Low Power Consumption File Server

cburbs · Post by **cburbs** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 5:19 am

I currently am running freenas for my 1tb server in software raid 5 and want to go to something a tad quieter, low power consumption and bigger hard drives as well as sata. If I stick with freenas I will also need one IDE slot to use the CF boot option or be able to boot from a usb drive.

My current system is an older AMD 1.3 with 1g of memory in an old ...old server case. The case is still usable as it can hold up to 8 drives.

I just started looking into the Server upgrade this week so I have done a little reading but need some direction. I will post some stuff I came across and seems to be popular pieces to start with.

Lawrence Lee · Post by **Lawrence Lee** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 10:13 am

CPU: 45W AMD Sempron/X2
CPU Cooler: Arctic Alpine 64
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2
RAM: 1GB stick of any DDR2
HDD: Western Digital GreenPower or Samsung Ecogreen
PSU: Any Seasonic <400W

And suspend the hard drives if possible.

cburbs · Post by **cburbs** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:30 pm

Yeah that looks similiar to what I have been finding - I came across this thread which mentions some of the same items...

viewtopic.php?t=50966

protellect · Post by **protellect** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 5:34 pm

I'd agree - the cheapest dual-core processor/mobo you can find with enough sata ports for your needs, 1gb memory, recycle case. Should be able to grab that for less than 100$; cooler might add a bit more to it.

Scottr · Post by **Scottr** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:58 pm

I built this Windows Home Server a few weeks ago. It's low power and quiet.

* Silverstone SUGO SG02B-F Case
* SeaSonic S12 II SS-330W Power Supply
* Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2 Mobo, with AMD Athlon X2 4850e CPU
* Silverstone NT07-AM2 CPU Cooler
* Corsair XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 6400 DDR2 SDRAM
* WD Caviar GP WD7500AACS 750GB Hard Drives Qty=2

Firetech · Post by **Firetech** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 10:31 pm

I have an HTPC with 780GPM motherboard and 4850 processor which I was happy with but a little concerned with fan speed/noise (~1400rpm @ idle) despite smart fan enabled.
I recently built a desktop with an G31M and e7300 Intel CPU and it sits at a quiet 850rpm.

I'm therefore seriously considering an E5200 for my low power server build.

loimlo · Post by **loimlo** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:38 pm

That's because of Gigabyte's fan control. I suggest you using Alpine 7 on Gagabyte board as Gigabyte fan control is mediocre, and you'll find fan rotating at 800~900rpm. In fact, I think AMD stock cooler is quieter than Intel one despite rotating at higher rpm.

As for Intel stock cooler, it is annoying for me since it just rattles, vibrates so much that generates jarring sound characeristics.