Build me a File Server!?

[Atomik]

Hey All!

As many of you are probably experiencing, it is a horrible time to buy a new computer (is it ever a good time?). I have been playing the waiting game for a while, waiting for the new AMD64 CPU revisions, new Shuttle SFF, bad time to buy an Intel system due to dual core etc. Anyways, in the meantime I thought I would build a little file server, which could act as a basic computer (email, forums etc) until I get my new system. I Would like to spend less than $500 (Canadian ). I have two 200GB SATA drives that I would like to use for storage and a 40GB IDE drive. Raid is not necessary for my needs, there are only 3 people that will ever use the server. Basically just want to offload all my music, movies, backups etc from my main machine to somewhere else.

I usually shop at NCIX. mATX would be nice, for size concerns, but not necessary. Is ebay perhaps a better place to find something older (IE p3, celeron, duron etc)? Suggestions welcome! Thanks in advance!

 

[HappyCracker]

I have an old Dell P2 450 I use as a file server. Granted it doesn't get loaded too heavily but I can stream a good quality movie and music at the same time without any hiccups. You can probably find these on the cheap and save more for your A64 system.

 

[Umberger]

I don't think you even need something that fast. I am using a p3 600 that I had laying around, running FC2 and Samba rarely shows even 5% of the processor load. It has 128 MB memory, and the limiting factor for me has ALWAYS been the network.

 

[ohnnyj]

Get a cheap Dell computer, I've seen some as low as $349, it will do all that you need it to do.

 

[Atomik]

Thanks for the replies!

I actually tracked down a dell off-lease website in Canada - dfs direct. I should be able to find something there, although it looks as though I would have to buy a SATA controller card of some sort, preferably a cheap one.

Thanks again

 

[Concillian]

Just religiously surf the FS/FT forums and put together a decent AXP system or old P4 system

You don't need much power, you don't need much RAM, just get something cheap but decent. 512 MB + AXP + mobo can be done for the $150 range pretty easily if you're patient (and it seems you are). I'm not up on old intel systems, but I'm sure they are equally cheap.

A 1700+ should be adequate for your needs and can be had for under $40(US). Being from Canada you'll have to pay more for shipping than the average FS/FT person, but I think you'll still come out WELL ahead of buying retail.

If you NEED mATX, then you may be better off getting the board retail, but I'd still go to FS/FT for at least the processor. You can't find any retail equivalents for the prices people charge for used processors on FS/FT. eBay can also be a decent source, but Intel prices are always way high on eBay. You can sometimes find some good AXP bargains there though.