I'm putting together a storage server based around an old QDI Legend board, BrillianX IV with 2x P2-400s, 512MB PC133 and as many SCSI HDs as I can plug in. I should be able to upgrade the CPUs at some point, as the board will take P3-500s @ 100FSB. What I need to kick off this project, is some suggestions on a good E-ATX case and decent power supply. I don't need a full on SATA/PCI-E PSU, but I do need to power at least 4 internal HDs and maybe 2 DVD-RWs. Money is a limiting factor, so cheaper is better but I don't intend on buying any old rubbish.. Any constructive input will be appreciated. ^_^
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=308052 Well, that's about the best value case I could find.. I'll see if I can get the money together for next week and order myself one. Look at that nice, big, flat side-panel.. that's begging for a window mod.
you might get some info on that case from this thread: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=153827 The biard uses an extra power connector like the ATX 12 that is commonly used now. This was a competitor. I don't remember what it was called, but finding a PSU that supports it could be hard.
as an alternate thought why not consider buying a used server - something along the lines of a Dell Poweredge 2500. One here on eBay for £60.00 - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dell-PowerEdge-2500-Dual-Processor-Server_W0QQitemZ110301671275QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110301671275&_trkparms=72%3A1301|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 Mark
Splynncryth: Nice thread As for the extra power connector, I have fired up the board already with a standard 20-pin ATX PSU so I'm reasonably confident it should work with a modern PSU. If not, I'll look at modding the new PSU. markjw: That is a good purchase, but sadly it would take too long for me to get money onto paypal and I can't collect it. Besides, you can't beat building it yourself. ^_^
Splynncryth: A quick RTFM reveals the following; Assistant Power Connector is an optional connector. If there is too many peripheral devices in your system, a power supply with this assistant power output is recommended to be used. I'll only be using the basic kit to get this up and running, so I don't think it's going to be an issue. Also, major delays in raising the cash.. so it's going to be a while until I can order that case. I'll probably end up having to wait until I get a proper job. >_<
OK, that connector was the 'competition' to the now standard 4 pin 12V ATX connector IIRC. So it's good to know it's optional. Proper jobs are overrated, I have one now and still don't have enough cash
Ok, it's been a while.. but I have been slightly pre-occupied with various RL issues. Especially getting serious with my jobsearch, now I have a girlfriend. It's not easy when you've been out of work for 5 years. ¬_¬ I'm going to push this particular board into long-term storage.. as I now have a better board, which was kindly donated by a member of PClincs as a kind-of birthday present. ^_^ It's a dual socket370 board with 2x P3-800EB. I'll dig up all the other details later but fair to say.. it's a far superior board, aswell as being standard ATX. YAY \o/ I have a couple of old ATX cases awaiting a good mod, so I'll have to start making plans for them.
If you just want a NAS, get a low power (~P3 600 ish) system, throw a Linux distro and a gigabit NIC on it and you are set.
As this server will presumably be running 24/7, low power consumption and low noise are key. Those old Pentiums III 800EB may seem like a bargain but they take a lot of juice -- 20.8 Watts each. Add to that the motherboard itself and you're looking at 60 Watts already -- without the drives. Get a Via Epia SN 10000series instead, or else an Intel Atom (you can get a dual core now). they use no more than about 20 Watts. Install FreeNAS, slap in some low power WD10EACS drives (3.8 to 8 Watts each). Cheap to build, cheap to run, quiet.
My dual P3 doesn't draw much over 50w once its running thats with two HD's and a gigabit network card, and you have the option of doing some actual processing on them. I generally use it for compiling stuff since it on all night any way. They are still much more powerful than a epia and you more head room of you want to do some thing else on them or some expansion, run a small web server or a game server since the machine is on any way it doesn't hurt
The 1.86 GHz Dual Core Atom is better than duel P3's with a TDP of about 8W (circa 3.8W each core). The hard part is finding a Intel motherboard without the crazy 20W TDP chipset with GMA950 onboard. Stupid Intel. As for a OS, I vote for ebox.
You all assume I'm paying the bills.. Nexxo: I don't really do 24/7, that's just wasteful. Oh, and noise is never an issue.. unless it sounds like Concorde taking off. ¬_¬ All good advice though.. I mean, sure, it would be nice to buy some brand new kit.. but I really don't have the money. I even had to cancel on buying the case as I'm totally skinted out. Besides, I like messing around with older stuff.. as I don't have to worry about software issues or additional hardware that doesn't work with my OS.. blah, blah, blah. As for the drives, I've got a Sun 7/11 box with a load of SCA drives to pick from. I'm also getting a set of SAS drives, dunno what machine I'll drop those into though.
