External storage

Darryl_1983 · 21 Jun 2009 at 12:43

I've recently built a mini itx system in an xbox case (although a faulty board meant its not finished yet). I'm looking at sorting out an external storage unit which can take upto 4 drives (i've currently got 2No 1TB drives, but want to be able to add to later). It's basically for storing my dvd/movies and music backup.

I've seen some nas boxes which are pretty expensive, Also considered building a really cheap atom based FreeNas server (but the board only seem to have 2no sata onboard).

But i think these will both be over the top for my needs, I basically just want something that i can keep connected and turn on and off whenever i want to watch a movie or something.

What are my options?

miniyazz · 21 Jun 2009 at 13:55

There's an enclosure you can get that uses an eSATA multiplier port with support for up to 5 drives, costing about £120 IIRC. Can't remember what it's called though

Or make a NAS out of a cheap socket 939 or AM2 mobo with cheap CPU, probably cheaper than an Atom setup, with more expansion capabilities and more processing power.

Darryl_1983 · 21 Jun 2009 at 14:05

I'll have a look to see if i can find one on google.

was considering an atom because i have a SG05 spare and the board/process bundle are only about £50, plus i'd get the benefit of low power usage and smaller space. it might even work out cheaper than the enclosure if there £120.

miniyazz · 21 Jun 2009 at 16:00

Darryl_1983 said:
I'll have a look to see if i can find one on google.

was considering an atom because i have a SG05 spare and the board/process bundle are only about £50, plus i'd get the benefit of low power usage and smaller space. it might even work out cheaper than the enclosure if there £120.

Fair enough. There's a mobo/CPU/RAM bundle on the MM atm that you might want to take a look at, would be more powerful than an Atom, costs £30. Personally I'd just take the fan off the northbridge if it's noisy, if temperatures were making me think it really needs one, I'd just pop a 80mm one nowhere in particular, blowing air onto it. Hate the small 40mm or whatever size fans they normally use for northbridges, they shift next to no air and sound like a jet engine.