New Server build, need opinions! - Overclock.net

osiris · 2 Weeks Ago

Hi all,

I'm in the market for a new server since my old one blew up* on me the other night. It seems heat killed it*, so I've been looking for something cool-running, quiet and small. I first started looking at Mini-ITX systems but then just thought about the Net-top systems that have sprung up. The basic specs for these seem to be Intel Atom N230/N270 (single core, 1.6GHz, 512KB L2, 533MHz FSB), 1-2GB DDR2, 160GB HDD. That seems pretty good for the ballpark of £150-£180. However I have seen a few newer ones come in that have the dualcore Atom. These market for £220-£300. Is it worth the extra for the performance? I will be running:

Windows 2003 as a Domain Controller
Active Directory
Exchange 2003

1-2 Inboxes with full Mobile and Collaboration facilities
1-5 Websites with mixed content

This will mostly be for testing purposes to do with my Uni course (BSc Computer Network Management) as my last server was just a hobby, but now I am studying, I thought why not use it to help me learn?

So, to whittle it down to a question or two:

1) Will the Single core Atom and 1GB RAM give sufficient performance running the above, for £150? Or is it worth the extra for the second core (and in some cases, 320GB HDD but thats not as important to be honest!)

Or can anyone recommend other setups that are small, cool but capable of the above?

Input is appreciated guys, thanks

* = The server was a 2.8GHz Celeron D, with 1HD and a fanless Silverstone NT01 HS, cooled by the 12CM PSU fan. I one day found the system not responding, checked it and the HD light was full and power light was off but the system was still powered up. I think heat killed it as where it was didn't have the best airflow but due to the size of the case we didnt have anywhere else to put it. It was also near a radiator that came on with the winter now approaching, so it seems heat was the cluprit. Whether it was the PSU and Mobo that died, I do not know.

e_dogg · 2 Weeks Ago

I'd skip the Atom CPU and get a 45w AMD CPU. If you want a little more horsepower a 65w dual core AMD setup would do the trick too.

You'll find that performance will be better than the Atom and you'll have expandability that isn't otherwise available.

FWIW, I run an AMD 45w Sempron CPU in my Windows Home Server box that's cooled by a passive Coolermaster Gemini II heatsink. Heat is no problem at all from that CPU.

DuckieHo · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by e_dogg

I'd skip the Atom CPU and get a 45w AMD CPU. If you want a little more horsepower a 65w dual core AMD setup would do the trick too.

There's 45w AMD dual and quads as well.

However, there aren't too many cheap mITX AMD options...

Syjeklye · 2 Weeks Ago

1 server running all of that on a 1.6ghz atom? How many people access this server?

Syjeklye · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckieHo

There's 45w AMD dual and quads as well.

However, there aren't too many cheap mITX AMD options...

man, ain't that the truth. I'd like to go mITX with a file server/backup server for my family's use (pictures, music, home videos, etc...), but the amd solutions are quite expensive, and i'd rather not support the antitrust violators (intel)

DuckieHo · 2 Weeks Ago

$90 AR: Zotac 8200 mITX http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageG...%20Motherboard

You can use this as a HTPC if you ever upgrade...

However, an Atom 330 mITX might be a better choice based on price.

osiris · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syjeklye

1 server running all of that on a 1.6ghz atom? How many people access this server?

Not many people will access it from launch, usually only 1 or 2 by RDP, websites will be slow to take off, I will be running a business website from it though, but mostly only with static HTML pages. The exchange system will only have 1 or 2 inboxes from launch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckieHo

$90 AR: Zotac 8200 mITX http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageG...%20Motherboard

You can use this as a HTPC if you ever upgrade...

However, an Atom 330 mITX might be a better choice based on price.

I had looked at the AsRock ION 330 setup which isn't too bad for a pre-built and tested system for £250. It is something I am keeping in mind. On the single-core side of things, I had been looking at the Acer Revo purely for convenience as it is only £150.

In terms of building another box myself, that is where I am open to suggestions. I need something that is quiet and cool-running as, ofc, this thing will be on 24/7. AMD system is something I hadn;t thought of because to be honest I've always used Intel so am not too up on whats over the other side of the fence!

Thanks so far guys, input is very apreciated as another forum went silent on me which didn't instill much hope/confidence