Hands On: HP EX495 MediaSmart Server

First Looks

If you know the HP MediaSmart Server well, you’ll notice that there are no real changes to the EX495’s chassis, which is exactly the same as the previous generation. It’s still a looker and whilst it has become a familiar sight around these parts, it hasn’t dated. That said, its inherent weakness still exists – the ability to upgrade the processor and RAM. This chassis has not been designed to make this easy.

Now, HP will tell you (and, actually, I’ll tell you too) there’s little need to upgrade the RAM and processor in the EX495, as it’s packing 2Gb and a Dual Core Pentium which makes it the most powerful mainstream (i.e. from a major OEM) home server available. But I know some of you guys like to tinker – make sure you book the weekend out, however, before cracking this one open.

So, the familiar design returns for a third run out – let’s hope we see HP’s next refresh wearing some new clothes. Let’s show you HP’s press shots, as well as a few of our own:

Up Front

The front panel of the MediaSmart Server is hinged to the left, allowing easy access to the four drive bays inside – each bay has an indicator light which glows aqua when a drive is installed, or red if there is a specific issue with a drive.

Indicators at the bottom of the panel illuminate for Power, Network Connection, and Home Server Health. You’ll also find a handy USB 2.0 port on the front of the device for attaching an external hard drive for additional storage or shared folder backup.

The only real visual clue you’ll spot that this is the latest HP model is the Intel Pentium sticker on the front of the device.

Around the Back

So far, so familiar and it’s the same story around the back of the device.

Connectivity is supplied via a Gigabit Ethernet connection, three additional USB ports and an eSATA port. A power connector and button completes the line up.

One significant improvement this time around is the return of eSATA port multiplication support, which was mystifyingly (mistakenly?) dropped on the EX48x series. For the uninitiated, this will allow you to add multi-drive enclosures with 4 and 5 hard drives via a high speed eSATA connection, allowing for massive storage expansion. Good to see this one corrected.