request: low power, quiet, cheap linux fileserver build

[oog]

i've been considering building a file server that would run linux. i'm looking for support for sata drives and gigabit networking. i'm hoping this can be low power, quiet, and cheap. it probably doesn't need a ton of processing power. any suggestions? i'd like to be able to run sshd and rsync to back up to the computer.

 

[Roguestar]

Any recent Dell PC from the last couple of years in the $300-600 range.

http://outlet.dell.com/

 

[oog]

if i'm willing to build it from scratch, what components should i be looking for? will i end up with something less ideal for my needs?

 

[JackMDS]

I do not know Linux.

I have an old Dell P-III 1GB RAM, running Windows Home Server.

It takes less than 30W sleeping, 50W idle, 70W full-blown activity ( In NYC, I can find similar computers with less memory in thrift shops for $50).

Oy can do a lot more than a simple NAS server.

Does not need any expensive RAID concoction.

If you have few Drives, (any kind any size can be mixed) it automatically make them appear as one drive called WHS.

Does auto mirroring and back up too.

Ready for HTTP and ftp servers has also self-signed certificate for SSL connection when needed. SSL is done through HTTPS and any Browser can use the connection secure No need for any additional security settings.

Provides Dynamic DNS "you_name.homeserver.com" that is registered free by Microsoft when you set up the server.

I.e. No need for Hamachi, Go to my PC, LogMeIn, DyDNS, or any other service that do you a favor, and can shift from free to pay, or partial pay when they want to..

Windows Home Server 120 days trial can be obtained from Microsoft for $5.99 shipping.

http://www.microsoft.com/windo...wshomeserver/eval.mspx

 

[oynaz]

A small NAS perhaps? My Synology works fine:

http://www.synology.com

 

[oog]

can i rsync to the synology without any other computer?

 

[oynaz]

I believe so. Check the forums on the site. People are quite eager to help there.

 

[seemingly random]

Any low-power AM2 cpu and nvidia 6150 mcp based uATX mb. For example, asus m2npv-vm w/ 1gb nic + igp + sata. It's mature and well supported by linux distro's. It'll draw ~50w at idle with one hd. A 200w psu will be plenty.

 

[oog]

i currently have an athlon xp 1400+ cpu not being used. is there a good motherboard to pair with that to provide the 1gb nic + igp + sata? i would be looking for good linux support.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: oog
i currently have an athlon xp 1400+ cpu not being used. is there a good motherboard to pair with that to provide the 1gb nic + igp + sata? i would be looking for good linux support.

Here's a place to start researching.

 

[0roo0roo]

low power?
anything laptop based can be low power... possibly 30~ wattish, but i'm basing that on laptops only, i've never killawatted anything else
old athlon xp systems probably used ~100watts depending on video card.

 

[oog]

that's good to know. i am currently using an old laptop, but it lacks the ability to use SATA drives except by putting them in USB enclosures, and it doesn't have a gigabit nic. would it help to underclock the xp?