Silent & Low Power Server

[echosystm]

Hi

I'm looking to build a new server. It will be running 24x7, with KVM virtual machines. Below are my requirements.

• Low power consumption.
• CPU with VT support.
• Two low power 3.5" 2TB SATA hard drives.
• One case or power supply fan (one fan in the entire case).
• Quad gigabit NIC.
• 4GB RAM.

From what I have seen, the Intel i3 530 and H55TC is a good combination. However, I am open to other suggestions. Assuming I go ahead with this combination, I have some questions.

• What are the best low power 2TB hard drives at the moment?
• Is it possible to run an i3 passively? If so, what is a good heatsink?

As stated above, I plan to have only one fan in the case. Thus, the CPU heatsink could either be cooled by a case fan or by the PSU fan. Which of these would be better? Note that, with the SATA drives, quad NIC and a few peripherals, I suspect this machine will exceed the capacity of a PicoPSU and require around 150-200W at full load. With this in mind...

• What is a good fanless PSU, with high efficiency at the above load?
• What is a quiet fan-cooled PSU, with high efficiency at the above load?

Thanks