[xecutionx]

Hey guys, I'm interested in building a small home server. I currently have 5 hard drives with a Core 2 Build (e8400). As you can imagine, it sucks up quite a bit of power.

I was thinking about a small dual core Atom board. It's only purpose would be to share the media and download (torrents, etc). I need some help; maybe someone can point me in the right direction.

I was thinking about this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811147155

It's a server case, but it looks minimalistic and has 8 drive bays and comes with 7 fans.

I was going to go with an Asus ION: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813131653

And I'll need a sata card to bring up the total ports to 8: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6816132026

Here's the RAM, 2x2GB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820148150

Now for the questions.

What Power Supply should I get? I need something that would be able to handle 8 HDDs. Would a 500W do? Do you think I'll be able to replace my dual core Revo with this box as well? It seems that I'd be able to OC this board so it'll have more power to run XBMC.

[poofyhairguy]

It's a server case, but it looks minimalistic and has 8 drive bays and comes with 7 fans.

That case will have good airflow, but you could get a tower for cheaper with more bays with a 4 in 3 added:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product

Plus:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817993002

10 bays, less than $100. And plenty of cooling, I have one.

And I'll need a sata card to bring up the total ports to 8: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6816132026

That ION board has a PCIe port, not a PCI port. You need one of these cards:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product

What Power Supply should I get? I need something that would be able to handle 8 HDDs. Would a 500W do?

500w is too much for an ION board and only up to 10 drives, unless its a poor PSU. Here is 400w one I use to power 10 7200RPM drives in my mediaserver (with a MUCH more energy hungry mobo/CPU):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...0neo%20400

$35 AR.

[xecutionx]

Thanks for the case suggestions, but I like that form factor and I already have a tower in the same room. The only real problem is that the case is really deep (well it is a server case). I can get the case for 80$ on sale (it's on sale right now, actually).

Thanks for pointing out the PCIe port. I can't believe I overlooked that.

So a 400W psu would be good enough? That's great.

I would continue to use my current setup, but I'm moving from NYC to Orlando soon and will be living with my grandparents so money will be tight (full time student).

The setup you have in your signature is essentially my dream setup. I wouldn't have to do anything much, once it's all running (sickbeard + couchpotato).

[poofyhairguy]

So a 400W psu would be good enough? That's great.

As long as its single rail.

[xecutionx]

Bump for more suggestions/ideas.

[maxinc]

Server cases with lots of fans tend to be noisy and they only look great inside a rack. I dream of a rack some day, I just can't justify the cost yet.

[xecutionx]

Server cases with lots of fans tend to be noisy and they only look great inside a rack. I dream of a rack some day, I just can't justify the cost yet.

I figured this but I don't want to have another tower; I prefer a flatter form factor. Any suggestions for a case similar to the server above, yet has many hard drive slots/room? I have $150 to dedicate to a case (max).

[jenrick]

Stick it in the basement/garage?

I have almost the same setup as poof, but only 8 drives (I love those 3 to 4 bay things) and I don't hear a thing from it down there.

[xecutionx]

Stick it in the basement/garage?

I have almost the same setup as poof, but only 8 drives (I love those 3 to 4 bay things) and I don't hear a thing from it down there.

I thought about that, but I was also thinking about using the box as my HTPC as well. The Asus board can be overclocked, so I'll theoretically get a little more power than my current Revo setup. I'm not sure if this is the best idea, hence the topic.

[poofyhairguy]

I thought about that, but I was also thinking about using the box as my HTPC as well.

Then you kinda have to deal with the noise. A quiet NAS is a NAS with a bunch of dying drives in it.

This is why I often preach to separate HTPCs and NASes.

[vskatusa]

I suggest you look at EX495 HP comes with 4 bays and can be expanded with eSata enclosure - This might be more cost effective. I have this setup and it has served me very well.

[haenchensd]

Then you kinda have to deal with the noise. A quiet NAS is a NAS with a bunch of dying drives in it.

This is why I often preach to separate HTPCs and NASes.

An unRAID server with slept drives can be very quiet and cool. Only drive being accessed is spun up as needed. Problem being that you can't run XBMC on the unRAID server to use it as your HTPC.

[poofyhairguy]

That is my favorite thing about Unraid.

Soon gonna be my favorite thin about Appletv - how it forces people to use a NAS.

Everytime a NAS+HTPC isn't built, an Angel gets it's wings.

[maxinc]

Everytime a NAS+HTPC isn't built, an Angel gets it's wings.

This must be your signature for 2011.

[vinistois]

just fyi,

windows 7 spins down drives not in use as well.