Home File Server

[Thraxen]

Right now I've got an old P4 based Dell that I'm using as media file server. It's not very powerful, but it doesn't really need to be. I've got networked via hardwire to my PS3 and 360 which do the actual playing of the media. Streaming 1080p video works just fine. The problem is that I'm running out of room. It only has a single 3.5" drive bay which can hold two hard drives. And even if it could hold more drives, the motherboard itself only has two internal PATA IDE connections.

So what would you guys recommend doing to add storage? Should I build a new cheap PC in a case with more room? Should I move this PC to a new case and put in some sort of PCI card to allow connection of more hard drives? Or should I simply buy some sort of external USB storage?

Anyway, just hoping to get some tips from people who are using PCs as file servers at home.

 

[JackMDS]

Power wise there is no reason to switch computer.

External USB, or adding PCI SATA card, and using external SATA would be the cost effective solution.

 

[Winterpool]

Which model Dell have you got? When you say the motherboard has only two 'IDE connections', do you mean two interface ports? That should support four IDE drives. You may be able to convert some of the 5.25-inch bays for hard drives using mounting brackets. They typically cost a few dollars. Some manufacturers used to include a pair in their 'retail' hard drive packages, but it's been several years since I opened a box with such goodies.

You could always build a new machine with 1.) lower-power draw (new processors and power supplies will probably prove more efficient); 2.) more drive bays; 3.) Gigabit Ethernet. But have you got the spare cash lying about, and what will you do with the old Dell then?

I'm facing this problem in spades, as I've three old Dells, a retired Gateway desktop PC, and three homebrews all sitting semi-idle or repurposed as servers. My two Dell Pentium IIIs were relatively low-power and so fairly useful as 24/7 Linux servers, but the parts are wearing out, and their turn-of-the-century Optiplex cases aren't exactly roomy. At this point I'm trying to consolidate my various machines into two (or three at most), but the consolidated systems will require bigger cases, more drives (with higher density), and probably virtualisation.

Eventually you should look for a roomy, well-ventilated tower case to hold your drives. If your Dell isn't one of the superproprietary builds, you may be able to transfer it to a standard ATX case and power supply. But AMD chips in particular are cheap enough now that you may want to simply build a new system when that time comes. A new more spacious build could also put RAID into the picture.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: Winterpool
Which model Dell have you got? When you say the motherboard has only two 'IDE connections', do you mean two interface ports? That should support four IDE drives. You may be able to convert some of the 5.25-inch bays for hard drives using mounting brackets. They typically cost a few dollars. Some manufacturers used to include a pair in their 'retail' hard drive packages, but it's been several years since I opened a box with such goodies.

It's a Dimension 8300. And, yeah, it has two interface ports. Right now one is going to two HDDs and the other is going to two optical drives. I could ditch at least one of the optical drives and convert the 5.25 bay as you suggest... but I'm not not sure I want to buy any more PATA IDE drives anyway. Though I suppose I could get an adapter. But at that point I'd be buying 5.25 -> 3.5 drive bay and SATA/PATA adapters. Not sure that's worth the trouble.

You could always build a new machine with 1.) lower-power draw (new processors and power supplies will probably prove more efficient); 2.) more drive bays; 3.) Gigabit Ethernet. But have you got the spare cash lying about, and what will you do with the old Dell then?

Building a new fairly cheap file server is something I'm strongly considering. I'd probably want to try and keep the cost around $400 or so. I wouldn't need RAM or an OS as I have both of those available. No monitor obviously since I'd just use the one from my main PC to get set up and then use some sort of remote desktop software. What I'd like is a nice case with lots of drive bays, motherboard, processor, and PSU. The drives I'd just buy as needed to expand the storgage. Any suggestions on a build? Not sure about the old Dell. Wouldn't have a real need for it anymore.

 

[JackMDS]

When Building server it is important to get rid of the OC Gaming mentality.

Since the server is limited by the Network connection, "Strong" Server is needed if the server serves many active users, or running itself demanding applications like big SQL database, or Exchange Server.

Otherwise, in most cases, a P-III is what is needed for a server.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
When Building server it is important to get rid of the OC Gaming mentality.

Since the server is limited by the Network connection, "Strong" Server is needed if the server serves many active users, or running itself demanding applications like big SQL database, or Exchange Server.

Otherwise, in most cases, a P-III is what is needed for a server.

So would your vote be then to simply buy an external SATA card and add external storage? Because that seems to be the only real option for the Dell I'm currently using.

And I know exactly what you're talking about with the gaming mentality. Everytime I start to price out parts for a new file server I find myself looking at parts beyond what I really need.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

So would your vote be then to simply buy an external SATA card and add external storage? Because that seems to be the only real option for the Dell I'm currently using. .

Yap that is what makes sense giving your current configuration.

Buy a SATA enclosure that let you exchange, or take out the HD, to maintain more flexibility for the Future.