Storage Storage server

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Armand-[79th], 14 Oct 2008.

  1. Armand-[79th]

    Armand-[79th] Vintage modder

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    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. ^_^
     
  2. Armand-[79th]

    Armand-[79th] Vintage modder

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  3. Splynncryth

    Splynncryth 0x665E3FF6,0x46CC,...

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    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.
     
  4. markjw

    markjw What's a Dremel?

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    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
     
  5. Armand-[79th]

    Armand-[79th] Vintage modder

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    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. ^_^
     
  6. Armand-[79th]

    Armand-[79th] Vintage modder

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    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. >_<
     
  7. Splynncryth

    Splynncryth 0x665E3FF6,0x46CC,...

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    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 :)
     
  8. Armand-[79th]

    Armand-[79th] Vintage modder

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    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. :D
    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.
     
    Last edited: 22 Nov 2008
  9. Glider

    Glider /dev/null

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    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.
     
  10. Nexxo

    Nexxo * Prefab Sprout – The King of Rock 'n' Roll

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    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.
     
    Last edited: 23 Nov 2008
  11. steveo_mcg

    steveo_mcg What's a Dremel?

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    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
     
  12. koola

    koola Minimodder

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    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.
     
  13. Armand-[79th]

    Armand-[79th] Vintage modder

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    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. :p

    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.
     

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