[Tcalp]

I used to be pretty heavily involved with computer tech, and while I still spend most of my days on the computer it's mostly spent programming and such. I started with my own storage servers back in 1998 (been doing it for a LONG time) and made my way up to a 40 HDD server build , then later downgraded to a 20 drive build. The last machine I built was a dual core amd in 2008-2009 on a workstation motherboard with 12 SATA ports. With Windows 8 around the corner and large drive capacities getting larger and larger (expecting 5TB *sometime* this year I hope), I'm looking to possibly re-build into a highly energy efficient platform. The current dual core intel atoms and AMD e-350's can pull little to no power consumption.

I'll still need a fair amount of disks though, so I'd like to keep with a total of 20 possible disks and re-use my existing Antec 1200 case and supermicro hot swap bays (I hope the controllers on those don't add too much to power consumption). I'm also hoping that I can get away with a Wake-On-Lan solution with Windows 8 so that the server can power itself down when it's not used, I'll be ditching MS Home Server 2008. My current build uses $300-400 in electricity annually when it's running 24/7.

I figure I'll need to get some port multipliers and a 4-6 port sata card addon (one which supports port multiplication) to whatever solution I choose for a motherboard.

Anyhow I was wondering if anyone here has build a scalable ultra energy efficient storage server and could maybe provide some tips / insight.

[solidsatras]

I assume you are referring to Windows Server 8 ?
Don´t know anything about the preferred hardware for that, but you could take a look at Eskro´s Unraid Hardware Guide. Maybe there is
something that inspires you.

[assassin]

Here are the results of a 8 drive build I did recently...

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid...pid1142749

[Tcalp]

I think I'll be using this all-in-one solution for my mainboard : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_CPU...1I_DELUXE/

[assassin]

I think I'll be using this all-in-one solution for my mainboard : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_CPU...1I_DELUXE/

Why? I have used that board before and while its cool to look at it I think you can do a lot better. Zacate runs hotter than I like from such an anemic CPU. Its really not much more (if any) lower power than the Intel options which I think will be a much better option.

That board is expensive as well for what you get for a server. You can get an 8 SATA board and G530 CPU for less than that motherboard/CPU.

[PANiCnz]

I'd look at something like the Intel Pentium Dual Core G630 for the CPU, more powerful than the E350 but at idle the power difference is minimal. Pair it with a H67 or H77 motherboard and you'll be set.

[assassin]

I'd look at something like the Intel Pentium Dual Core G630 for the CPU, more powerful than the E350 but at idle the power difference is minimal. Pair it with a H67 or H77 motherboard and you'll be set.

Agreed, but let's be clear on the difference as it isn't subtle:

AMD E-450 Passmark: 738
Intel G630 Passmark: 2628

Add in the fact that its cheaper, uses about the same (or less) energy, runs cooler and gives you more SATA connections for your server and its a no brainer.

[Tcalp]

I think I will probably head in the G630T direction, but the energy consumption is still more than double : http://uk.hardware.info/reviews/2700/17/...ebench-115

The extra SATA ports would be nice, but I'm not sure I need the additional horse power, I won't be running a software based parity array, just a JBOD config using Drive Bender or similar.

[assassin]

I think I will probably head in the G630T direction, but the energy consumption is still more than double : http://uk.hardware.info/reviews/2700/17/...ebench-115

The extra SATA ports would be nice, but I'm not sure I need the additional horse power, I won't be running a software based parity array, just a JBOD config using Drive Bender or similar.

I am not sure how that site got those numbers but here are results of people that have actually used it (and other options) in a HTPC/Server environment...

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1364084/htpc-k...t_21025171

I have never even sniffed anywhere near 45 watts at idle.

Again, for less money, less heat production, and more SATA connections I think its a no brainer whether or not you need the extra CPU power or not. As an added bonus should your needs change and you want to run a software array with something like PlexServer (or whatever else comes out in the next few years) you have a system that is more capable.

---

BTW this is interesting from that thread I posted...

HTPC #2:
-ASUS E35M1-I Deluxe
-AMD Zacate E-350
-2x 2GB G.Skill ECO DDR3-1333 (8-8-8-24) @1.35V
-1x Crucial M4 64GB SSD
-1x Fugitsu 2.5” 120GB 5400rpm
-1x AVerMedia AVerTV Duet A188 PCIe
-1x LG CT21N Slim blu-ray drive
-2x Silverstone SUSCOOL 80mm case fans
-Antec 150W PSU

Idle = 36.0W
Blu-Ray (WALL-E) = 46.7W
Sleep = 1.6W
Shutdown = 0.8W

[Dougie Fresh]

My WHS uses a E35M1-I (non-deluxe) with 5 x 3.5" and 1 x 2.5" in a Lian-Li PC-Q08. It "idles" in the low 40Ws. I am very happy with it. I got a great deal on it -- open box IIRC.

One caveat is that I got it before there was such a thing as a G530. I more than likely would have gone with the G530 and an P8H77-I if there were such a thing when I built it. At the time it was the least expensive 6 x SATA mini-itx motherboard/CPU combo but not the same value proposition now.

[Tcalp]

I'm thinking of making dual use out of the new build, using it as a HTPC and a file server....

I would like 3D support of some-kind and lots of sata ports. The G5/G6-T series cpu's from Intel look pretty good, what would you guys recommend for a Mobo ?

[Icerat]

Here are the results of a 8 drive build I did recently...

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid...pid1142749

Hi

Love the cabling how did you do that, or did you buy it like that?

Nice numbers also