So, my Frankenstein file server is starting to get long in the tooth, a couple of failed drives and some less than stellar performance has made me decide on a re-build. I’ll provide some pictures once the build begins, but thought I’d put my plan out there for inspection and comments. Here’s my planned build:
Case: [url=http://www.norcotek.com/item_detail.php?categoryid=1&modelno=RPC-4020]Norco RPC-4020[/url]
Cheapest case with lots of easy to access drive bays. My current mid-tower is crammed with 12 hard drives and replacing one takes a lot of swearing. This case should cut down on that, though I’m unsure how I’m going to mount it. I’m not spending hundreds of dollars on some bits of metal…
Motherboard: [url=http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=9&l2=39&l3=263&l4=0&model=1352&modelmenu=1]Asus M2N-LR[/url]
Cheapest server motherboards I could find. I wanted a single processor boards with a PCI-X slot, this one seems fine and is recommended by AMD for the processor. It’s got 6 SATA ports and a single IDE connector.
CPU: [url=http://products.amd.com/en-us/OpteronCPUDetail.aspx?id=338&f1=&f2=&f3=&f4=&f5=&f6=&f7=&f8=&f9=&f10=&]AMD Opteron 1216 HE[/url]
CPU choice was dictated by motherboard and availability. AM2 Opterons aren’t readily available anymore, but I got this one for ~$150. This is an HE, so only 65W TDP.
Memory: [url=http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=&LinkBack=&ktcpartno=KVR800D2E6K2/2G]Kingston 2x1GB PC2-6400 ECC unbuffered[/url]
Storage card: [url=http://www.supermicro.com/products/accessories/addon/AOC-SAT2-MV8.cfm]SuperMicro 8-port SATA card[/url]
Saw this card recommended here and thought it looked good. I won’t be going over 16 drives (2 IDE + 6 SATA + 8 SATA ) any time soon.
PSU: [url=http://www.seasonicusa.com/S12II.htm]Seasonic S12-380[/url]
Re-used from current server. I’ve seen other server builds using 1000W or other high power PSUs and I can’t see how this will be necessary. I’ll monitor and decide if this needs to be upgraded.
So, any thoughts?
ET
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