[xdzgor]

Hi

I would like to build a "silent" server. I want to run Windows (a server edition or maybe just run of the mill XP). I want to use this server for running web-applications (just for testing/home purposes), as a file server for my home network, and as an ftp server to allow colleagues and friends to download files. I am a computer programmer, so not completely computer illiterate, but hardware is outside my realm of expertise - hence I'd like advice.

The machine does not have to be super fast, doesn't need a a great graphics card (and I imagine I'll be accessing it via Remote Desktop for the most part).

It will be sitting in my living room, so I would like it to be totally silent or at least very quiet. And the smaller the better. I've seen there's something called "mini-itx" form factor - and that looks pretty cool. Also, I want it to be "eco-friendly" - really cause I'll probably have it running 24/7 and don't want to end up with a major power bill.

I'd really appreciate advice on whether there are such systems ready-built (and what they're called), or on what parts would be suitable - what motherboard, cpu, powersupply etc.

FYI I'm based in New Zealand at the moment, but I don't know if this affects the availabilty of parts.

Thanks for any pointers,
Peter

 

[Phædrus241]

I don't know if mITX is necessary. There are hardly any on Newegg and they're all expensive. I'd think you would be better off sticking with mATX and slightly larger cases. However you could use a slimline case if you wanted to, and SeaSonic has a good 300W SFF PSU that would work. It's also rated for efficiency >=82%, so that's good for having it on all the time. You might have trouble finding SeaSonic PSUs over there though.

A low end Core 2 Duo CPU would be good for you. I have an E2200 2.2GHz that I'll be selling soon (as soon as I install my Q9550), $45 shipped to New Zealand. It's a pretty good CPU for that price. Interested?

Get ~2-4GB DDR2, speed doesn't matter much in servers.

How does that soon?