Atom based file server? Am I mad?

[SiD the Turtle]

Hi chaps, I'm just floating around some ideas at the moment on setting up a file server. I have a RAID 1 array in my HTPC but the number of crashes it has (mostly caused by me experimenting) means I'm constantly rebuilding the array. I also have to crank up the HTPC every time I want to watch/listen to something stored on it elsewhere.

Therefore I was thinking of a nice, low power always on (at least when I'm awake) file server that I'll throw into an old case. I was thinking of getting an Atom processor and MB and pair it up with a hardware RAID card. My two main concerns are:

1. Power. I'll have an Atom processor but at least 3 HDDs, am I going to nullify the benefits of the Atom?
2. Performance. The server will be doling out files to three other computers at most, rarely simultaneously. I know over time I'll give it other duties such as backup or FTP. Will the Atom struggle?

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Here we go then:

Substitute the OCZ RAM for Crucial or Corsair RAM elsewhere and this'll all go in an existing case or alternatively a SFF case if I'm feeling flush. I'll also be selling my existing 500GB and 2x 1TB HDDs (non Eco/Green etc) on the Member's Market to bring the costs down.

Thoughts?


P.S. I'm also thinking the MB could be promoted to HTPC duties if I find I need more powah for my server in the future.

 

[SiD the Turtle]

The Morex Venus 669

It's nice, but for the price I'd rather get something like the Silverstone TJ08

Have you considered using opensource software instead of Windows Home Server - you could put the extra towards the build?

It's something I'm considering, especially like the look of FreeNas, but to be honest I'm a Windows man as a day job so fiddling with Linux is an arcane art to me

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Hmm, I dont think you need an Ion motherboard then if this is just gonna be a file server?

Atom boards online can be had sub 60, or if you could find a bargain ML110/ML115 going, that might be an idea?

Possibly punt this over to the Server section of the forum for a better idea?

I used to have a dead ML100 as a footrest

I'd agree that an Ion is overkill, but I can't find a cheap Atom based board that has at least three SATA ports or expandability without spending the cash

Of course, open to suggestions

 

[SiD the Turtle]

I am running Windows Sever 2008 on a dual core Atom based machine, with three 1TB drives.

I should have asked when you originally posted, but what board are you using?

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Ta, I have another thread open at the moment debating the merits of hanging SATA drives off a PCI bus. Sounds like you don't have any problems, but is there anything worth mentioning?

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Thanks for all the advice chaps. The AMD route is another alternative, but I am conscious of power requirements. The headline 8w of the Atom 330 is hard to ignore (though the motherboards eat a lot more on top of that figure).

Either way, I think I've been over-thinking it today so time for a break and come back to it with a clear head

 

[SiD the Turtle]

Bumpage.

I bit the bullet and went with the Atom in the end, but not the Zotac. The bits and pieces are arriving today so I'll let you all know how I get on. Here's what I got:

• Point of View ION 330 Motherboard (includes 4xSATA and a PCI Express port)
• 2 GB SODIMM Ram (this was free as I have loads lying around)
• 500 GB Samsung Ecogreen system disk
• 2x 1.5 TB Samsung Ecogreen data disks
• Coolermaster 340 Elite mATX case (this is exactly the same case as the Silverstone TJ08 but lacks the nice metal front, which I don't need and is a third of the price)
• 400w Corsair CX (almost the same price as the Be Quiet and Corsair Customer Support has been legendary for me in the past)
• 2x 120mm Akasa fans
• Windows Home Server

Including delivery from the various sources (though OcUK was free of course) this came to £461.21.

I've already got a buyer for my old 1TB drives so that reduces the cost by £100.