Best parts for a low-power Linux system?

[gumpish]

I want to build a Linux system which I can leave running 24/7 that consumes a minimum amount of power. It will basically serve up files on my home LAN. So it's much more important to me that the CPU be energy efficient than be fast. Integrated video is fine, or even no video at all. (I've worked with headless systems before.)

I've seen "Super-Uber-Ultra-Pico ITX" systems, but I don't really care about how big (or even noisy) the thing is. It's not going to be a media center. That being said, I'll only need room for one HDD.

Would I be best off just buying a laptop if power consumption is my main concern?

Thanks.

 

[oynaz]

Why not get your hands on an old laptop? They can be had for very cheap, and should be plenty for your needs. The only problem might be that the HDD is too small.

Or perhaps something like the Linksys NSLU2:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit...name=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

 

[oog]

i've been looking for something like this as well. i'm starting to think that the nslu2 (or something like it) is the best option. i'm currently using an old laptop with an external drive, but the fan spinning up can still be a little noisy, and i just have the sense that this laptop is not going to last that much longer.

 

[xtknight]

I'm not completely sure if all these parts are compatible but it should give you some idea (try an Athlon 64 DTR uATX system). Base parts:

GIGABYTE GA-K8N51GMF Socket 754 Motherboard (onboard NIC, video, audio)

CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB (2 x 256MB)

AMD Mobile Athlon 64 3400+ (DTR)

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA

FSP Group (Fortron Source) FSP200-60SPV-D P4 Micro ATX 200W

Subtotal: $359.96

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ how does the power draw at idle compare to a low speed sempron like a 2600+ ?

I've used Biostar TForce mATX in a couple of builds and they're nice boards, though about $10 more.

If you need a case, the Antec NSK4400 comes with a good PSU, 120mm exhaust fan, and is almost silent (using a Zalman 7000-alcu instead of the stock fan).

 

[Ayah]

Take a look at Pentium Ms.