[wplug] Cheap linux server - hardware suggestions

[Justin at js-wordsmith.com]

Never buy a pre-built computer if you can help it; manufacturers cut
corners in ways you wouldn't believe. I disagree with the earlier
recommendation of a TonidoPlug. I have one, and it isn't very good. It's
slow and runs very hot.

PROCESSOR

This server will, I presume, be running 24/7, so you want a CPU that's
energy-efficient. You also want processing power since Blender, I believe,
is CPU-bound. That basically leaves you with Intel because AMD is so far
behind with their products that they may as well not compete. 
In general, this is how Intel's CPUs are organized: Celeron -> Pentium ->
i3 -> i5 -> i7

You'd probably expect the Celerons and Pentiums to be total dogs, but they
aren't. They're quite powerful. A mid-range model like the 2.7 GHz Pentium
G630 (S50) should serve you nicely. It isn't part of Intel's latest
generation "Ivy Bridge" processors, but that isn't important. None of the
Celerons and Pentiums are. 

http://www.serversupply.com/products/part_search/pid_lookup.asp?pid=162392&gclid=CISK19C64LQCFUQw4AodJwwAvw

MOTHERBOARD

It's good to keep a server small, so I recommend a Mini-ITX form factor
motherboard. Gigabyte and Asus are the manufacturers you want to look at.
Asus, in my experience, has exceptional features (Bluetooth, extra ports,
etc) with good stability; Gigabyte has exceptional stability with good
features. Take your pick on them based on which quality is more important.

Asus and Gigabyte each have a suitable ITX motherboard. The one by Asus,
the P8H77-I (S100), includes more SATA ports (6), so that's what I
recommend.

https://encrypted.google.com/url?q=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16813131841%26nm_mc%3DOTC-FroogleNEW%26cm_mmc%3DOTC-FroogleNEW-_-Motherboards%2B-%2BIntel-_-ASUS-_-13131841&sa=X&ei=cBnwUKDQMdHy0QHt_IDoBQ&ved=0CAsQqxI&usg=AFQjCNEKSthQMoDZHR9pQrrJNqS7QqsVVA

MEMORY 

RAM is so cheap that you'd be crazy not to pick up at least 8 GB. Since you
won't be overclocking, you can afford to go with "value RAM" that's even
cheaper. Try this 2x4GB set of G.Skill Value Series (S43). G.Skill is a
very reliable brand, and their memory comes with a lifetime warranty. 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

CASE

Fractal Design is making waves because their cases include high-end
features at an everyday price. I just bought their Define R4 for my
desktop, and I'm very impressed with it. They make a Mini ITX case called
the Node 304 (S89) that should fit your needs pretty well, assuming that
you don't need an optical drive, and I can't imagine why you would for a
build such as this. You can install Ubuntu from a flash drive and transfer
your files over the network.

The Node 304 comes with USB 3.0 ports, fan filters, a fan speed controller,
and room for a whopping 6 hard drives. All this and it takes a
standard-sized power supply.

http://www.jr.com/fractal-design/pe/FRI_FDCANODEA00/

HARD DRIVE

There isn't a lot of competition in the hard drive market now that Western
Digital and Seagate have swallowed up the competition. Western Digital
bought Hitachi's hard drive division, and Seagate bought Samsung's. Since
the floods in Thailand that shot up HDD prices, quality control has taken
such a hit that it's difficult to recommend anything.

Samsung's drive designs were some of the best around, so get one of their
drives while they're still available. The 1TB Spinpoint F3 (S65) is still
available on Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185 (1TB F3)

Remember that you've got room in the case for 5 other drives later on in
case 1TB isn't enough.

POWER SUPPLY

This is the #1 area where computer manufacturers scrimp, which is a shame
because a good power supply will keep your system safe and reduce your
electricity costs. I recommend Seasonic, which is an OEM for quite a few
popular power supply brands such as Antec and PC Power & Cooling. Their
self-branded products are exceptionally reliable. The SSR-360GP (S60) is 80
Plus Gold certified (the second-highest efficiency rating on the market),
which is something you almost never see on cheap units. 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151117

Don't worry about the relatively low wattage, by the way; manufacturers
love to inflate power requirements to make people think they need some sort
of top-dollar unit when that is rarely the case.

TOTAL COST

S407

A hair over the budget, but well worth the cost.

Justin Smith
Electronic Communication Specialist
http://www.js-wordsmith.com
>---- Original Message ----
>From: Vikram Sai Balaji Gmail 
>To: wplug at wplug.org
>Sent: Thu, Jan 10, 2013, 10:40 PM
>Subject: [wplug] Cheap linux server - hardware suggestions
>
>I am looking for some cheap linux based server at home. 
> My aim is to run a server in either of the 3 modes
> 1. to hold media content and stream to a Samsung TV / laptops via the
network. The server should be able to download media files from internet,
store them and stream them. (myth TV / ubuntu TV later on)
> 2. In this mode i want the server to act as a local LAMP server
> 3. in this mode i want the server to act as a renderer (i.e used for
blender rendering).
>
>
>I looked at a lot of motherboards, build your own stuff and professional
sites but couldn't narrow down on any of the hardware. i need some guidance
in determining the hardware. i will be using only ubuntu as the OS.
>
>is it advisable to build a server or is it better to buy one from vendors?
Has anyone got any suggestions on hardware on any / all of the above mode.
Appreciate your help on this. Cost( 200 - 400).
>Thanks
>Vikram
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