Looking for some advice on this Home server build!
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Not picky... within a month maybe
BUDGET RANGE: I am aiming at around 600-700
SYSTEM USAGE: Home Server - Media/File/Everything storage with different access rights, file repository for future HTPC, possible storge point for recorded TV, backup of all home computers(image/select file based), print server, download box, central monitoring station for anti-virus/firewall and other security software, educational purposes (not high priority), maybe run as a DHCP/DNS server?!, maybe use a RADIUS server with WPA2, a torrent box as well.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Any good reputable sites such as newegg.ca, ncix, tigerdirect.ca, canadacomputers among others.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
PARTS PREFERENCES: Looking for a combo that outputs low heat, uses less power and silent. Something along the lines of a Athlon X2 AM3 or a low-end Core 2 Duo. Dual Core is quite important for me as it will be flexible for any future endeavors. 2gb RAM again for flexibility.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: As this is a Home server it is important that it is silent, efficient, low heat output and low in the watts scale.
The HP home servers are awesome but the 4 internal drive limit is not working great
True I can use esata port replicators and such, but the extra cost for a multiple hdd enclosure and such is little too much. On top of that I love a DIY build and wouldn't mind spending on such a build.
I do understand Intel Atom is a viable option, but due to its mini-ITX design, chassis with enough hdd bays are not available. Aiming for atleast 6 hdd bays for future expandability.
After trying out Windows Home Server in Virtual PC on my main desktop, it does have the best of both worlds by being very easy to use and also the advanced option/facilities (using add-ons or remoting in). WHS is my choice OS atm.
A potential worry for me is the WD EARS version of hdds that use 4k sectors won't be compatible with WHS. However I do like the efficiency on storing large number of files. Based on this what would you guys recommend? Windows 7/Server R2 for now and Windows Home Server v2 when it releases. Am also planning on using Vail now till it reaches RTM and such. I have read quite a bit but no definite answer on how stable it is?, any ideas?
All computers are connected via wireless-n as they are a floor above the router. The future HTPC will most likely be next to the server and both of them will be connected to the router using a cat6 cable. DIR-655 is the one connecting all this. I've read that wireless is not the way to go for a such a setup but running cables through or spending a fortune on wiring the house is not an option
. Even still no HD content will be streamed via wireless.
Here are the following components I am looking at:
CPU: AMD Athlon X2 235e (2.7Ghz, this model seems to be out of stock in many places) or Athlon X4 600e as both have a 45W TDP, will really help in power draw and heat. Also if needed a better heatsink/fan for silent operation. Have some Arctic MX-2 left over from my desktop build.
Motherboard: Gigabyte 880GMA-UD2H as it is AM3 supports DDR3, m-ATX! and has USB3/SATA 6 for future expandable storage!.Or is the ATX version better as it has more PCI/PCIe for more SATA ports
RAM: Any value tier 2gb ddr3
HDD: Will be going for atleast one WD Green 2TB hdd right away. The large part of storage will be media files, mostly videos. I do respect and praise the different RAIDs but would like to stay away from that complexity and just use the duplication feature within WHS for important documents. Wil be adding SATA cards when needed, any recommendations?
GPU: Onboard
Case: Another difficult decision - Need something small as this case has to be near the router in the living room therefore needs to stay hidden behind a side table
and cant have wire running all over. The side table is around 16.5" tall and 17.5" long.
Cases that got my attention due to size and prices:
Antec VSK-2000
Cooler Master CMP 350
Asus CS TM-B11
Cooler Master Elite 342
Antec VSK-4482B also has a 80+bronze 380W PSU, almost perfect! -85$
around 50CAD
Air filters are important due to its near 24/7 operation time (or are they?). The Antec VSK is the only one in the list that has a front air filter. Considering all this the Antec p180 mini is the perfect! case but alas its near 100CAD
If I go with the 4482B I have a total of 5 internal 3.5" and 3 5.25", can convert 2 5.25" into 3 3.5" for hdd, the top 5.25" can be for a DVD drive.
Reading through MSS has revealed another tactic of using a single standalone drive as the OS, therefore separating the storage drives from OS access/issues/formats etc. I want to hear what you guys think of such a method in my situation? worth it? or just install it on a 2tb green drive along with other storage.
If so is there a bracket for a 5.25" that splits into a 2.5" hdd and a slim ODD (DVD drive)
Want to keep most of my storage inside and not take extra space.
PSU: As recommended a quality PSU (for continuous usage). eXtreme power calculator game me values from 270-300W(6 green hdd) at 90% TDP and load based on configurations similar to my parts preference. Therefore a 350-400W PSU? Would like 80+ certified PSU for power draw, heat and efficiency reasons. (Corsair?)
In the end I am looking for something that doesn't use much energy and dissipates low amounts of heat 1st, silent 2nd and efficient 3rd.
Feel free to criticize, change and suggest other configurations.
Sorry for the long post, but so much has been buzzing through my head while researching on this home server!.
Thanks!!
HP