Cheap atom PC as a file server

[VinylxScratches]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121342]Newegg.com - Intel BOXD945GCLF Intel Atom processor 230 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Motherboard / CPU / VGA Combo[/url] - Intel Mobo Atom 64.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820148097]Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model CT25664AA667 - Desktop Memory[/url] - Crucial 2GB ram 22.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16822136359&]Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Green WD7500AADS 750GB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives[/url] - Western Digital Green 5400 RPM - 59.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129065]Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred + BP430 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 430W Power Supply - Computer Cases[/url] - Antec 300 Case + 430 Watt PSU - 99.99 (Probably overkill but in the future I plan on building a gaming rig I think and I like when my cases are the same....)

I'll be running Debian off a 60Gb laptop hard drive, or maybe even a 8GB flash drive if it's possible. The 750 will be data. For redundency, I'll have a 320GB drive for now to do daily backups. I don't really want to run RAID due to power consumption. I'm not too concerned about my data, it's just movies and some docs.


What do you guys think?

 

[DaveSimmons]

The $150 MSI Wind Atom 330 barebone is another way to go -- a little cheaper and a fraction of the size of the Antec. Its atom is a true dual-core not just hyperthreaded.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
The $150 MSI Wind Atom 330 barebone is another way to go -- a lot cheaper and a fraction of the size of the Antec. Its atom is a true dual-core not just hyperthreaded.

+1, but you forgot to tell him how inefficient the PSU that comes with the Antec is (at ~20 watts of output), compared to the PSU that comes with the MSI Wind.

edit: Oh, and the Wind comes with a bootable CF slot that the Intel board doesn't have.

 

[VinylxScratches]

Those look like they can only hold one hard drive though..... I would like to be able to expand to multiple hard drives in the future...

What kind of PSU should I get?

 

[tvih]

For a system such as that, you only really need around 60W at least for a single hard drive setup. Since there's no optical drive apparently, could probably have at least two with that. Of course finding PSUs such as this is harder than finding normal ATX ones.

Some options:

You could just go with a small case. For example, if it is one that can take a 3.5" drive, you can even use a 1.5-2TB drive and save in power requirements compared to having multiple drives. Or, you could use external hard drives plugged into it if you need to expand. Aside from barebones options, something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811121090 is quite inexpensive, and comes with a power supply that probably won't win any awards, but should still be decent.

It could also be possible to get a case such as the Lian Li PC-Q07 and still have a slightly smaller case, but it can hold a 5.25" standard optical drive, a 3.5" hard drive and a 2.5" hard drive by default. And you could of course convert the 5.25" bay to hold an additional 3.5" hard drive instead. Problem is that it takes an ATX power supply, so finding one with low enough power could be difficult. Might be simpler to go with the above option.

I suppose you also could just simply use the case you were planning as well (overkill indeed), but do you plan on not needing this Atom server when you get the gaming computer?

Personally I'm also planning on having a Atom-based server solution at some point in the future, but it's probably going to be a QNAP NAS product unless they haven't come up with products based on the new-generation Atom chipset at the time of me acquiring such a server (as the new-generation Atom processor+chipset should have a lot lower power consumption than even the current ones).

 

[piasabird]

Try something like this?

http://www.directron.com/syscde4.html

MATX with E5200. They sell a wide variety of gear at this store. Good Quality.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: VinylxScratches
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121342]Newegg.com - Intel BOXD945GCLF Intel Atom processor 230 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Motherboard / CPU / VGA Combo[/url] - Intel Mobo Atom 64.99

I'd look into a higher end Atom mobo. I think around $85 will get one with an Atom 330, and more importantly with gigabit ethernet in case you upgrade your network.

 

[JackMDS]

You can build something like this with the new 2TB Green HD in it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822148413

This is an Example with Windows Home Server but the principle is the same for any Low Energy Consumption Green Server.

http://www.homeserverhacks.com...mediasmart-server.html

 

[California Roll]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: VinylxScratches
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121342]Newegg.com - Intel BOXD945GCLF Intel Atom processor 230 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Motherboard / CPU / VGA Combo[/url] - Intel Mobo Atom 64.99

I'd look into a higher end Atom mobo. I think around $85 will get one with an Atom 330, and more importantly with gigabit ethernet in case you upgrade your network.

This is great advice. Definitely go with the 330. The dual core hyperthreaded cpu (shows as 4 cores) adds a bit more punch (but it's still an Atom) but the main thing is the giga ethernet. I bought a cheap $15 Trendnet giga switch and it's the best performance upgrade I ever made for my home network.

