How's this for a file server?

**ArcticFox** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:05 PM

This case:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...129-122&depa=0

This mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...152-030&depa=0

This proc:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...104-201&depa=0

This RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...145-025&depa=0

And for starters, this HD:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...148-015&depa=0

Plus the usual CD drives and crap....
Any suggestions about my choices? I'd add more storage space when needed.

**GroundZero3** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:12 PM

to be honest you dont need to spend any large amount of money for a file server. i have a 500 mhz sharing off music, videos, documents with no problems. its when you get to the business side that a high end specs will be needed.

so in other words yes it will be plenty for file sharing, bit overkill tho

**PresterJohn** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:13 PM

that is a great case...i have 3 of them. whenever i evaluate a case, i always look at the drive bays and check if there is sufficient cooling. just add a 120m fan and you're good to go. that 350w PS is actually under-rated. it puts out power in the 400+ watt class.

newegg regularly has it on sale w/free shipping. solid construction, superior design...it really is one of the best cases for the dollar on the market.

**ArcticFox** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:14 PM

Yeah, your correct and that's what I thought also, but when I want to shut off the fans of my regular desktop PC I'd like something quieter to turn on and replace it, for web surfing and stuff.

**Bizkitkid2001** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:14 PM

If I were you, I would spend less on the performance parts, and spend more into the storage.

I configured a file server a while ago with a 1.2ghz t'bird, $30 mobo, $200 case, no cd-rom, no floppy, and as many hard drives as I could stuff into it. I think it came out to be around $1500 with 2.1tb of storage space.

Now if I only had $1500

**ArcticFox** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:15 PM

PJ - cool, I chose that for it's free shipping and good features. Has the potential for silencing also if I want to go that route.

**mazdarx7-64** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:16 PM

True GZ3, but if you want all new parts you can't get cheeper than a sempron, even 1.6 durons are $45 new. For a simple file server box i'd just put a big HD in whatever crap computer I have around, I used my old 366 celly eMechine for a number of years.

**GroundZero3** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:17 PM

i agree with arctic, spend more on the hd space.

perhaps a raid

**ArcticFox** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:21 PM

I am eventually going to switch to RAID, yes, probably a few RAID 1 setups unless you can find me a RAID 5 card that isn't expensive.

**GameManK** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:44 PM

can somebody please enlighten me what exactly is a file server? is it just a computer where you store your files and have the hd be shared? what's the advantage over storing them on your own system?

**GroundZero3** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:48 PM

yup basically its just a computer dedicated to nothing but storing files. for anyone serious in serving files they have a fail safe back up like raid 1 or something similar to to make sure if a drive goes down they will not lost data.

**ArcticFox** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by GameManK

can somebody please enlighten me what exactly is a file server? is it just a computer where you store your files and have the hd be shared? what's the advantage over storing them on your own system?

This PC is going to be a corner PC, something stuffed in a closet or whatever connected to my network. All it needs to do is hold files so I can access them through any PC that passes here.

The advantage of putting them in another PC it that it's much easier to turn on the PC and forget about rebooting it or whatever. When friend's come over and need a patch I downloaded, they have a dedicated PC to snag it from instead of having to root through my drives trying to locate a file in the excuse for an organisational system I made up.

edit - I'll also have PCAnywhere running on it for remote management.

**GroundZero3** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:50 PM

artic, may i suggest radmin. pcanywhere is slow and full of holes

**ArcticFox** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:51 PM

Never heard of it but I'll give it a twirl, as yes I know PCAnywhere is dog slow.

**GroundZero3** · November 23rd, 2004, 11:52 PM

www.radmin.com

**Bizkitkid2001** · November 24th, 2004, 12:21 AM

IF you can load XP pro on your file server, its the fastest remote desktop program I have used.

**ArcticFox** · November 24th, 2004, 12:36 AM

I just happen to have XP Pro and a total of four licenses, I think two are unused.

**bombledmonk** · November 24th, 2004, 02:27 AM

Buy it while it's hot... $67 FREE SHIPPING!!!!
ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...129-122&DEPA=0

**ArcticFox** · November 24th, 2004, 02:54 AM

Actually I've been eyeing that case ever since I saw it, and even before I saw your post I knew it would be good for what I need to do.

**ArcticFox** · November 24th, 2004, 04:30 AM

OK well now I'm considering a bigger deal - if I get enough moolah at Christmas the 2200+ is out and an A64 2800+ is in, as is a diff'runt Chaintech mobo.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...152-043&depa=0

That should run cooler and I can use it as another PC, but....still haven't decided yet. Big price difference.