Building a personal server, have some questions

[Cellwind929]

I'm building a personal server computer since I want to move storage and tv recording off my desktop and onto a more efficient rig. I'd want software Raid 5 and tv recording under linux or windows server 2003. I've been looking for low power processors and boards and am looking at Intel Pentium E2160 Allendale 1.8GHz or Intel Celeron E1200 1.6GHz. I'm not sure which is the more efficient processor, or if theres one that would be better suited for the task. I want this to be an inexpensive roll your own server that I can grow my raid if needed.

Once the processor is selected, I'll need a motherboard. I'm looking at Gigabyte as they have some good boards. Does This Gigabyte board with Dynamic energy saver really mean it's more efficient? Or will this basic microATX board with onboard videothis be more efficient for my needs?

PSU I'm looking at is Antecs Earthwat 380. Haven't decided on a case yet, and I'll want some drive coolers or a case that has direct fan coverage.

Also, will WD's caviar 1tb gp's work in software raid? or will they crap on themselves because they're not the raid edition?

 

[Roguestar]

Software RAID? Why not buy a RAID card and use that instead? Better performance and more reliable. Remember that RAID-5 is not a substitute for backup, it's just for minimising downtime. Any data corrupted in software or by malware will be written corrupt to both drives.

I'd go with the mATX board with onboard video, and then stick it in a little case out of the way beside the TV.

You don't need to buy hard drives specifically made for RAID, any kind will do.

 

[Cellwind929]

I'm aware raid is not backup, I have USB externals I keep at another location for that. As for the raid card, I was under the impression that the cheap ones weren't worth it and that only the more expensive ones were good.

 

[jterrell]

Originally posted by: Cellwind929
I'm aware raid is not backup, I have USB externals I keep at another location for that. As for the raid card, I was under the impression that the cheap ones weren't worth it and that only the more expensive ones were good.

Just do not buy the Dell raid cards.
They are stripped down Adaptecs but had a high failure rate for us.
We eventually replaced them all with real Adaptecs and all went well.

 

[JackMDS]

First step for a Good server, fix your links in the OP.

Low Consumption

AMD Athlon X2 BE-2400 2.3GHz 45W TDP AM2.

Why od you need RAID to record TV show?

If you are concern about backup try Windows Home Server (WHS).

Get a 4 months trial version ( for $4.99 shipping). and see how it works.

http://www.microsoft.com/windo...wshomeserver/eval.mspx

WHS would work well even with less powerful computers than what is mentioned above.

 

[Cellwind929]

OP fixed.

The raid is for general media file storage, music, and I do alot of video work so I'd like some redundancy. (note not backup) I might try WHS, but Linux seemed more up my alley for what I wanted to do. I'd rather have raid then how WHS mirrors files across drives.

 

[JackMDS]

BTW. WHS would not do RAID based on Mobq chipset that needs Drivers.

However if the RAID is provided by Hardware (installed adon card) and it reflects to the system as a Drive WHS would use it.

 

[darkangelism]

Originally posted by: jterrell

Originally posted by: Cellwind929
I'm aware raid is not backup, I have USB externals I keep at another location for that. As for the raid card, I was under the impression that the cheap ones weren't worth it and that only the more expensive ones were good.

Just do not buy the Dell raid cards.
They are stripped down Adaptecs but had a high failure rate for us.
We eventually replaced them all with real Adaptecs and all went well.

Thats not true, Dell raid cards are LSI.

 

[imported_wired247]

Posts: 1
Joined: 08/17/2006

Interesting first post after lurking for so long... You must feel strongly about this

 

[JackMDS]

darkangelism Welcome to the first post.

Most of first posts are asking for help.

It is refreshing to see a first post that offers help.:thumbsup: