Quiet Virtualized Server

zimer · Post by **zimer** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 9:23 pm

So far scrounging around the cheap stuff I've come up with this:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050E - $70.07
ECS A740GM-M mATX AM2+ AMD 740G/SB700 DDR2 - $51.04
Buffalo Select D2U800C-2G/BR 2GB - 28.99
Corsair CMPSU-400CX 400CX 400W - $55.99

I'd like to go cheaper on the power supply something like Seasonic SS-350ET but as the psu, cpu fan and a case fan will be the only moving parts I'm concerned about the noise and OEM Seasonic might generate.

Looking at the antec cases
Antec Mini P180 mATX - 139.72
Antec Sonata Elite Quiet ATX - 113.85
Antec Nsk 4480B II - 110.90 (saves me the ~50 for a psu)

Really don't want to spend more 150 on a case, preferably much less. I'm interested in a case that's quiet, cheap (ish) and allows for 3+ HDD's.

I have the hdd/dvd drives, monitors, etc.

theycallmebruce · Post by **theycallmebruce** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 10:54 pm

Welcome to SPCR!

You going with the stock CPU cooler / fan? If so, that will probably be the loudest thing in the machine when it's loaded up.

Would you consider a picoPSU? You'll need to check, but I think with that CPU / motherboard combo you should be able to do it and it will mean one less fan.

Personally wouldn't go near an ECS motherboard - how about a 740G offering from Gigabyte or Asus? I know they cost about 50% more, but worth it IMO.

One last thing.. what do you mean by virtualized server? What is your server going to be used for and what operating system(s) do you plan on running?

mgarl10024 · Post by **mgarl10024** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:13 am

Hi Zimer,

You going with the stock CPU cooler / fan? If so, that will probably be the loudest thing in the machine when it's loaded up.

I have a 5050e with the stock cpu cooler and have to say that it's pretty quiet. Of course, it's not on the scale of what these guys are used to - I'm sure you can get much quieter, but if this machine has 3 HDDs and you are on a tight budget, I'd be tempted to at least try the stock cooler, and perhaps change it later if you really can't stand it.

You can also save quite a bit on the case if it's not absolute silence or a showpiece case you are after. I've built two systems with something similar (not exactly the same) as http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119589, and whilst the finish wasn't perfect and it had nothing to reduce noise, for Â£13 it gave me ample room and was ideal for a headless box that's hidden away.

Hope that helps,

MG

zimer · Post by **zimer** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:04 am

I'll be running either xenserver or vmware (esxi) on the box and run various linux distributions for various purposes. At the start mainly a dedicated file server, a web server, and general purpose box. I currently manage most of those things through a hacked nas box so just about any step up in hardware will be an improvement. (maybe even a windows server for kicks)

I have a Scythe Shuriken sitting idle among my parts but I'll be looking at the stock cooler at first.

I'm unfamiliar with picoPSU's. The system will be supporting 3-4 hdd's to start and perhaps more overtime. How much can a pico handle?

Quick check of the motherboard pricing lists the following (from cheapest up): Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2, ASUS M3A76-CM mATX, Gigabyte GA-MA770-UD3. Unless you someone can give me reason to choose otherwise I'd go with the first Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2.

More case advise? My budget is tight more out of a need to rationalize the project as cheap. I'm willing to step up various parts to get better quality/lower noise. To avoid needing to run more cables or use a wifi link I'll be putting the case in an other persons office so I'd like to avoid adding to their background noise.

...might think about putting things in a closet... beginnings of an idea I can't examine atm... making the closet work might require some shelving modifications.. hmmm

zimer · Post by **zimer** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:38 am

The PicoPSU might be a little too small. The first version I've come across only does main board and two molex. I'd need at least 4 molex for the pico to be a solution.

zimer · Post by **zimer** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:09 am

Is there a good reason to wait on this for newer amd boards/chips?

Post by **MikeC** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:57 am

Those 3-4 hdds will be the #1 noise source if they're mounted normally. If they are soft mounted w/ elastic cord, the low noise hum will be reduced but they will still be the noisiest components -- assuming you use the Corsair 400cx & run all your fans at <1000rpm. I also assume they are not the quietest current drives.

I can't see this system ever being very quiet due to the drives. Keep it to 3 or less, then you can use an Antec Solo, P150, Sonata+ 550, or Sonata Designer 500 -- all basically the same case -- which has built in elastic suspension for 3 HDDs. Again, if the HDDs are decently quiet, then this case should keep it all under 25 dBA/1m -- pretty quiet.

zimer · Post by **zimer** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 11:00 am

Storage would be as such:
2x1TB Hitachi/Seagate
1x750GB Supplementary storage
1x2.5 something or other (probably platter)

System would run off the 2.5 rest should only spin up in the middle of the night. So quieter then you think.

theycallmebruce · Post by **theycallmebruce** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:52 pm

Oops! Missed that bit about the 3 HDDs! Like others have said, that will probably be the biggest source of noise, and may prevent you from using the PicoPSU.

As long as it's got enough expansion slots for your needs and you don't plan on adding more RAM, the GA-MA74GM-S2 should do the trick.

Keep us posted on how it goes.

rei · Post by **rei** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:03 am

Silverstone Sugo SG02-F?

2x 5.25" bays where you can fit 2 3.5" drives or 4 2.5" drives.

plus

1 HD cage with room for 2 3.5" devices

david_f1976 · Post by **david_f1976** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:39 am

I run 3 x 3.5" hard drives (1 of which is a Western Digital Green Power) off a 120 W PicoPSU no problem. I also have a full size optical drive. This runs off an Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 mobile processor. Not sure how the energy consumption compares to the proposed AMD but I suspect you'd be ok.