Help with first SFF build: DB/web/file server

[robotlegs]

My goal is to build a cheap 24/7 server that doesn't use a lot of power. I don't need super multimedia capabilities. I really prefer mini-itx size but if I have to I will go up to mATX or whatever is the next size up. Max budget: $400 but would prefer to spend around $300. I don't have ANY parts I can re-use

Primary uses: Windows server 2008 with Sql Server 2008, ASP.NET/IIS, NAS/file server.

* Need to support 4GB ram
* need 1 gigabit NIC
* need dual core CPU but doesn't have to be super fast
* prefer 100w or less at load (60-80w ideally)
* 1 SATA hard drive (maybe add a 2nd one later)

I was thinking about the intel Atom 330 motherboard on newegg. But it seems like the chipset uses more power than it should, and it only has 1 ram slot. Can I put a single stick of 4GB ram in there? Or will that not work.

Are there any other atom 330 motherboards on the market? Or any coming soon?

If not, I was thinking something like the following:
CPU: AMD X2 4850e 45W $55.25 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255

RAM: G.Skill 2x2GB $39.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

MOBO: Zotac GF8200 $129.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500021 has $10 rebate

CASE: Foxconn mini-itx case with 150W PSU $52.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811153099

HD: WD 80GB SATA $34.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822135106

Total Cost: $335 shipped

I'll add a 2nd high capacity (or replace 80gb) later on. I don't need a ton of space for now and trying to keep cost down. Actually I might not buy the dvd-rom drive and just temporarily use the one from my desktop while installing the OS. I wish there was a cheaper mini-itx motherboard for AMD. I actually prefer intel but I'm guessing any C2D will draw too much power? WIth the specs above, what kind of idle/load power draw do you think I'd use?

Am I missing anything in my build? Big things, or little things like will the PSU in the case have the proper connector for the mobo? What about thermal paste & cpu fan/heatsink?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm open to any ideas / suggestions. I'd love to find a better atom 330 mobo, or at least know that one can use a single 4GB ram stick.

Lastly, what about the everex gPC mini? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883118007 $339 but looks like it only supports 2GB ram Again, can I put a single 4GB stick in there?

 

[Dangman]

I was thinking about the intel Atom 330 motherboard on newegg. But it seems like the chipset uses more power than it should, and it only has 1 ram slot. Can I put a single stick of 4GB ram in there? Or will that not work.

Nope it will not work. All of the Intel Atom mobos, AFAIK, support a max of 2GB of RAM. There are other Atom 330 mobos out there like this ECS:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/ecs-atom-330-dual-core-p945gc-review/

However, dunno of any coming soon.

RAM: 2x2GB Crucial ram (recommend me better but still cheap) $39.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148160

I recommend this RAM instead since it has free shipping:
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $40

I actually prefer intel but I'm guessing any C2D will draw too much power? WIth the specs above, what kind of idle/load power draw do you think I'd use?

At full load, no more than 80W would be my guess.

Am I missing anything in my build? Big things, or little things like will the PSU in the case have the proper connector for the mobo? What about thermal paste & cpu fan/heatsink?

The stock thermal paste and heatsink that comes with the CPU will be jsut fine. That cases uses a TFX style PSU so it should have the proper connectors for the mobo.

Lastly, what about the everex gPC mini? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883118007 $339 but looks like it only supports 2GB ram Again, can I put a single 4GB stick in there?

Looks like 2GB of RAM is the max amount of RAM in there.

 

[robotlegs]

Thanks for your inputs. It looks like maybe I was making some good choices then. I'll change the ram and drop the dvd rom to lower the price a bit.

I was looking at C2D prices, and while the CPU is alot more expensive I could buy a much cheaper mobo. What about this setup instead? Same components except for CPU/mobo change to:

MOBO: Zotac gf7050 $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500010

CPU: C2D e7300 $120 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115132

I'd be swapping a $130 mobo and $55 CPU ($185) with a $50 mobo and $120 CPU ($170). I think this would use a little more wattage but I prefer C2D and I think the performance would be better too.

Total: $320 shipped

 

[Dangman]

I'd be swapping a $130 mobo and $35 CPU ($165) with a $50 mobo and $120 CPU ($170). I think this would use a little more wattage but I prefer C2D and I think the performance would be better too.

Pretty much correct on both counts. You do gain significantly better performance but incur about another 20W to 30W of extra power usage. Still worth it IMO.

 

[robotlegs]

I just adjusted the price of the AMD cpu from $35 to $55. Stupid newegg was subtracting $20 from the cpu price, but then adding some lame $20 "gift" separately.

I agree. The extra wattage would be worth it.

 

[robotlegs]

Ok here's my "final" build: I decided to get a $640 gb hard drive so I dont have to worry about it later. The mobo is only 100mbit lan but I'm not going to be streaming crap to a bunch of other devices simultaneously so it should be fine.

My only concern now is if the 150W psu in the case is going to be powerful enough to run this 24/7 stable. Thoughts? Should I drop to e5200 and save some money/power?


CPU: C2D e7300 $120 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115132

RAM: G.Skill 2x2GB $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

MOBO: Zotac GF7050 Mini-ITX $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500010

CASE: Foxconn mini-itx case with 150W PSU $53 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811153099

HD: WD 640GB SATA $70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

CASE FAN: MASSCOOL 80mm $2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150007 (review says the case has a loud one so I'll replace it)

Total Cost: $356.54 shipped

 

[mrmylanman]

100Mbps should be fine. My wireless G router almost has enough bandwidth to stream HD video to my laptop, and that's probably half as fast.

Only occasion where it'll be a hindrance is if you want to deal with very large files very often, but honestly it's not that huge of a deal. We have 100Mbps on most of the computers at work and I have no problem with it.

 

[robotlegs]

Well I hate threads that die off without a conclusion so let me update:

I ended up with C2D E2160, 3GB ram (1 2gb stick 1 1gb stick, so supports 4gb), 250GB HD, gigabit lan, 7 in 1 media card reader, slot load dvd burner, 8.3x7.75 inch case, 65W powersupply, HDMI, SPDIF, DVI, built in wireless N wifi, wireless kb & mouse. Case has built in wireless kb/mouse receiver too.

Total cost shipped : $417.

How? Got a good deal on a dell studio hybrid. Dell outlet (refurbished) with 1 yr warranty + 20% off coupon. It arrived today. It looks great/styleish (even though that's not what I was specifically looking for but nice bonus). I can't tell its not new. Even came with the clear plastic removable film on the shiny parts. Priced out new on dell's site would be ~$933 shipped.

I thank you guys for the help in considering my build even tho I didnt go with it. I learned some good advice. Now that I have a more media-center type PC, I'm going to do an dual core atom 330 SFF build sometime in the spring for pure NAS/basic server functions.

Here's a link to what it looks like, with a slimline cd/dvd case on top for size comparison. You will notice the removable blue sleeve is translucent and actually a little longer than the pc case itself, thats why you can see the cords plugged in under it.

Sorry for crappy pic quality/flash glare. Taken from my cameraphone.