File Server - opinions wanted

[thejoelhansen]

Hey all - I'm building my first file server. I'm a web developer and looking to start small/ cheap, but have a few TB globally available down the road. I would appreciate any thoughts you have on my parts list. Thanks!


$ 57 - CPU (G530)
$ 80 - MoBo (Biostar LGA1155)
$ 43 - RAM 8GB (2x4GB - GSkill)
$ 35 - PSU (Corsair or something)
$ 70 - Cheap SSD (32GB, Patriot or something)
-----
$285

Now I may be able to afford a nicer SSD.

The SSD would have a few dev websites on it, while system/software backups, subversion repositories, and other things would go to the spindly discs.

Joel

 

[ElFenix]

stock cooler will work fine on any sandy bridge.

the 2100T really doesn't save any power. practically nothing at idle (which is what the server will be doing most of the time), and just a bit while in normal use. if you're never maxing out the processor (DC or video recoding, etc.) you'll not see any worthwhile power reduction:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1202-page3.html

so for a file server i'd pick something like a sandy pentium or sandy celeron. you'll get the same low idle power consumption as with the i3 for half the price. you can also undervolt (in the linked article they undervolted the 2400 to the same voltage as the low-power 2400S) to save some power. G530 celeron would be perfect.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116409

 

[fastamdman]

Whatever you do sir, do NOT go that cheap on the psu. Get this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139026

35 bucks after MIR and MUCH more reliable. For the ssd, splurge JUST a little and grab a crucial m4

Also, what do you need an SSD for in a file server? WOuldn't you want max storage? If you need storage now, buy used!

Yes 20+4pin works with 24pin because 20+4 = 24

 

[thejoelhansen]

ElFenix,

Thanks! I didn't realize the difference would be so minor. Also, voltage adjustments, awesome.

Fastamdman,

Yeah, I think you're right. I was going easy/lazy, but I'll probably get better cost/power usage. Maybe I'll stuff this in an old G3 case I have lying in the garage.

Joel

 

[fastamdman]

Joel please get some pictures as I am as excited as you are =D

 

[thejoelhansen]

Edited my layout. Thanks!

I'll wait to see what deals I can get on Black Friday. Hoping to get all this for around $250

Now to dig out that G3 case...

Joel

 

[fastamdman]

I know of ways to get it at 250 now basically Combo discounts + promo codes brah

 

[mfenn]

Why the SSD? The files that make up the web sites will get cached into RAM after the first load anyway (assuming you are running a real OS like Linux). HDD prices suck right now, but you can get a 500GB for $90. Given that you are a developer, that would probably be plenty of storage for the foreseeable future..

 

[thejoelhansen]

I know of ways to get it at 250 now basically Combo discounts + promo codes brah

I'm searching through for combos... feel free to post any links...

 

[fastamdman]

I actually don't see any good combo deals for those items currently, doesn't mean there won't be soon though <3.

Have you thought about spending just a hair more on the ssd? Maybe something like this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227714
15&#37; off all OCZ SSD's with code: BLKNOVSSD
$30 MIR.

 

[thejoelhansen]

I actually don't see any good combo deals for those items currently, doesn't mean there won't be soon though <3.

Have you thought about spending just a hair more on the ssd? Maybe something like this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227714
15% off all OCZ SSD's with code: BLKNOVSSD
$30 MIR.

Haha. Oh - I've thought about it.

The SSD will keep things snappy and low power, and I'll pick up a slew of storage in Jan/Feb once prices come down.

I'd rather save my money for a 256 GB Samsung SSD for my laptop!

Thanks though. I'll be eyeing combos on Newegg this Friday and pickup the remainder of the parts that I can't get on sale next week. Still have to get that G3...

 

[mfenn]

I actually don't see any good combo deals for those items currently, doesn't mean there won't be soon though <3.

Have you thought about spending just a hair more on the ssd? Maybe something like this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227714
15% off all OCZ SSD's with code: BLKNOVSSD
$30 MIR.

OCZ? Get real. Do you know about all the issues that OCZ has had with their 3 series?

And that doesn't change the fact that getting an SSD at all for this build is dumb.