Building an SFF PC for server, what stuff?

LadFromWales

LadFromWales

LadFromWales

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*i posted this in the General Hardware forum, then realised that this is probably a better place to ask. Mods please delete if this is inappropriate :)*

Hey guys.

I'm looking to build myself a small computer in a case that can take at least 3 hard drives (4 would be even better!). I'd prefer SATA due to the cable size and leaving PATA free for optical and plugging in odd drives to do odd tasks.

It'll be running debian, not decided on whether or not I'll want an X server, though if I do, basic graphics should suffice, as it'll only be running XFCE or some other light window manager.

Main tasks will be running as a file server, NNTP, BitTorrent, FTP, HTTP, probably squid. It'll also be relied upon to serve the odd online game, so processor power would be nice!

I've had a quick look around, seen some mATX boards with AM2 and 4xSATA ports, but I thought I'd run it across you guys first.

The case is important too, as I'm looking to make this computer as small as possible, while still being able to hold 3+ hard drives.

Any ideas much appreciated
 
not sure of many SFF cases that hold 3 drives, will have a quick look around.

i'm not too clued up on these ones, or on current pc specs i'm 2 years behind the times, but these cases i've seen others use which might be helpful to you

Antec NSK1300 ATX Cube Case - 300W PSU
- not sure about the psu, but it has space for a matx board, 3 hard drives and an optical drive

Lian-Li PC-V300 Aluminum Micro ATX Mini Tower Case - Black
- use your own psu but i can't remember if its size limited. loads of space for drives and a very good quality case you won't want to hide it away! good cooling considering its size. space for 3 drives and 2 optical.

Shuttle XPC SB81P Aluminium Barebones System - Intel P4 (LGA775)
- comes with a motherboard with 4x sata ports, space for 3 drives and an optical (psu + cooling included too) one of the smallest cases you would be able to get for your spec but this one is quite dated, i think it still only takes DDR1 ram. i can't really advise on this just showing some of the options

Shuttle XPC SD37P2 Aluminium Barebones System - Intel Core 2 Duo (LGA775)
- 3x sata ports, similar to the above shuttle but top spec and comes at a paycheck killer of £300 which is probably overkill for what you need.


i'd personally be more tempted to go with a small lian-li or a cheap shuttle, but as i don't know what spec is needed i can't really say much more.
 
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A SFF case that I've been looking to buy for ages is Silverstonetek's Sugo. Its a sexy case, and it fits 2x 3.5" drives & 2x 5.25" drives. So you could have 1x Optical Drive & 3x HDs with the help of a 3.5">>5.25" convertor. The Sugo supports standard equipment (mATX board, regular PSU, etc), so you can choose the whatever hardware you want.

I'm not sure why you're thinking of getting an AM2, cause Core2Duo is better. The selection of C2D mATX boards is disappointing, but I'd suggest this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-176-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=326
It covers your requirement of 4x Sata, which will keep the cabling tidy. It also has 1x eSATA port :). It has integrated graphics, which is all you need for a server, & it can take up to four sticks of RAM, which is handy for upgrades down the line.

Your choice of CPU depends on your budget. Anything from the E4300 - QX6700 would fit in nicely.

Don't skimp on PSU, a Seasonic would fit into this build very nicely. GL
 
yea you could go for a sugo & use 1rom 3hdds or you could go for a mini tower case

like the ..

Lian Li PC-A05 - 5.25” x 2, 3.5”x 1, 3.5”internal x 3

Lian-Li PC-V600 - 4x5.25", 3x3.5" internal

Lian-Li PC-G50 - 4x5.25", 3x3.5" internal

Lian-Li PC-V300 - 5.25" x 2, 3.25" x 1(position can be exchanged on right or left), internal HDD x 2

Silver Stone TJ08 - 5.25” x2 3.5” x2

there are more mini towers around just google for them :)
 
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If I'm going to go for a mini case, I could get a Antec Lanboy, but I was looking to go as small as possible...it's been on the back boiler for ages, lol!

I'm not 100% decided on AM2, but if I can get a faster performing Intel dual core chip, board, and RAM, for less than I can get AMD, I'll go for it! My main PC is 'only' an Opteron 170, this server will end up being more powerful than it!

That Silverstone Sugo looks lush! I've also been looking at the Aspire X-QPack and the Antec NSK1300, but can't decide!

The box will be starting off with two hard drives (probably Samsung 500gb unless I'm recommended otherwise with good reason :)) and an optical, but I'd like there to be room to take another 2 drives later on.

Please don't limit product suggestions to OcUK's lines though :)

I'm not really sure how much power it's going to need. Personally I think a beefy 2GHz dual core is overkill, but it doesn't look much more expensive than yesterdays dated tech...
 
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