Mini ITX i3 for Linux server - first time build

[otoh]

I'm looking to make a Mini-iTX PC to use as a Linux server - I currently have an old Mac Mini doing the job, so I'm happy to keep it as a SFF PC - I don't need any fancy high-end server stuff, but it will be running 24/7 so reliability is more important than performance. My spec is roughly:

• Mini ITX board
• Intel Core i3 (eg 3220)
• Case to take 1 or 2 drives, inc eg 1TB Caviar Black (always had better luck with WD)
• Possibly optical drive (will put one in if the case supports it; if I find a good case that doesn't I may give up on it)
• 4 or 8GB RAM

I've done lots of hardware repairs and upgrades before - going as far as replacing logic boards on various Mac laptops - but this is my first time to build a PC from scratch so am a bit vague about some specifics, eg:

• Other than it being the same socket as the processor - eg 1155 seems to be the common one - does my choice of MB have much bearing on anything? Any that are particularly known for good (or bad) reliability?
• How do I figure out what size of PSU I need? (And as above re reliability?)
• With my choice of processor, do I need any additional cooling - and does it have any impact on the size of case I choose?
• What other bits will I need to order - eg what (if any) cables do cases/MBs usually come with and would I need any thermal paste for the processor?
• Any extra things to consider when targeting Linux rather than Windows?

Any advice on the above - or anything that I'm glaringly missing - much appreciated!

 

[otoh]

Many thanks all for your helpful replies, much appreciated. Some clarification

Are you going to be using Ubuntu Linux Server 12.10 ?

I'll probably be running Zentyal, which is an Ubuntu-based small business server. It's 12.04 based, since that's a LTS. Hopefully that will work out of the box with most MBs...

Well if you go with WD Scorpio drives (i.e. 2.5" ones) you can go really small if you want.

I originally thought the 3.5" for capacity, speed & reliability - this will be running as, among other things, a file server for maybe 8 people. But if the Scorpio drives are good, I could probably get away with the 750GB, as long as I've got space for another if I need it! But the Sugo SG05 looks good - it takes a 3.5" and a 2.5" which could be handy.

You mentioned fit of cooler - I am assuming the CPU comes with one, which I'll fit in addition to the case fan? How do I know what fits in what case? And how do I figure out what PSU I need? Sorry for such basic questions - this is a bit new to me!

 

[otoh]

If you buy a retail CPU then yes there's a basic cooler with it. Most of the time they're pants though, but if your CPU is low-enough power it won't stress the Intel basic cooler much

The 300W in the Sugo SG05 has a couple of SATA power, couple of Molex and a 6-pin PCI-E so will be PLENTY for what you want.

HUGE thanks for your help and advice, much appreciated! It's really helped me slot things together in my head. Have decided on:
Intel Core i3 3220
WD Caviar Black 1TB
Kingston HyperX Grey 2x4GB
Asus P8H77-I
Sugo SG05

Went up on the MB a bit since I wanted USB3 for backup drives; and went for the 3.5" HDD since I want it fast and reliable as I'll be using it as a file server. But the CPU usage should be modest, so hopefully the stock cooler will be OK - and the SG05 has a fan too, which I guess should help.

Again, much appreciated!

 

[otoh]

The only other thing I would suggest you check out is the low power versions of the i3.

I have an i3-2120T running in my server to reduce heat, noise and power consumption.

Thanks for the tip! Alas I had already got my 3220 by the time I saw it :| But this is going in a wiring cabinet, so I'm not too worried about fan noise etc. But assuming this goes OK, I may make some similar machines for desktops, so will consider the 2120 for those - thanks again!