File server/NAS build plans

[Grauniad]

I'm struggling to come up with a cheap(ish) viable replacement for my now out-of-support Windows Home Server (V1).

Here is my current reading list: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4666/file-server-builders-guide/

[Grayzzur]

I'm actually using Windows 8 in lieu of Windows Home Server.

http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/replace-windows-home-server-windows-8-142654

[Grauniad]

Funny you should say that. I just finished reading Paul's posts (including the one you refer to) about Windows Home Server and migrating to Windows Server 2012 Essentials. I think the difference is that Paul doesn't have to pay for software. I find it hard to swallow the $400 price tag for Windows Server 2012 Essentials.

And yea, well no. I'm not ready to run Windows 8  as a server yet. :)

But, the Windows 8 Stoarage Spaces feature is rather neat, so by reference, here's another article describing it: Storage Spaces explained: a great feature, when it works