a few file server questions...

[shadowagent]

I'm in the process of building a file server for my home network and I was wondering if I should have a hard drive cooler on my hard drive? Its a WD 60GB 5400RPM if that helps. The server would probably be running all year long. Also is it a good idea to have a HD in a server go into standby after a period of time(would it increase its life or just slow perfromance). Lastly, any ideas on a good/neat looking but cheap(less then or around $100) server case(or just a regular case) thats not too tall?

thanx

 

[lowtech1]

You don't really need any fancy cooler or play around with the HD stanby modes...just get a good/stable mobo and you will be okay.

One of the main server at my work is a Pentium 133mhz with 64 megs of ram that have 4 SCSI HDDs & 2 tapes backups with one powersupply fan & one cpu fan. We loaded Win2k, Exchange 5.5, Norton Antivirus for Enterprise 7.5 & Quartine Center, Norton Antivrus for Exchange 2.5, and it serve as a file & printer Server.

I couldn't belive it when my boss told me to upgrade the piece of junk from NT4 to Win2k Addvance Server and other software on it when the thing only have 64 megs of ram. But low and behold the Damned thing prove me wrong and juggling away for a year with out problem.

 

[blstriker]

No, you don't need extra cooling for your HD. Would it make it last longer? Probably, but how much I don't know. I have a 7200 rpm hd without any extra cooling and it works fine all year long, 24/7.

A good case that isn't too expensive are the Inwin cases. I have the s500 which is a mid tower, but they also have the q500 which is much taller. Quality is excellent for the price. Highly recommended by me!

 

[blstriker]

Oh, yeah, don't put the drive into standby. It'll make the server really slow when it tries to wake up. A server should be ready at all times.