[skohlmey]

I am building a server for my home. The server will be the heart of my family’s computing network. I am looking for commentary and suggestions on my list of components before I commit the $$s


We currently have a network with 4 PCs and storage is scattered throughout the network. The server will primary act as a file server, but I can see running MS Exchange and/or small web server on it some day. As a file server it must be able to support multiple simultaneous digital music receivers (Audiotrons), video file access, and a large photo library. In other words, it needs to support 4 simultaneous computer users in the house. I plan on using RAID 5 with 4 250GB drives.


I am a software guy and this is the first PC that I will build. I prefer to use name brand components and pay a few extra $s. I would like this server to have a useful lifespan of 5 years so I am willing to invest some now. Here is the list of key components. Any suggestions or comments?


Case --- ANTEC w/400W PS full tower

MotherB --- Intel #D875PBZLK, FSB 800/533, Intel 82875P +82801ER(ICH5-R),

.................integrated GigE, SATA Raid 0/1

CPU --- Intel P4 3.0E GHz 800MHz FSB

Memory --- 1GB Kingston DDR400(PC3200

Raid Cont. --- Promise FastTrak S150 SX4-M Serial / ATA RAID

Drives --- Western Digital 250GB 7200RPM SATA (4 drives)

OS --- Win XP pro

 

[giza]

I can only with my server had near the specs you listed. Here is what I am doing and it suits me just fine:


Intel 1GHz

768 RAM

4 WD 250GB IDE drives

WD IDE Controller


If you are planning on hosting email and other things besides files then you will need the processing power you listed, but for a simple file server that may be a little overkill. Everyone has their own idea as to how much power your server should have, but my setup has suited its needs. I probably won't update the MB/processor unless I purchase drive too large for the motherboard to support. Even then, I probably will still use and IDE controller card.


As far as redundancy is concerned, I just could not find myself wasting precious hard drive space. I check the heath of my hard drive frequently with WD diagnotics.


Everyone here will his or her own opinion concerning media servers. You can find more information by searching the forum for "server"

 

[skohlmey]

Anyone have any experience with the Promise FastTrak S150 SX4-M Serial / ATA RAID card?

 

[PAP]

3 ghz processor is way overkill for a file server. Even if it's not that much more $$, it is more heat.


What RAID level are you planning?

 

[skohlmey]

I am planning to run RAID 5 off of the promise card and RAID 1 off of the MB.


You are correct about the processor. I know that 3GHz is overkill for just a file server, but I don't think heat will be an issue and it gives me more options for the future at a very small cost. If I run Exchange and a web server on it, I will be glad for the additional horsepower.

 

[fasteddielv]

I setup a server for 30 clients running SBS2000. Exchange, DNS, firewall, fileserving, fax service, etc. Run RAID 5 and 1 GHz, 1 GB Ram. Never even came close to maxing out CPU.