Need a cheap, energy efficient PSU for media server

Jed Shields · 14 Sep 2008 at 22:10

Hi guys,

I'm looking at setting up a media server for home using an old Athlon 2600XP. I want it to run as efficiently as possible, so will probably underclock it as it won't need much horsepower. Could you recommend a decent, efficient and relatively cheap PSU to go with it ... The mobo has 2 IDE and 4 SATA connections, so it could ultimately expand to 6 or 7 HDDs plus a DVD-ROM drive - it won't need anything else.

Cheers,

Jed.

fobose · 14 Sep 2008 at 22:19

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...23&subcat=1088&name=Antec EarthWatts 380W PSU

80+ efficient, and 4 sata connections.

PhillyDee · 14 Sep 2008 at 22:43

fobose said:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...23&subcat=1088&name=Antec EarthWatts 380W PSU

80+ efficient, and 4 sata connections.

+1

I use this with a 5 bay and 3 bay icydock (They use 2xmolex each). This runs an X2 6000+ with 2gb ram, no gfx card. (Used to fold with it too!).

Excellent PSU's.

Jed Shields · 15 Sep 2008 at 08:04

Thanks guys - looks ideal.

Jed Shields · 15 Sep 2008 at 09:31

PhillyDee said:
+1

I use this with a 5 bay and 3 bay icydock (They use 2xmolex each). This runs an X2 6000+ with 2gb ram, no gfx card. (Used to fold with it too!).

Excellent PSU's.

Next question then ... if i were to eventually go the icydock route for maximum storage potential, what case would you recommend? Again, the lower the cost the better

PhillyDee · 15 Sep 2008 at 21:27

It depends how many 'docks you intend to get. This is my server case.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1316&ID=1496

Cheapest 9 Bay I could find. Had to mod the case to remove the 'lips' that are between every bay (hammer - tried dremmel, too long, too many discs. Oh so many discs). Means you can get 15 sata drives in a midi case.

Jed Shields · 15 Sep 2008 at 22:26

PhillyDee said:
It depends how many 'docks you intend to get. This is my server case.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?C=1316&ID=1496

Cheapest 9 Bay I could find. Had to mod the case to remove the 'lips' that are between every bay (hammer - tried dremmel, too long, too many discs. Oh so many discs). Means you can get 15 sata drives in a midi case.

That looks good - and the price is cracking - £45 ish?

PhillyDee · 15 Sep 2008 at 22:45

From the site I got it from, you need to add VAT too. The 2 fans are LED fans, but im not bothered as its in my spare room under my workbench.