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Need some help building a server

M

MinPin

n00b
Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Messages
10
I want to build an inexpensive file server that will allow me to do a couple things.

1. Connect to my HTPC
2. Allow a few friends and family remote access to the server

I already have a case and an old monitor that I can use. Can I get some recommendations for hardware and OS. I'm open to any ideas. I just want something inexpensive and upgradeable. I don't have a set price limit. But, I would like to keep it around $500 or less.

Thanks
 
WHS for the OS, hands down.

Hardware, anything really.

If starting from scratch, entry level dual core, 2GB ram, basic stuff really.
 
What does "remote access" mean? RDP or just file sharing?

I'd give Ubuntu or FreeNAS a try if you're up for a challenge. Pick out a cheap dual core (say, the 4050e). Then take your pick of motherboards that support AM2 and have a good number of sata ports (6 or 8, just in case you decide to expand later). Add 2GB of memory cheap. Browse the PSU forum for a week and pick out a power supply probably in the $70 range.

So far you'll probably have spent $200 or $250. Now pick out as many drives as you can afford. The Hitachi and Samsung 1TB offerings are nice.
 
I just need file sharing (sorry about that). WHS or Ubuntu are the two that I've been looking at most. I must admit that I'm not familiar with Linux though.
 
MinPin said:
I just need file sharing (sorry about that). WHS or Ubuntu are the two that I've been looking at most. I must admit that I'm not familiar with Linux though.
Click to expand...

I didn't go Linux for two reasons, driver support, ease of use for a normal Windows user.
 
OK, thanks for the help everyone. I really appreciate it. How does this look?

OS=WHS
CPU= 4850e I chose this over the 4050e because it's only $20 more and it includes a heatsink and fan.
RAM=OCZ 2GB Same as suggested above
MOBO and PSU= Combo Deal Is this PSU overkill?
Total= $297.95 + hard drives
 
thebeephaha said:
I didn't go Linux for two reasons, driver support, ease of use for a normal Windows user.
Click to expand...

Not trying to start up a debate but... had to give my latest recount.

I recently tried using my printer for the first time in linux. HP all in one 3650

Plugged it in... It just worked. On my xp machine I usually had to download about 100+ MB worth of drivers...

Then tried scanning... again just worked. It was really nice!

I think Linux driver/hardware support has come a long way and for most older hardware is, as in my case, more plug and play easy than windows stuff.

That being said... if you don't consider yourself a "computer person", linux still might not be for you. For traditional windows users it can feel a bit odd. If you are familiar with Mac's or have had to switch between those two OS's in the past though, learning Ubuntu shouldn't be that hard. if you aren't afraid to explore, I highly recommend trying it out. You really have nothing to lose as its free and you can always buy WHS and install it after. If you like it you may end up never again having to spend money on a general purpose OS again!

WHS I don't consider general purpose and have heard rave reviews of it... but thats another hard drive if you find linux works for you ;).
 
MinPin said:
MOBO and PSU= Combo Deal Is this PSU overkill?
Click to expand...
Actually that PSU is not that good. I highly recommend getting this significantly better quality PSU instead (same mobo choice though):
$69 - BFG Tech LS-550 550W PSU

With the above BFG PSU, you'll be set with your server setup. However, do note that for $4 more than that 4850e, you can get the significantly faster X2 7750+ CPU:
$60 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 CPU

However the X2 7750 does use twice as much power as the X2 4850e. And the X2 4850e is more than enough for a WHS setup. But just letting you know that there are faster CPUs out there that have a better best bang for the buck value.
 
Power consumption is the name of the game for an always-on server. Any of the 45W dual core processors are more than fast enough for WHS. No point in putting a 95W Phenom reject in a file server.

A 550W power supply is also massive overkill. You want to hit at least 20% load to get in the sweet spot for efficiency. My OpenSolaris server with 4 disks runs somewhere around 60-65W, which is just a touch below 20% on my 370W PC Power & Cooling PSU. Look for something 80+ rated and less than 400W unless you're going to throw a ton of disks in it.
 
latenorgreat said:
A 550W power supply is also massive overkill. You want to hit at least 20% load to get in the sweet spot for efficiency. My OpenSolaris server with 4 disks runs somewhere around 60-65W, which is just a touch below 20% on my 370W PC Power & Cooling PSU. Look for something 80+ rated and less than 400W unless you're going to throw a ton of disks in it.
Click to expand...

Are you using a Kill-A-Watt or UPS to measure the wattage usage? If so, do note that they are notoriously inaccurate with PSUs that have APFC like the PC P&C 370W PSU you have. So there's a good chance that your system could be using more than 65W of power.

However if you want to be closer to the optimal efficiency range as latenorgreat mentioned, this is a very good choice for a PSU:
$50 - Corsair 400CX 400W PSU
 
Danny Bui said:
Are you using a Kill-A-Watt or UPS to measure the wattage usage? If so, do note that they are notoriously inaccurate with PSUs that have APFC like the PC P&C 370W PSU you have. So there's a good chance that your system could be using more than 65W of power.

However if you want to be closer to the optimal efficiency range as latenorgreat mentioned, this is a very good choice for a PSU:
$50 - Corsair 400CX 400W PSU
Click to expand...

My WHS server show 75Watts with 8 WD10EADS drives at idle / 5050e / 740g / Earthwatts 500
 
Last edited:
Danny Bui said:
Are you using a Kill-A-Watt or UPS to measure the wattage usage? If so, do note that they are notoriously inaccurate with PSUs that have APFC like the PC P&C 370W PSU you have. So there's a good chance that your system could be using more than 65W of power.
Click to expand...

Through a UPS, but the readings on those can be off as well. I checked it on a Kill-A-Watt once and FWIW, it did read a bit lower. Regardless, a system with a largely idle 45W processor and a few disks won't pull enough to justify a 550W supply. The corsair unit is a good one, it's been on sale on and off with a rebate from newegg, so that's something to look for. Seasonic also makes some lower wattage OEM PSU's that seemed to get good reviews when I was looking.
 
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