PSU for low power file server

[DragonQ]

Hi guys,

Any suggestions for a PSU for a low-power file server that's available to buy in the UK? Specs are as follows:

• ASUS E35M1-I Deluxe (or ASUS E35M1-M Pro if I don't need WiFi)
• 2 GiB 1333 MHz RAM (single module)
• 2x Samsung F4EG 2 TB
• 1x WD Green 2 TB
• 1x WD Green 1.5 TB
• 1x Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1.5 TB

I currently have in my specs an Antec EA-380D Green PSU (£40) but I'm sure it's overkill and I could use something cheaper. I've seen some PSUs designed for setups like this at 80-120 W, which I think will be fine, but the ones I've seen don't have enough SATA/Molex power connectors!

I'm also not sure what to do with the case but because of the number of drives I have and the fact that the CPU is fanless, I'm thinking a larger case with lots of airflow would be better. This probably means a normal ATX-format PSU would be better to avoid a gaping hole in the case, right?

 

[Profumo]

A <100W unit would be enough for that, however quality units below 300W are very hard to find in standard hardware shops, the EA 380D is a good choice, this is an even better one.. it's up to you, but for a Zecate system like yours I'd buy a case with an integrated Pico PSU.

 

[Zero82z]

The cheapest option would probably be the Corsair CX430, simply because it's one of the least expensive decent low-power PSUs on the market. If that turns out not to be the case for you, I can't really recommend anything else without knowing the selection available to you and the prices. However, I will say that the EA380 Green would be a very good option.

 

[DragonQ]

A <100W unit would be enough for that, however quality units below 300W are very hard to find in standard hardware shops, the EA 380D is a good choice, this is an even better one.. it's up to you, but for a Zecate system like yours I'd buy a case with an integrated Pico PSU.

Thanks for the suggestion. Regarding a m-ITX case with a built-in Pico PSU...the problem is, I can't find any with lots of HDD bays. I need 5 but ideally would like more for future expansion (via a SATA PCI-E controller card).

The server will be in a cupboard under the stairs so I'm not bothered about looks or size, that's why I was thinking of just getting a normal ATX case. They're also usually much cheaper than m-ITX ones for what you get.

The cheapest option would probably be the Corsair CX430, simply because it's one of the least expensive decent low-power PSUs on the market.

It's about the same price as the Antec EA-380D here, and also discontinued in a lot of places. It doesn't have any certification though so I'd prefer the Antec or Huntkey out of the three.

If that turns out not to be the case for you, I can't really recommend anything else without knowing the selection available to you and the prices.

The selection really doesn't look very wide, based on looking around at the 5 or 6 e-tailors I normally use.

 

[Profumo]

Fractal Design Array R2 Mini, is designed for mITX file servers with plenty of room for HDDs; if not, the Antec NSK 1380 can also be used in a similar fashion, both come with integrated SFF power supplies.

 

[iconiK]

PicoPSU. Grab the 25-WI model and use a laptop power brick, or buy the FSP 19V power brick. The FSP bricks paired with a PicoPSU make a fantastic combination.

 

[iconiK]

Fractal Design Array R2 Mini

Da frack? It's just Array, not R2*, certainly not Mini.

*= which is... two expansion slots instead of one in the same space and all are like that now.

 

[plunger]

I have the ASUS E35M1-M Pro + Antec EA-380D Green PSU for my WHS v1. I wouldn't say it's overkill for your system. It only cost a few bucks more than cheaper units and it's a quality bronze certified unit.