Tips on building a computer for storage only

[Hulk]

I'd like to build a computer that will remain on all the time in my basement and be used basically as a storage device to backup other computers, and serve multimedia.

Of course it should be really efficient from a power point of view.

All it needs to do is run XP and have 10/100/1000 ethernet. I'm hoping I could even not buy a monitor and just use another for set up and then pull it.

How low on power usage could such a computer be built?

 

[RajeshK]

If you want it cheap, get a AMD X2 with a low TDP, several gigs of Ram, and a mobo with built in gb lan. Just be sure to get a decent power supply. Put it on Cool and quiet, and your processor will only ramp up when needed. I did something similar for my office file server. Of course I had my office wired with Cat 6 plenum coated (thats the fire rated stuff), and picked up a D link xtreme N gigabit router. Planning on wireless N network in my home soon too and broadcasting hdtv via the network.

 

[JackMDS]

If you use VIA C-7 with XP Pro it would Sleep at 6 - 9 Watts.

Less than 50 Watts when fully working.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813153062

It is not a powerful computer, but for File server it is Very Good.

The computer will start working at ant Network probe on its Network Card.

If you want fancy install on it Windows Home Server.

The current version of WHS does Not go to Sleep, so it is 40-60 Watt.

 

[jaqie]

Definitely go for a via epia mobo with standard case.

 

[Winterpool]

I feel awkward buying a cpu that won't be able to do much at all. I've a couple of Pentium IIIs which are relatively low power and running as my primary file servers right now, but I rather suspect I'd be able to do better power-wise with modern cpus. I'm strongly considering building a low-power server using an AMD 780G board and a cheap Athlon. It may not even have to be a 'BE' Athlon, as the 65nm Athlon X2s all seem to use the same amount of power when idle. Going with Athlon also enables me to play round with virtualisation, since even the sub-$100 Athlons come with virtualisation hardware ('Pacifica' or AMD-V).