Mini Build Log: Cheap 'n' Small Home Server

[strelly]

I have recently put together a old computer to act as a home server, but it really is too big!

The motherboard could be smaller, but i am on a limited budget and it works faultlessly. There is defiantly room for improvement!


I only really started this thread to get some feedback and assistance as i am new to this 'small' lark!

The spec isnt fancy:

• AMD Athlon XP 1600+
• 1GB DDR ram
• 1 x 10GB IDE hard drive for OS
• 2 x 500GB samgsung spinpoint hard drives for storage
• 580W Hiper PSU (bit overkill, but i had it knocking around)

My todo list:

• Replace old IDE hard drive with sata laptop drive
• get/buy/make a new case
• Aquire a smaller PSU
• Do all of above without spending much money (unless its really worth it!)

If anyone has any suggestions or advice i would really appreciate it!

Ill try my best to keep it updated

Charlie

 

[strelly]

Good luck mate, it sounds like you've pretty much got it all under hand

Just wondering on a few things though.
Is that board a M-ATX or just a short ATX board ( its hard to tell from that pic as it seems to be a very narrow M-ATX)
Why the 2.5" HDD if your system is going to be in a M-ATX sized case? Would it not just be cheaper to get another 3.5" drive or are you planning on putting it in the floppy disk bay?
Are you planning on getting a low profile case?

I think it is a mini atx, il measure it when i find my tape measure.

The current case is only temporary, Im planning to cram it into the smallest space possible really!

I want to try a small drive for a few reasons: much quieter, lower power consumption, and obviously to save space.

 

[strelly]

Well its been a while since an update. Annoyingly ive been swamped with coursework and exams!

Since the last post i have acquired a socket 754 matx board for £9 (i had a sempron 3100+ lying around) and got a 40gb laptop hard drive.

I underclocked the sempron from 1.8ghz to 800mhz, and reduced the voltage around 0.5V, which gives me idle temps of around 16°!!

I have also ordered a Aopen H360c slim case, with dimensions of 10cm x 31cm x 42cm or so. That comes with a fairly reasonably psu so my incredibly short build log will soon be over!

Ill edit this post with the updated pics when its all built up.