Do I even need to buy anything?

[varzock]

Hello all,

A total newbie here so bear with me

Long story short, my mission is to build a 24/7 torrent + file server + media streamer (nothing more or less will be done on this system) that would be energy efficient and most of all quiet, silent. Now I have been looking for different options ranging from E-350 and D525 to 1155 socket mobos with G620 or 2100T processors but I just can't seem to find the right spot.

At first I'd do fine with 1-2 2Tb WD Caviar Green drives but later on I might update.

The thing is, I already own an Asus P5Q3 Deluxe Wifi motherboard and a E8400 processor. I haven't measured but I guess it will hog something like 180W at max and I need to find a solution to this. I own a PicoPSU (150W) and I could use that I guess but will it be sufficient for powering what I need?

So, do I even need to buy anything else or will I be fine with this?

 

[GregN]

Now I have been looking for different options ranging from E-350 and D525 to 1155 socket mobos with G620 or 2100T processors but I just can't seem to find the right spot.

My current favorite for MB Low power build I mention in another thread:

I'm a Supermicro Bigot, ... take a look at the low voltage X9SCM-F from them. It also has dual intel based NICs, 2x Sata III and 4x Sata II ports. And has the more server oriented C204 chipset ( and you do pay for graphics capabilities unnecessary in a NAS )

One of the advantages to the SM board is dual Intel Nics, and the fact that you have an upgrade path.

At first I'd do fine with 1-2 2Tb WD Caviar Green drives but later on I might update.

You didn't mention OS, if WHS, the WD Greens are fine, if you plan on ZFS, there have been reported problems with drives that emulate a 512 block size (512e). Have you thought about what OS/FS you plan on running?

The thing is, I already own an Asus P5Q3 Deluxe Wifi motherboard and a E8400 processor. I haven't measured but I guess it will hog something like 180W at max and I need to find a solution to this. I own a PicoPSU (150W) and I could use that I guess but will it be sufficient for powering what I need?

With the E8400 you will need active cooling, and media serving over wifi can be dodgey if you are considering that. Size is bigger than you need, and the NIC is Realtek - but if saving money be reusing hardware is your goal - you should be fine.

You are correct you'll need something bigger than 150W if you use the P5Q3.

Hope that helps, and let us know which way you jump.

 

[varzock]

Hi GregN and thanks for the reply!

I have been eyeing the Supermicro mobo and it surely looks like an excellent choice - except its price and the availability of it here in Finland. So at least now I'll pass that.

The OS of my choice will be WHS since I'm not a big Linux geek and I don't want to spend my time learning it and all the tricks it can do.

Another option I have in mind is the HP Proliant Microserver. It seems to be a bit less of a hassle compared of building my own and I think it might suffice my needs - just a file server and streamer. And since there's just two persons using the server every now and then (90% will be streaming) I think its speed would be enough for me. Except it doesn't have an Intel NIC but of course I could always upgrade it.

If I go the Proliant way, I want to replace the PSU with Picopsu if I can't get the stock PSU quiet enough since it would sit in the living room (only place I can get wired connection :/, crappy old apartment...)

 

[GregN]

HP ProLiant MicroServer looks like just the ticket. Is it upgradable? I couldn't tell by the specs.

 

[varzock]

With the upgrade I mean adding a NIC in free slot.

The only thing I'm worried about the Microserver is its noise. Some people have reported clearly audible noise and some have told it is not that noisy. Since this would have to sit in the livingroom, I'm still contemplating between DIY and this

 

[stevech]

I have a DIY in the living room. Mini-ITX enclosure, Gigabyte E350 ITX motherboard, hard disk. HDMI out for video+audio. It's quite silent. I purchased a quieter CPU fan and the case fan is lower RPM/quiet and mounted with isolation dampers. It's inaudible.
The E350 based motherboard was inexpensive and does a good job with 1080 HD videos.

This isn't a NAS but with a larger enclosure, it could be, I suppose.
It uses my MoCA/LAN to talk to a Synology NAS in another room.

 

[GregN]

With the upgrade I mean adding a NIC in free slot.

The only thing I'm worried about the Microserver is its noise. Some people have reported clearly audible noise and some have told it is not that noisy. Since this would have to sit in the livingroom, I'm still contemplating between DIY and this

...and how much of the noise is PSU related?

Can you upgrade the CPU, can you add more disks, memory? Etc

HP is notorious for lockdown.

 

[varzock]

From what I have gathered, the PSU isn't too quiet and since this _has_ to sit in my living room due to wired connection restrictions, it has to be dead silent. I won't lie, the Proliant Microserver looks very tempting and it is possible to replace the PSU with Pico but still, my current consideration is:

Intel G620(T) (if I go without T-version I guess I could always underclock it)
Intel DH67CF or DH61DL.

That's a starter. I think I'll do fine with 3-4 SATA ports. I've already ordered a WD Caviar Green 2Tb (EARS model).

Just attach a Pico-PSU and it's quiet. I read that the G620(T) doesn't need such a strong cooling anyways and some have even run it with heatsink only. These I'll put in an Spire Powercube case (copy of the Apex MI-008).


Any recommendations on these?

 

[GregN]

All Good.

The I3-2100T might have more life, what $10 more?

Do you need the graphics capabilities of the H67, have you looked at Q67 chipset? (DQ67EPB3)

 

[varzock]

Thanks for the reply.

I'll go with the G620(T) at this point. In Finland the price difference varies from 50-70 euros (about 38.5 - 43 dollars). I will need just the basic graphic capabilities on this one cause I could always remotely control it.

Yeah I've looked at the DQ67EPB3, only thing it just has got only 2 SATA ports and it's more expensive.

I could do with a H61 mobo as well, it's cheaper than H67. I'd just loose SATA-3 (practically no difference in file server) and Quicksync, which is actually only thing that I might need in a media streamer.

 

[GregN]

I'll go with the G620(T) at this point. In Finland the price difference varies from 50-70 euros (about 38.5 - 43 dollars). I will need just the basic graphic capabilities on this one cause I could always remotely control it.

Yeah I've looked at the DQ67EPB3, it just has got only 2 SATA ports.

They castrating Intel motherboards in Finland?

The DQ67EPB3 Has 6 SATA ports, 2x6GB 2x3GB 2xeSATA

I wouldn't recommend a board less capable or worse than the one you suggested....

 

[varzock]

Well heck, dunno which motherboard I was looking at. Must've been a typo or then I'm still half asleep