Sff - Server

my dad is proposing we build a SFF (small form factor) file server

that will stay on 24/7 (unlike our other 2 pcs) and will firstly be a file server and hold all our files (work etc)

I this at all sensable??

a SFF server

ne way - see what you think

ps if you think the post some ideas for componets - bearing in mind it has to be cheap ie under£300 (not in monter etc) and its gota be quite if not silent

 

Get a shuttle - easy as anything else.

Personally, if its always on, then get an intel chipset and an intel cpu: itll be the hardest bugger to crash. Whack in 2 250gig harddisks and a cheap CDRW and you're sorted.

 

You would do well to listen to the man

You planning on running Winblows on it or a flavor of Linux?

 

You planning on running Winblows on it or a flavor of Linux?

urrmm im not sure

id like to think id run linux

but i dont know which "flavor" - bearing in mind i have only ever used windows befoe - i might just us win 2k

 

*ahem

http://www.e-smith.org

You can turn it into quite the decent web/file/email/whatever server quite easily using E-Smith SME server, I have a dedicated mailserver and a seprate dedicated fileserver set up in my bedroom, no sweat (well, having 2 extra computers running in my room does make me sweat profusely, but you get the idea ).

 

If you havent used linux at all before, wouldnt it be easier to just set up Win2003 or something similar ?

 

i presonally use a compaq sff as a games server and it also is my firewall. pII 350 or 400, 128mb ram and 3nic's windows xp.

 

for me it just seems wrong to have a server that isnt huge
just my opinion though i guess

 

i used to think like that too, buti have an 8 gig drive in mine ( i know its not huge, but it does the job) but i needed a silent server solution and i managed to *cough*aquire*cough* a SFF

 

What do you need 3 NICs for ?

I need to set up a file and print server at my place. Also can be used as a kazaa downloader.

 

smoothwall? switch? router?

 

i use 3 nics for....

1=modem
2=my pc
3=bro's pc

i share the net using that server its also my firewall.


i have to use crossover cables as i havnt got a hub and i started off with a cross over kit and ive just expanded

 

I have an SN41G as my server/router/firewall/roommates drink holder thingy.

It is on all the time. I have the built in NIC to talk to the ISDN modem and 802.11b to talk to the other networks around the house.

I use Win2K. I reached that decision after about three months of trying to get Linux to see the wireless card properly.

 

Good idea but if you are not running morrored raid or keep any other data backups if your HDD fails... BYE BYE files!

 

yeah well ill just back it up onto one of my other computers

as for raid - no

 

Yeah dude... sounds like a Via Epia / Mini ITX board might be up your street....
These things seem to be great as file servers etc.... (from what I see on www.mini-itx.com)
- Though it would be nice, I'm not convinced you really need the power of a Shuttle, nor that it would fall within your budget...?
nice

 

yeah yeah yeah

thats what i though - no shuttle cos its a rip off

 

you can get a pIII sff from ebay.co.uk for £100 or so.

 

SK41G - £135
Duron 1.6 = £30

Its actually cheaper for a shuttle.

 

I thought i might go for:

MOBO:a mini-itx m-board (via epia 800) with 800MHzCPU for £76.38
HDD:Maxtor DM+9 120 £78
CASE:cubid 2688
for £61
265mb PC133 ram (£41)
a 60w dc-dc PSU
and use my bootable flash drive to install the OS from

ps can you fit win2k on 64mb?


any way - what do u think?