Need advice on a cpu for a server

Arkitech

Diamond Member
Apr 13, 2000
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I'd like to put a machine together that can act as basically just a file server for about 4 - 5 machines on a home network. I plan on storing a lot of media files (music, video, etc) on this machine. I'm thinking that a cheap processor with lots of memory and a fast IDE connection should be sufficient. Any one have some suggestions (cpu, mobo)


Also I need to replace the motherboard for my Athlon 700, any suggestions on what kind of board I need?



thanks
 

bigshooter

Platinum Member
Oct 12, 1999
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get the cheapest duron that you can find, or you can get a duron 1ghz with a new motherboard and then use your old Athlon 700 for the server. You probably won't need that much memory either. I'd pick up 256 megs or ram, 512 if you feel like it. Your Athlon 700 is probably slot 1 so that's the reason I say use it for the server. It would be more than enough for a machine that is basically going to sit there all the time. It would be better to get a socket a duron and new motherboard to give you a better upgrade path in the future.
 

Migroo

Diamond Member
Jul 14, 2001
4,488
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bigshooter has wise words :)

Whatever you get / use for the server, it WILL be sitting around all the time, so why not run SETI on it at the same time :) *plug for Team Anandtech*

Yes, why not move your Athlon 700 to the server (as it will be more than enough, let alone a 1.0 GHz Duron) and have an upgrade yourself of some kind - the Duron mentioned would not be very expensive.
 

Arkitech

Diamond Member
Apr 13, 2000
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Can the Duron handle games, I use my 700 for basically gaming and maybe video editing in the future. So if I make my 700 into a server I need to make sure that whatever I use to replace it will be able to handle heavy gaming.

Price is also a big factor for me too, which makes the Durons kind of attractive. My only concern is that they can handle the games
 

Arkitech

Diamond Member
Apr 13, 2000
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Are there any sites I can go to and find out what motherboard matches up to cpus?

 

veryape

Platinum Member
Jun 13, 2000
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I have to say, don't cheat yourself out of a better processor. If you are going to go the route of using the old Athlon 700 for the server then you should at least spend the few extra bucks and get at least a TBIRD 1gigger, since it is not much more at all, and will run a lot faster and also be much more of an upgrade for you than a measly Duron.

I know your plan wasn't to upgrade your rig in the first place but since you are contemplating it you might as well do it right. It won't cost you very much at all. At least not much more than you were going to spend anyhow.
 

VicLavigne

Member
Dec 30, 2001
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I have a server like you describe, and used my slowest CPU (Duron 750) with 256mb sdram, and loaded Win2k Pro for the OS. It's stable and does the job more than adequately. Also use it as print server and internet server.
 

CTho9305

Elite Member
Jul 26, 2000
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<< A duron 1Ghz will handle games better than your current Athlon 700. >>



***CONFIRMED*** ;)
seriously though, my machine is a tbird 700, dad's is a duron 1gig. his is fast :)
 

klnyc

Member
Feb 20, 2001
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i used to have a p200 mmx (classic type), I was using Novell 4.x box as my file,print server.I have 6.4gig IDE, w/128meg of ram. This beast ran since '94 to 99.
Now i just build a p3-866 w/1.5gig sdram,RAID 1(scsi type) this thing runs likes hell.