sitzmar!

The first concept I had for my file server revolved around the Asus Eee Box. It met the low power requirements, was very quiet, and it’s diminutive dimensions would make it perfect to tuck away. However using this box would mean that I’d be stuck with external USB drives for storage. While this would not be terrible, there would be an added cost for a disk enclosure, and performance would take a hit as well.

Then I found out that Intel sells an Atom based motherboard, complete with SATA II ports and a PCI slot. After a little further reading about the product, I decided to go with it and picked out components to round out the system.

Here’s what I got:

• Intel BOXD945GCLF Atom processor Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
• Intel PWLA8391GT 10/ 100/ 1000Mbps PCI PRO/1000 GT Desktop Adapter
• G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory
• SYBA SY-IDE2MC-4B IDE to CF/MMC/MS/SD Adapter
• COOLER MASTER Centurion 541 RC-541-SKN1 MicroATX Mini Tower
• Antec earthwatts EA380 380W ATX12V v2.0 Power Supply
• 2 Transcend 2GB Secure Digital (SD) Flash Card Model TS2GSD133

Total $268.84

I’ve already come in at least $30 cheaper than what the rumored Eee Box price would be, and I’ve got something much more flexible.

In reading about this Intel motherboard, I learned that there are some compatibility issues with linux/bsd and the integraed Realtek ethernet controller. I opted to get the Intel gigabit pci card to ensure compatibility, but also because the onboard only supports 10/100mbit.

The SYBA card adapter will take both CompactFlash or SD and fully supports DMA for speedy data transfers. I also picked up two 2GB SD cards for my trip to Italy. When I get back one of them will become the primary drive for the file server. No noise, and very low power consumption. I’m not too sure how great the SD card will work, but I don’t expect any major problems.

I feel that the power supply is a bit overkill right now. But when looking for power supplies that were compatible with the Intel mobo, there are limited options that meet the 80+ efficiancy rating and include an ample number of SATA power connectors. I’ve alwasys liked Antec’s power supplies, and I’m sure that this one will work nicely.

I haven’t purchased the disk drives yet, but I will likely choose the WD Caviar GP 1TB drive. They are damn near silent, and as part of Western Digital’s ‘Green Power’ line they’ve managed to reduce power consumption by a few watts.

My order should be arriving on Monday or Tuesday. Pictures and an update will follow when I’ve got it all together.

Sunday, June 29th, 2008 at 3:52 pm.
Filed under Hardware.
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