Home Server Build Suggestions

[Durinthal]

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
This is going to be a headless server, primarily for media storage and DLNA, but also a testbed for web site/database work.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Looking to be under $300 total, but it's not a hard cap. Will probably order from Newegg unless there's a good deal elsewhere.

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
Ohio, US - not too close to a Microcenter, however.

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
- CPU
- motherboard
- case
- PSU
- optionally a wireless adapter if I don't want to place it near the router (and if I can find one that works with the OS).

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
G.SKILL Ripjaws 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333 - though it might be overkill and I could just use 4GB of that and leave the rest in my desktop.
WD Caviar Green 1TB - starting small and expanding later.

6) Will you be overclocking?
Nope.

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
N/A

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
I've been waiting to see if there are relevant Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, but I'm ready to pull the trigger now since I don't see any big launches that affect this coming in the next few months.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc.
I plan on using Greyhole instead of RAID - I've looked at the differences and prefer the flexibility since this is largely data I don't care about losing (anything I do care about is backed up elsewhere). Lots of SATA ports for expandability is the only thing I can think of.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
CentOS 6.0 64-bit


What I intend on buying at this moment:
$75 - MSI PH61A-P35 LGA 1155 Intel H61
$73 - Intel Pentium G620 LGA 1155
$45 - Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W PSU
$40 (and free shipping!) - NZXT Source 210
$13 - COOLER MASTER 120mm Case Fan 4 in 1 pack
----
$246 + $8 shipping

Under consideration:
$19 - TP-LINK TL-WN722N USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter - seems okay for Ubuntu at least; not sure about CentOS compatibility.


Thanks for any help; I feel pretty comfortable about my current choices but I'm always looking for better advice.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Not bad choices.

I recently did a server build, and since I didn't feel I needed the CPU power, and since servers run 27/7, I decided to build it with a AMD E-350.

I went with this board. Motherboard/CPU/Video Card (even though my server is headless, I still need a video card to boot and to install Linux.) all for $119.99.

The 18W TDP for the CPU and GPU combined is nice on the power bill too

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Also, this power supply is pretty popular over at the Silent PC Review forums for low powered systems. it's surprisingly efficient at low loads as opposed to most ATX supplies.

Only downside is that its cables are somewhat short. I had to get an extension for the 4 pin 12V ATX motherboard power connector as it simply would not reach in the NZXT Source case I used.

 

[Dangman]

That Antec PSU isn't overkill but it's overpriced. I recommend this PSU instead:
$45 - Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W PSU

Definitely get that 4 in 1 pack as it's a pretty good deal for four 120mm fans.

Also, if at all possible, don't wirelessly connect the server. You will get significantly lower performance that way.

 

[Durinthal]

Not bad choices.

I recently did a server build, and since I didn't feel I needed the CPU power, and since servers run 27/7, I decided to build it with a AMD E-350.

I went with this board. Motherboard/CPU/Video Card (even though my server is headless, I still need a video card to boot and to install Linux.) all for $119.99.

The 18W TDP for the CPU and GPU combined is nice on the power bill too

I have to wonder if that would be powerful enough to run everything I want it to (e.g. Apache and Postgres). The lower electricity draw is nice, but not a significant concern for me right now as my utilities are a flat rate.

Looks like a good option for an HTPC, though, so I'll keep it in mind.

That Antec PSU isn't overkill but it's overpriced. I recommend this PSU instead:
$45 - Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W PSU

Definitely get that 4 in 1 pack as it's a pretty good deal for four 120mm fans.

Thanks, that PSU looks good so I'll stick it on the list.

Also, if at all possible, don't wirelessly connect the server. You will get significantly lower performance that way.

I'm just looking for options in case it becomes infeasible to put it near the router, as I don't particularly want to run cables everywhere. It'll definitely be wired if I can help it.