Building a Network File server

J

justin82

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 8, 2004
Messages
404
Hi I need to build a network file server that will run nfs on linux. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts on it.

Requirements:

Needs to be cheap
Quiet as possible
Consume as little power as possible
Max space required will be 300-500GB


After this is up and running I would like not to have a kb/ms or monitor plugged into it. Any hlep would be appreciated. Thanks in advanced.
 
The main thing to look for will be the disk controller and ethernet controller (especially if it's gigabit). I'd get a Highpoint 1820 and 3 or 4 200gb seagates. After that, you could throw together a box with a Celeron D and you're basically set. Get a decent fortron power supply, too. Don't want that crapping out.

Other than that, that's basically all you'll need. You could also get a pair of 400gb seagate disks and raid1 them for redundancy. That'd probably be cheaper, but less expandable in the future.
 
I’ve already done a project with similar goals as your own, in total I spent under 700 took around 4 hours to setup and it’s been running non-stop for about 2 months.

I used a mini-ITX motherboard in a Casetronic C146 Mini-ITX 1U rack case, maxed out the ram (1Gig DDR) and connected 2 x 300GB drives with room for an additional 2 drives down the road if I need the space. I’m working on stripping the linux config down (CentOS) to eventually move the boot disk over to CF (front accessible) so the drives are data only, but it’s a low priority at this point.

Granted, it’s no monster box, but it’s small, quiet and reliable. There are lots of options out there, but pushing files across a network for a few users doesn’t take much, so there’s no reason to spend more than you need to for extra speed which will most likely never be used.
 
ashed said:
I’ve already done a project with similar goals as your own, in total I spent under 700 took around 4 hours to setup and it’s been running non-stop for about 2 months.

I used a mini-ITX motherboard in a Casetronic C146 Mini-ITX 1U rack case, maxed out the ram (1Gig DDR) and connected 2 x 300GB drives with room for an additional 2 drives down the road if I need the space. I’m working on stripping the linux config down (CentOS) to eventually move the boot disk over to CF (front accessible) so the drives are data only, but it’s a low priority at this point.

Granted, it’s no monster box, but it’s small, quiet and reliable. There are lots of options out there, but pushing files across a network for a few users doesn’t take much, so there’s no reason to spend more than you need to for extra speed which will most likely never be used.
Click to expand...

Can you tell me what Mobo you used, I was looking at the Via CL10000.
 
Here's a nice, cheap, simple setup that will result in a very fast, but reliable and QUIET system meeting your specs.

Motherboard: Biostar M7NCG 400
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=13-138-234&DEPA=1

CPU: Athlon XP 2800+ w/ Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-377&depa=1

RAM: 1024 MB In 2 512 MB Sticks DDR333 (get 2 of these)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-144-202&depa=1

Storage: (3) 160 GB Seagate 160GB 7200 RPM Hard Disks
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-148-021&depa=1

Case: Antec Quiet case w/ 120mm Rear fan
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-148&depa=1

Power Supply: 350W Antec supply included. That supplies about 26A on the 12V rail, you machine will consume about 13 amps. So, you're fine. :) You definitely don't need something server-grade.

Just pick out a generic CD-ROM or CD-RW drive that suits your needs for backup (a DVD burner may not be be a bad idea in this sort of system). You'll also have onboard video that'll work fine for a server, and you can SSH into the box or use other network file access means to get at the contents without a monitor or keyboard/mouse.

TOTAL COST: $565
 
Umn...why are you making this so hard --> Link . Can support up to 800 GB with two drives. Cheap as hell too. If you want you can remove the cheap plastic case and just shove it in a cheap 3U, $40 rackmount case.

-tReP
 
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