SFF Linux server for files, http, remote access, caldav, mail, etc...

[Sic]

I'm hoping I can get a pretty definite answer here, as my knowledge of hardware isn't what it used to be!

I'm looking to build a low-power, 24/7 server for all the things listed in the title, plus other admin-y things (maybe an itunes server if I can find a distro that will support it) but I don't know the first thing about hardware. I need as much space for data, and as much speed over a network as possible. I would be most grateful if someone could spec me the whole 9 yards for this (I did a search, but couldn't find something similar to my requirements, so apologies if this is something frequently asked!)

I'm looking to spend no more than £500 all-in. I would love a pretty case to put it in, as it's going in my lounge. I saw someone posted that fractal design thing, so if that or something equally pretty could be factored in, that would be immense.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Sic]

K, so after a little mindless poking around, I've come up with this:

-- Corsair XMS3 TwinX 2GB (2x1GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Dual Channel Kit
-- Zotac H55ITX-A-E LGA1156 DDR3 miniITX Motherboard
-- Intel Core i3 530 2.93Ghz (Clarkdale) (Socket LGA1156) - Retail
-- Western Digital Caviar Green Power 1.5TB 64MB Cache Hard Disk Drive SATAII 300MB/s <8.9ms 7200rpm
-- Fractal Design Array Mini ITX NAS Case w/ 300W SFX PSU

Anything glaringly wrong with that or anything I can do better? Does anyone have an idea on a release date for that case/how much it might be?

Thanks

 

[AbsenceJam]

You don't need anything like that, an Atom is perfectly fine and if you go for an ION you can also add XBMC and have a lovely little HTPC to boot. There are off the shelf machines like the Acer Revo which will save you money over a self-build but they only take 2.5" drives so you'd need external storage; that could be viewed as being more flexible but it depends on your space requirements. For me as much space as possible is 6TB minimum.

 

[Sic]

Right now, I only have 1TB capacity in my house, so a 1.5TB drive is fine to start with. I'll be installing debian or ubuntu as it has to match or get close to the live servers I use for work. I don't have space to attach external drives, hence looking at cases like the lian-li q08 (when is this released?!) and the fractal - each bay will eventually be full.

From what I can see, an mITX board with 6 SATA headers is quite rare - the Zotac was the only one I could find that seemed reputable (i.e. a brand I'd heard of) which restricts my CPU choice somewhat, but the i3 530 has received good reviews from the sources I've read.

I guess I've just answered my own question there, haven't I?! Only thing I need now is to find a case that I can actually buy in this country! Man, do I have problems

 

[AbsenceJam]

You can simply add a PCI or PCI-E SATA card for more ports.

 

[Sic]

Good call, cheers for posting

 

[Spooter]

Im using this hardware for

Debian - With Virtual box
Ubuntu 9.10 Server (Virtual) - Shorewall, Postfix, Dovecot, squirelmail, webmin
Debian (Virtual) - Samba File Shares, webmin

Gigabyte Atom 330
1.5TB Samsung Eco Green
2GB PC-6400
Lian Li PC-Q07B Mini-ITX Case
With Pico PSU which gives loads of extra space

 

[mod1fied]

There is a Jetway board you can get with a SATA daughterboard that will allow for 4 HDD's so thats quite a lot of space still with 1.5TB/2TB drives

 

[MasterPlan1]

The fractal currently is released, I believe someone on here said they bought it from italy(?) for £126 (?) - this is going from memory.

Spooter - how does that box handle everything you do on it? Seems like quite a bit for such a small box. I was thinking of very simular but with a celeron e3400.

 

[Cycrow]

if its just for a personal server, u really dont need a lot of power.

i have a mail/web server thats running several sites, as well multiple mail domains.

and its only running on a 1.5ghz via epia, with 1gb ram
the pc basically uses about 20w of power, so i would say its pretty low power operating.

i dont use it as a file server as well thou, so it only has a small amount of storage, but plenty for what it needs.

u could go for the 1.8gz epia, that has 4 sata ports as well. About £150 for the motherboard thou