 

[alyarb]

they are right. get the 330 with gigabit ethernet and a PCI SATA controller for your additional disks. if you're getting that antec, theres plenty of room for disks.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121383
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16816104006

it's just a pity that an SSD would flood that poor 32-bit PCI bus. you might want to get a motherboard with pci express x1. still double the bandwidth of PCI and if you are serious about storage frankly i would scrap this whole atom thing and get a single core sempron or celeron with an integrated chipset. it'll cost the same and be much faster, and that way you're guaranteed to natively have gigabit ethernet, 4 SATA II ports and plenty of pci express for future expandability. there are too many compromises with atom because it limits you to mini-itx. the low power is nice, but it seems impossible to use mini-itx atom systems in full-sized ATX machines with more than two full-speed SATA II devices.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: VinylxScratches
Those look like they can only hold one hard drive though..... I would like to be able to expand to multiple hard drives in the future...

What kind of PSU should I get?

They'll hold two hard drives, and come with a PSU. Can you not read?

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: myocardia Can you not read?

Reading is a Cognitive process. :light:

Cognitive Processes are affected by Emotional Status.

Most technology decision here are made by emotions, and Not by technological values. :laugh:

It goes like this I like "X", so let me find excuses to buy it. :shocked:

 

[DaveSimmons]

There are some conflicting goals here:

Cheap, low power: the MSI Wind at $150 includes dual-core CPU, mobo, case, silent and efficient PSU. It does support 2 HDs if you use the 5.25" bay. Just add RAM and HD.

Lots of drives: this means paying more for separate mobo/CPU, big case, beefier but less efficient PSU. If going this route, a mATX or full ATX motherboard (with more SATA ports) and low-power core 2 or AMD CPU makes sense.

Pick one.

 

[California Roll]

Agree with previous poster.

For file servers I know will run 2 hard drives or less, I'd be comfortable with a MSI Wind/mini ITX type system. I currently run this with 2 x 1.5TB drives. I will probably go with 2 x 2TB before I add another drive as I'd need a new case, sata card, maybe psu, etc.

For 3-4 drives max, I'd go with a prebuilt WHS box (Acer, HP, etc.). I realize OP isn't planning to use WHS.

For more than 4 drives, I'd definitely go with a full ATX type case with mATX or full ATX mobo with 4+ sata ports, free PCI slot(s) for more ports if needed, couple with a low power cpu like an AMD 45W or Intel e5200 or similar.

Seriously, running a fileserver with more than 2 hard drives on an Atom/ITX sounds good on paper but is less than ideal in real life (unless it's a 4 bay Acer/HP WHS which are pretty slick).

 

[Knavish]

I thought that an Atom mobo + cpu burns around 30 watts.

From what I've read, people have undervolted / underclocked the low power AthlonX2 (like the 5050e) or a lower power Intel Core2 down under 40 Watts, again with motherboard. (Here's an example http://forums.anandtech.com/me...d=28&threadid=2314491)

Each HD is 5-10 watts.

...It seems like you could burn a few more watts and get a much more capable system by undervolting.

If you don't mind spending extra, you can keep the efficiency of this system way up by using a PicoPSU.

 

[Informant X]

Mic check 1,2

Alright here is the deal. I'm in your situation, trying to build a enery efficient file server/ HTPC for my house. Don't know about you but I want efficienty since it will be on 24/7. That being said I've been reading A LOT about the Atom, and the dual core HT'ed 330. That being said I came across Zotac Ion offerings. Perhaps a little bit expensive, but by far the coolest. They come with a Nvidia chipset instead of Intels crappy GMA 950 integrated graphics. Also come with wireless already, a number USB 2.0 ports and 3 sata connetions. It also has built in RAID (again I will be mirroring since this is gonna be a file server) and well is capable of fitting in the palm of your hand. The whoel system with all the HD's etc will pull less than 45 watts of power underload, and less than 30 at idle. Don't know about you but for again for a file server always on, that sounds stellar. That being said it's capable of BluRay and DVD playback without skipping a frame with full support for dolby surround. The board has HDMI, DVI and VGA output, and oh I forgot mention that bluray/dvd is in 1080P without a problem. Can even play some games on it albeit with low details. Read up on this board it's no joke, all the reviews I have read have gave it a editors choice award. Definitely wortht he money in my eyes. Oh and one version even comes with the power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813500027
199 with power supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813500030
without the power supply

