the 5 internal drives (1 extra now since I got the 3x1TB and 2x500GB). However since one of the drives is dead I'm using one external disk still.

Eco-Andy saving the planet

I would find out how much my home server used, but I can't be bothered to get the tools. Probably just as well, I'd go fanatical about making the power usage lower on that :/

If you really wanted to, Maplin sell a plug in power meter for about £10. Its well worth it to be honest, because you can try and make savings around the rest of the house too. Show your parents how much leaving the TV on standby is costing them

Seen them, maybe I will get one at some point.
And as for my parents, they're pretty fanatical about it already (At least my dad is, he never stops going on about power usage). How I got them to agree to letting me have a home server always on, I'll never know >.<