Home Server

[gha128]

Hi All

I recetly posted a question as to what to do with my old pc once I have upgraded my build. I am seriously starting to think about using it has a home server to support backup, always on internet radio and possibly even a web server.
Old system:
CPU: AMDXP 2500+Barton
MOB: Asus A7V333
RAM: 1.5GB (SDRAM)
GPU: Nvidia GeForce 6800GS
Sound: Audigy 2
Hardrive: 200GB Maxtor DiamondMax (+ several external USB 2.0)
Cooling: Zalman CNSP3100
PSU: Q-Tec Ulta Quiet 460W
DVD: Optiarc DVD RW
Case: Chieftech of some description (80mm fans) (43cm L, 20cm W, 52cm H)
OS: Win XP Pro

My currentwireless router is located in a downstairs room (out of the way, junk room) as there is no telephone socket in the upstairs office. I had thought about moving the old PC downstairs, stripping out some of the more saleable parts (graphics card, sound card) and replacing them with older units or onboard parts. I'd add an ethernet socket and connect it to the router, then continue from there.

Is this really a waste of time (aside from it being a learning curve for me ) and has anyone got any experience of transferring files over that kind of router i.e. would backup just be frustrating (I only use for internet access, which hardly usee the ~270mbps bandwidth it keeps telling me I have.) Would it be worthwhile? I'm loath to get rid of the pc if it can be salvaged for something else..

Thanks

[Steve B]

it really depends what you want to get out of it. If its a learning experience, then by all means go for it!
i'm considering building a small server with lots of networked storage, as theres currently 3 PC's in my house, with another 2 being built.

[saltynay]

well if your turning into a server then you won't need anything extra lol that router will be fine I am not sure about yours but my hdd's only run at around 80mb/s once you have it setup this is all you need for a home server:

cpu
ram
hdd
mobo - with network functionality obviously
psu
OS linux I favour just because I find it more adaptable

[DataMatrix]

CPU: AMDXP 2500+Barton
MOB: Asus A7V333
RAM: 1.5GB (SDRAM)
GPU: Nvidia GeForce 6800GS <- Get rid and use onboard/something that uses less power
Sound: Audigy 2 <- Get rid of it
Hardrive: 200GB Maxtor DiamondMax (+ several external USB 2.0) <- Turn off USB/firewire/etc if not needed
Cooling: Zalman CNSP3100
PSU: Q-Tec Ulta Quiet 460W <- NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER USE Q-TEC, NOT EVEN FOR AN OLD PC
DVD: Optiarc DVD RW
Case: Chieftech of some description (80mm fans) (43cm L, 20cm W, 52cm H)
OS: Win XP Pro <- Try and get a copy of 2000 server or 2003 server

If I haven't put bold writing next to an item, then the item is fine for your needs.

[alsenior]

instead of looking toward windows i would also go for linux. server 2000 and 2003 are not for nas boxes. with linux/bsd there are to options. you can get everything already setup and ready to go with a web based interface(freenas). or if you after a learning experience you could try do directhex's guide here.

also there is no need to get rid of the graphics card. you can use it to install and then remove it and keep it in case you need to use the server again.you can even run a graphics front end without it. remove the audigy and keep it in a safe place with the graphics card. you can also mount the usb and fire wire drives over the network as well. aqnd that q-tec looks fine im using a 600w qtec in my server. there not all bad honest

[directhex]

xp on a server O_o

[gha128]

Thanks guys - I am having an interesting time learning about teh various o/s that are suitable linus, apache, freenas or http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html!

Man it's a whole new world out there!


DataMatrix - you are right, I am looking to strip out as much as possible. I have an old 4 series GPU which I am hoping I can passivly cool, thus reducing general noise. The soundcard will also be removed (the mobo has onboard sound) The hdd in the USB enclosures will be stripped out and put into the main chasis. Also removing the 4 port USB Pci card and replacing with a ethernet socket PCI. At the same time I'm going to replace the cpu with an older AMD XP (1800 I think) which will also draw less power and allow some seriously quiet cooling. The only thing that concerns me now is the PSU - don't want to be buying any new parts...

[DataMatrix]

instead of looking toward windows i would also go for linux. server 2000 and 2003 are not for nas boxes. with linux/bsd there are to options. you can get everything already setup and ready to go with a web based interface(freenas). or if you after a learning experience you could try do directhex's guide here.

also there is no need to get rid of the graphics card. you can use it to install and then remove it and keep it in case you need to use the server again.you can even run a graphics front end without it. remove the audigy and keep it in a safe place with the graphics card. you can also mount the usb and fire wire drives over the network as well. aqnd that q-tec looks fine im using a 600w qtec in my server. there not all bad honest

Yeah Q-Tec are totally awesome! Especially when they fry your server because you thought you'd go budget on a PSU!

DataMatrix - you are right, I am looking to strip out as much as possible. I have an old 4 series GPU which I am hoping I can passivly cool, thus reducing general noise. The soundcard will also be removed (the mobo has onboard sound) The hdd in the USB enclosures will be stripped out and put into the main chasis. Also removing the 4 port USB Pci card and replacing with a ethernet socket PCI. At the same time I'm going to replace the cpu with an older AMD XP (1800 I think) which will also draw less power and allow some seriously quiet cooling. The only thing that concerns me now is the PSU - don't want to be buying any new parts...

Turn off sound altogether, hell turn off the Windows Audio service to save RAM and CPU time.

[zephod]

definately go with linux for that sort of server. there are plenty of easy to use linux versions, perhaps start on ubuntu command line edition and see how that suits you. If you want a very streamlined system theres always gentoo!

With the gfx, use it for install and you can always remove it if you want to conserve power. Get ssh working on the server shortly after install and then you can contol the system from elsewhere on the network.

[directhex]

aqnd that q-tec looks fine im using a 600w qtec in my server. there not all bad honest

http://img.hexus.net/v2/psu/taoyuan_...images/lol.avi and http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=1359&page=19

[Steve B]

For its rediculously low cost, the QTec Triple Fan 650W can only be described as a clown's supply. Buy at your own peril and don't say we didn't warn you. The worst supply on test by quite some margin and a complete misadvertisement of capabilities, suckering people into a poor purchase.

haha, awesome

[Funkstar]

For its rediculously low cost, the QTec Triple Fan 650W can only be described as a clown's supply. Buy at your own peril and don't say we didn't warn you. The worst supply on test by quite some margin and a complete misadvertisement of capabilities, suckering people into a poor purchase.

I could be reading this wrong, but i get the feeling they didn't like this one too much

[alsenior]

hmm maybe thats the source of the large power bill. ill have to look into that.

[Funkstar]

Get one of these:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?...source=15&SD=Y

[gha128]

ah I think I'll be looking at a new psu especially if its going to be on 24/7

Is linux that easy to deal with (only ever use Windows.. ;-(

[Funkstar]

Some of the new stripped down distributions are pretty easy to deal with from what i've heard. Just about everything can be controlled from a web front end, there are also lots of information and guides on them available.