need a stable mobo recommendation for poor man's server

[ThePiston]

I'm building a server, but don't want to get a real server mobo and ECC ram - I just need a stable mobo with onboard video that will be on 24/7.

 

[teddy3501]

I recomment the ASUS M3N78 PRO (http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16813131320)
and AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16819103255). I just built a PC that I'll be using as a server 24/7. Runs stable and cool with low wattage since the AMD chip is 45W.

Alternatively, the ASUS M3A78 Pro is also a good choice if you don't like nvidia chipset. I had bios problem (not enough space to copy PCI option ROM) when using 3 raid cards.

Also recommend the Western Digital Green line of harddrives... they run amazingly cool and lower power which I find is important factor in running a computer 24/7.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[ThePiston]

nice thanks

 

[ThePiston]

hmm, only video out is HDMI? also, that 512Kb L2 cache seems wimpy... I'll be running Server 2008

 

[renethx]

Originally posted by: ThePiston
hmm, only video out is HDMI? also, that 512Kb L2 cache seems wimpy... I'll be running Server 2008

A VGA bracket (for an empty expansion slot) and a HDMI-DVI adapter are bundled.

 

[renethx]

Cheaper alternative are

- BIOSTAR TF720 AM2+ GeForce 8100 and nForce 720a chipset ATX
- GIGABYTE GA-MA78G-DS3H AMD 780G chipset ATX

Processer

I am not sure of the effect of the size of L2 cache for Windows Server.

- Phenom X4 9150e 4 x 512KB L2, 2MB L3, 65W (a bit pricey, $140)
- Phenom X3 8450 3 x 512KB L2, 2MB L3, 95W (+20W than Athlon X2 4850e at idle, $100)
- Phenom X3 8450e 3 x 512KB L2, 2MB L3, 65W (not released yet)