Where do I even start for a server?

[Nosenuggets45]

I'm not sure where I want to start with this even. I have loads of videos, music, and photos that I'd like to store on a server pc I want to build. I could shove a bunch of drives in my current pc but that would block the fans.

Anyways, I just want whatever kind of PC specs I need for a server and I'm planning on buying a few of those WD 640GB drives ( I know there are much larger for the same price prolly, but i really love that drive). Where would I even start with this?

Budget without hard drives: $200-$300 (cheaper the better)
Physical size: I'd like something kinda small if possible that takes up minimal wattage and pushes out minimal heat
Storage: 1TB minimum, ideally 2-2.5TB

I do have some spare parts:
ATX S939mobo
AMD Athlon X2 3800+
550W PSU
2GB RAM
Lian-Li mid tower case

The reason I didn't want to use my old parts is because this is something I want to be able to set on top of a desk in my room and just let it be quiet, cool, and power efficient. Could this be reality or am I looking at more of a pipe dream? Thanks a bunch everyone.

 

[engiNURD]

Have you considered a NAS instead?

 

[Nosenuggets45]

Oh thats it! I was also considering that because I saw one a little while ago. Would that be more practical? The main thing I want is at least 3 bays for HDD's. I also want to make this somewhat important, I'm trying to be as budget as I can with everything (not including the hdd's).

 

[KeymaN]

catch a drobo on sale! they were 400CAD before lol

 

[Dangman]

Anyways, I just want whatever kind of PC specs I need for a server and I'm planning on buying a few of those WD 640GB drives ( I know there are much larger for the same price prolly, but i really love that drive). Where would I even start with this?

For simple file serving, you really don't need that much in terms of hardware. I'm running a file server right now off an old Pentium III 866Mhz and 512MB of RAM. So you really don't need much for a file server. Hit up www.smallbuilder.net to find reviews of NAS and info on how to build your own file server. Also lurk and search around the Data Storage subforum we have for more info.

The reason I didn't want to use my old parts is because this is something I want to be able to set on top of a desk in my room and just let it be quiet, cool, and power efficient. Could this be reality or am I looking at more of a pipe dream? Thanks a bunch everyone.

It can be done but it gonna cost ya a lot more money. A decent NAS with great performance and expansion, as far as I can tell, starts at around $300 or so. The HP MediaSmart Server, which sounds like it'll fit your needs and wants exactly, costs around $500 or so.

catch a drobo on sale! they were 400CAD before lol

A Drobo isn't a NAS out of the box though. It's an expandable external hard drive that requires like ~$200 add-on to turn it into a NAS.