Help spec me a cheap fileserver

[doogs]

Hi,
I've been thinking for some time now to build a fileserver. I have a spec in mind but, it's waaay over specified. I'd like to hear what others come up with before going ahead and making a final decision on parts.

Here's the remit...

- must be cheap (I'm thinking less than £400, much less if at all possible)
- I'll be using Linux (Xubuntu) so, no OS is required
- The server will be running headless so, no mouse, keyboard or monitor required
- I'm hoping to use a new Lanbox Lite case (sff) that I have which limits mobo choice to micro atx or mini atx. Although, I'm open to alternative suggestions.
- I'd prefer it to be quiet but, its not a primary consideration
- I'd prefer onboard graphics, given that its just going to be a server

I would like a spec for the following:
- motherboard
- cpu
- cpu cooler
- hdd 1 for OS (size? no idea)
- hdd 2 and hdd 3 (both identical 500GB which, I'll use RAID 1 for data)
- dvdrw drive
- psu (prefer modular to keep case tidy but, not essential)
- ram (1GB minimum though, 2GB might be preferable)

Cheers,
Doogs

 

[doogs]

Thanks for the responses so far.
I tend to agree with the recommendations put forward however, I'm not sure what the server might expand into in the future. One of the main reasons for doing this is to try and limit data loss (I had a hdd die on one pc, losing all data for the last year - last time it was backed up was 12 months ago doh!)

Apart from serving files to the rest of the pc's in the house, what others tasks might one employ a server for?

Cheers,
Doogs

 

[doogs]

Would I need to up the specs much to do some of these other tasks?
I'm not thinking about it immediately but, it might be useful in the future.

 

[doogs]

Brilliant. Thanks for that.