Decent specs for a WHS box?

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rayman2k2

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1 LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DH-20A4P-04 $22.99
1 Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB $94.99
1 CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 667$39.99
1 BIOSTAR TForce TG31-A7 LGA 775 Intel G31 ATX $59.99
1 Intel Celeron E1200 1.6GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core $49.99
Subtotal: $267.95



Basically, I have a case and an Antec SmartPower 300 watt powersupply. I might get a new Power Supply, but I was wondering if these were good specs for a box thats gonna sit there and serve files. Once the corruption bug is fixed, it'll do torrents and possibly webhost.


I'm particularly worred about the mobo and ram...

EDIT: also, how quiet are intel stock fans? I really don't want this thing putting out any noise as much as I can help it

EDIT 2: If I do buy a PS, it'll most likely be an Antec EarthWatts 430
 
How old is the SmartPower PSU? I'd recommend getting the EarthWatts PSU now, if you can. (Which case do you have, and how many -- specific size -- fans can it hold?)

The stock HSF that Intel provides can get pretty loud under high loads... but the noise output can be pretty subjective, with the case being a potential factor. A good aftermarket CPU cooler, like the Xigmatek HDT-S963, can cool better and run quieter than the stock HSF... but you may not need it for your purpose.

If you're concerned about noise that much, I suggest that you buy the Samsung SH-S203B. It is much quieter than the Lite On DVD burner, and the SATA cable will help improve airflow (somewhat).
 
looks good, my WHS is running on a P4 2.4C, Abit IC7 mobo, 1GB OCZ RAM (I forget the model but its the cheap stuff) cheap PSU I've had for about 4 years
 
looks good, except for the PSU. if its going to be a WHS box, you should appreciate the ability to expand by adding more disks, small PSU = low disk count.
 
xenotype said:
looks good, except for the PSU. if its going to be a WHS box, you should appreciate the ability to expand by adding more disks, small PSU = low disk count.
Click to expand...

Depends on the quality of the low wattage PSU (all ATX PSUs are relatively the same size, so "small" isn't quite the right word :p). The Antec SP2.0 350W can handle much less than the Earthwatts 380. Keep in mind that modern systems draw most of their power from the +12V rails, and many good quality PSUs may have low overall wattage ratings, yet much more power via +12V rails.
 
Heh, I hit reply so fast I forgot to comment on the parts in the OP. But yah, what Danny said, lol.
 
tiraides said:
How old is the SmartPower PSU? I'd recommend getting the EarthWatts PSU now, if you can. (Which case do you have, and how many -- specific size -- fans can it hold?)

The stock HSF that Intel provides can get pretty loud under high loads... but the noise output can be pretty subjective, with the case being a potential factor. A good aftermarket CPU cooler, like the Xigmatek HDT-S963, can cool better and run quieter than the stock HSF... but you may not need it for your purpose.

If you're concerned about noise that much, I suggest that you buy the Samsung SH-S203B. It is much quieter than the Lite On DVD burner, and the SATA cable will help improve airflow (somewhat).
Click to expand...

PSU is really old, it came with a used BP6 I bought. I guess it'll be best to replace it especially since this'll run 24/7.


leezard said:
looks good, my WHS is running on a P4 2.4C, Abit IC7 mobo, 1GB OCZ RAM (I forget the model but its the cheap stuff) cheap PSU I've had for about 4 years
Click to expand...

How is the 1gb of ram? Do you recommend more?

xenotype said:
looks good, except for the PSU. if its going to be a WHS box, you should appreciate the ability to expand by adding more disks, small PSU = low disk count.
Click to expand...

Yeah, definately gonna upgrade it then. :)


Danny Bui said:
I recommend getting the EA500 ASAP since it's about the same price as the EA430 yet offers more power. Also, it's only $60 for a short time:
Antec Earthwatts 500W PSU - $60

While that Intel build should be enough for WHS, do note that for an extra $12, you can get a even better and faster setup:
AMD Athlon64 X2 4600+ CPU - $57
Asus M2A-VM AMD 690G mATX Motherboard - $65
--
Total: $122 plus tax and shipping
Click to expand...

Hmm, I was looking into AMD. I guess a 4600+ would be good, but the thing is. Even though it is 12 dollars, do I actually need that extra power? LOL, I'm not tryna be a cheapskate, I'm just trying to justify it.

Michael Daly said:
I'd only suggest swapping the DVD for a SATA model.
Click to expand...


Yep, I thought I had added an SATA but I'll switch it
 
rayman2k2 said:
Hmm, I was looking into AMD. I guess a 4600+ would be good, but the thing is. Even though it is 12 dollars, do I actually need that extra power? LOL, I'm not tryna be a cheapskate, I'm just trying to justify it.
Click to expand...

Do you need it now for simple file serving? No. However, there might be occasions where extra CPU power is needed. Also, knowledge that your server can handle whatever you ask of it without severe performance impacts is worth the extra $12 IMO.
 
rayman2k2 said:
How is the 1gb of ram? Do you recommend more?
Click to expand...

As cheap as RAM is, it makes sense to use more. I don't notice any drawbacks to only having 1gig, but I rarely even look at my server. It sits headless in the basement quietly doing its thing.

As far as PSU goes, mine is running on a JGE (made by AGPB Enterprises, and is about 5 years old) 480W unit, it powers 6 HDD's, DVD ROM, X850XT AIW, 1GB RAM, 4 fans
 
Danny Bui said:
Do you need it now for simple file serving? No. However, there might be occasions where extra CPU power is needed. Also, knowledge that your server can handle whatever you ask of it without severe performance impacts is worth the extra $12 IMO.
Click to expand...

Ah, this is true. I guess I'll go ahead and upgrade to that then.

leezard said:
As cheap as RAM is, it makes sense to use more. I don't notice any drawbacks to only having 1gig, but I rarely even look at my server. It sits headless in the basement quietly doing its thing.

As far as PSU goes, mine is running on a JGE (made by AGPB Enterprises, and is about 5 years old) 480W unit, it powers 6 HDD's, DVD ROM, X850XT AIW, 1GB RAM, 4 fans
Click to expand...

Good to know thanks :) I'll stick with 2gb then
 
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