Burn

Hello folks,

I want to build a low-power server that can run Server 2008. 4GB RAM, two hard drives (1TB storage and 80GB OS drive), gigabit ethernet. Maybe run a server for a LAN party or something like that.

Anyway, here are my two options (Stuff like PSU, RAM, etc. will remain unchanged across either build:

Atom:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-027-_-Product

LGA775 Build:
Intel E7500 Wolfdale
Zotac GF9300-D-E LGA775 Geforce 9300 Wifi

The price difference is $260 for the LGA775 build as opposed to $190 for the Atom build. What do you guys think? I would like to run this 24/7 but keep it as low-power as possible. Will the power-saving features in the Wolfdale let it become as energy efficient as the Atom (or near it)?

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We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
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nolonger

I'd go for the Atom, because besides being cheaper it'll consume less energy.

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reezin14

I would think the Atom set-up would be more efficient,but I'm not 100% sure.DuckieHo could probably tell you exactly(pm him).

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Q6600@3.9
http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=383427

DuckieHo

UPDATE: I forgot this uses ION and not crappy 945.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mai...n-itx-c_8.html




Using the Zotac ION board, you won't need a seperate PSU. It will be able to power your entire system (2xHD and RAM). However, if you want a bit more performance, I would go with AMD before Intel. It basically ends up being how much CPU power do you need?




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A cheaper, more powerful option would be:

$90 ZOTAC GF8200-C-E: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813500021

Then look for a used AM2 if you want to save money. At idle, the AM2 will use marginally more power. Under load, the AM2 will use more power BUT will be 2-5 times faster. That means it can go back to idle more often. It will also cost much less so it would take something like a decade of power consumption to make up the price difference.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...ient,1997.html

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Burn

I am basically looking to run a TF2 or L4D server via LAN if we were to play, and that's about it. It won't be used for anything else besides storage and serving up content. That, and large file transfers back and forth across my gigabit LAN.

__________________
My CNC Mill Project
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
--Randy Pausch
Current Best Benchmark

procpuarie

i think the atom would be fine for that.

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Shane1244

I know I'd go atom.

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Burn

Thing is, I doubt it has enough grunt to push through a TF2 or L4D server.

__________________
My CNC Mill Project
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
--Randy Pausch
Current Best Benchmark

metallicamaster3

If you're wanting to host game-based LAN parties, definitely go with the E7500. Or, alternatively, find a Q6600. One or the other would definitely be required, as the Atom would more than likely not be able to keep up with games like CoD4 -- or even CoD:UO for that matter.

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the_beast

Another vote for a full system (non-Atom).

Until Atom gets a proper low power chipset it won't be worth it for a home server. ION is great for HTPC but too hungry for server use, 945GC is too power hungry full stop. The Atom itself is too slow to be useful for much other than fileserver duties & other similar low-cpu usage tasks.

If you use Atom for game serving I bet you will be replacing the system before too long because it is too slow. Go for low power AMD or dual core Celeron & you will be much happier, and the power bill will be similar.