Home Server

[daniSAUR]

Hello everyone!

So I'm looking to building a home server (using Windows HS 2011 most likely) and I wasn't planning on anything expensive but I would really like it to be an mITX based build.

I'm after a lot of HDD space so I know the case pushes at my budget a little, which I'd want to be under the £400 mark (ideally). I've had a look at the Fractal Design Array R2, which is a beaut of a case but apparently poor airflow. I then had a look at Lian-Li's range, the Q08 or Q25 is something I'm liking, as well as a few Silverstone chasis's. But ideally I'd like the case to come supplied with a PSU (so I don't have to search for one that will fit!).

Moving onto the components. I really REALLY want to have an AMD build. Mainly because I've never used anything AMD since my x1900XT and I'd like to see how it differs and looks in comparison to Intel. I'm aware of the history and such between the two companies, but I want to see it in person.

Silly reason I know but it's just filling a void. I wanted to go bulldozer, just because it was a newer chip, I know not an amazing performer over the, even, cheaper i3 SB models, but again, it was the latest technology that AMD offer.

I'm not an AMD follower (but I'd like to understand it better) so if anyone could recommend a decent server build including AMD and a high-storage mITX case I'd be more than thrilled.

Sorry for the long-winded post and thanks in advance!

 

[Grizzly]

AMD do some integrated CPU mITX boards that you may want to take a look at. See here.

They're also fairly cheap and should help you keep within your budget.

But they only have 4/5 SATA ports bar the most expensive model.

This could be a problem depending on how many hard drives you were planning on installing.

 

[sheroo]

How many hdd are you looking to support? This case is about the best all round mitx server case that I've seen:-

http://linitx.com/product/12789

4 hotswap, psu, 120mm rear fan & I think you can get another hdd in the bottom as well. Also have a look at the HP Proliant microservers as they sometimes have quites a good cash back deal.

For m/b I would go for an ASUS P8H67-I - 6 sata usb3 full size dimms with an i3 2100. 4GB of 1333 4GB Mushkin Silverline memory and the hdd of your choice.

I think that works out about £272 without hdds.

 

[daniSAUR]

AMD do some integrated CPU mITX boards that you may want to take a look at. See here.They're also fairly cheap and should help you keep within your budget.But they only have 4/5 SATA ports bar the most expensive model.This could be a problem depending on how many hard drives you were planning on installing.

Wow, this is a much better option! Just had a look around for the Zotac M880GITX board and it says it has 6 SATA (as well as shows) connections so I'm gearing up for that, and yes, as you said it will save me a lot of mullar.

How many hdd are you looking to support? This case is about the best all round mitx server case that I've seen:-

http://linitx.com/product/127894 hotswap, psu, 120mm rear fan & I think you can get another hdd in the bottom as well. Also have a look at the HP Proliant microservers as they sometimes have quites a good cash back deal.For m/b I would go for an ASUS P8H67-I - 6 sata usb3 full size dimms with an i3 2100. 4GB of 1333 4GB Mushkin Silverline memory and the hdd of your choice. I think that works out about £272 without hdds.

Not a massive fan of the case although I do like the cooling options. I did price up an intel rig too, but I opted for a cheaper BioStar mobo which was about £50, didn't really want to spend much more than that, although thanks for the suggestions! That site seems pretty handy, is it reliable?

 

[sheroo]

Yeah the site is good, placed a couple of orders with them, quick delivery - very good.