Oh yea the board also has support for Cuda. Now that being said Lookin at your motherbard first I wouldn't go with the 230. I'm sure the 330 dual core variant of that same motherboard cost 10 dollars more only or so. Also for me personally and my media server I'd want raid so factor the cost of that it. Then the price of a PSU, oh yea and wireless, would need a wireless usb reciever. I mean slowly but surely with those add-ons you can creep up in price range so I'd pay a little more and get a better chipset, better sound and certainty that I can play DVD's and Blurays with no problem and do lite gaming.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Informant X
so I'd pay a little more and get a better chipset, better sound and certainty that I can play DVD's and Blurays with no problem and do lite gaming.

nVidia makes awesome video cards, but horrible (motherboard) chipsets, both northbridge and southbridge. If you didn't realize that, you've obviously never used any of their chipsets.

 

[California Roll]

Personally I'd keep a 24/7 file server and HTPC as two separate boxs. If I wanted to combine the two, I'd go with something like an Asus M3A78-EM ($70, 5 x sata, onboard Radeon 3200, giga lan, etc.) and a low wattage (45-65W) dual core cpu instead of a Zotac.

Zotac could be a good choice for people who are looking for a low power HTPC solution in a small form factor, but it's pretty overpriced. It's not a good choice for file serving imo.

Onboard GMA 950 is indeed terrrible for a HTPC/Gaming rig, but it's perfectly fine for a file server. Especially if you're running it headless anyways.

 

[VinylxScratches]

The nvidia thing sounds cool but I don't care about all the features except low power since my streaming will be going to my Xbox 360 or laptop.

 

[Informant X]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: Informant X
so I'd pay a little more and get a better chipset, better sound and certainty that I can play DVD's and Blurays with no problem and do lite gaming.

nVidia makes awesome video cards, but horrible (motherboard) chipsets, both northbridge and southbridge. If you didn't realize that, you've obviously never used any of their chipsets.

Go read about this motherboard before you speak to me. You obviously have done no research about this. It does everything it's supposed to and then some. Get back to me when you have more info


And to the OP, if you're all set then what's your question? Your build looks fine....

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Informant X
Go read about this motherboard

For reference:

Zotac's Ion: The World's First mini-ITX Ion Board

No need to bicker about it.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Informant X
Go read about this motherboard before you speak to me. You obviously have done no research about this. It does everything it's supposed to and then some. Get back to me when you have more info

Go get some experience with nVidia chipsets before you speak to me. I've owned more motherboards with nVidia chipsets on them than you've likely owned motherboards, and besides the NF2 and NF4, they were utterly horrid. Like I said the first time: nVidia, good at making video cards, bad at making chipsets.

 

[Informant X]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: Informant X
Go read about this motherboard before you speak to me. You obviously have done no research about this. It does everything it's supposed to and then some. Get back to me when you have more info

Go get some experience with nVidia chipsets before you speak to me. I've owned more motherboards with nVidia chipsets on them than you've likely owned motherboards, and besides the NF2 and NF4, they were utterly horrid. Like I said the first time: nVidia, good at making video cards, bad at making chipsets.

Ur weird. Let me know what you've specifically read about this instead of blanket statments. A couple years ago I would've said ATI driver support sucked too. gg!

 

[chuck2002]

I was doing the same planning as the OP on this one. I bought the Atom 330 and went to town on a file server, in my case, I chose freenas.
It worked like a champ, but I was limited in what else I could do with the box.
I decided to sell it to a buddy that wanted to make a small ipcop firewall for home.
I went with a coreduo 6700 (I think) 45 nm processor and by the time I was done, I had an ESXi box that is running a freenas VM and others as I see fit and only using about 10 more watts of power idle than my Atom was using.
It uses more under load, but it also is much faster.

 

[theawddone]

Sorry to bump this, but I am looking to build/buy something very similar to most of the other posters in this thread. Could anyone give me a recap as to what would be the best approach for a low-power, high-capacity (at least could fit 2x1 TB drives?) file server/seed-box? I was originally hoping to set it up as an HTPC as well, however, due to placement of existing Ethernet ports in my new house, I will just have to be satisfied with file server for now for maximum file-transfer speeds.

I looked at that wind atom 330 barebones system but it seems to be over a year old now so there has to be something better. I have no problem putting something together from scratch, I just don't want to make the mistake of buying outdated parts accidentally and I want to get something that's relatively new, because I know there has to be some better hardware out there now... My budget is around preferably around $300, but could spend up to $400 if necessary I suppose.