GPU repurposing for NAS

[madvad]

I'm going to be upgrading my desktop soon, once reviews and prices for p55 are out. So I'll be repurposing my current mobo/cpu/ram for a NAS build. GA-P35-DS3L, C2D E4500, 8800GT. I'd rather not sell my components to avoid dealing with ebay etc.

My problem is that the mobo does not have onboard video, forcing me to use my gpu. I don't have a problem using the board since it would probably just end up gathering dust, my primary concern is the power consumption from that thing since the NAS is going to be on 24/7. I'm just not sure whether the card would be drawing much power at all since it's not doing any processing.

 

[Pantlegz]

after the initial setup, why would you need video on your NAS? Just telnet or remote desktop to it. You should be able to tell it to ignore the error in BIOS.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: Pantlegz1
after the initial setup, why would you need video on your NAS? Just telnet or remote desktop to it. You should be able to tell it to ignore the error in BIOS.

If there isn't onboard video, the system expects a video card to boot up. Unless there is an option in the systems bios to ignore the absense of a video adapter (I don't think there is), his system will not boot and only give him 1 long and 3 short post beeps.

Somebody correct me if I'm off on this one.

What you describe can be done without a "monitor" and just telnet into the machine. Not without a video adapter.

OP: I would suggest getting the cheapest video adapter you can find for your NAS rig.
Something that uses very little power. Even the most basic adapter will do that is supported by the OS.

 

[Modelworks]

It really depends on the board as to whether it will boot or not without a video card. Its trial and error.
Search ebay for pci used video cards.
You can get them for $10 shipped.
The reason I like PCI over pci express is that any pc will boot with one and sometimes pc that have a corrupt bios will only boot with a pci card. So they are good to have around.

 

[nitromullet]

I think it would boot without a video card. That being said, I'd suggest a cheap video card. I got a 7200GS for my file/print server NAS box. First of all, I use a KVM for my main rig, NAS, Macbook Pro, and Xbox 360; but also I have found that I actually need direct access to the box for a few things such as scanning with the multi-function printer/scanner that I have (doesn't support scanning over network). Remote Desktop is a little wonky with Vista - it requires a password, but when the password is enabled it also passwords all shared folders even when this option is specifically disabled. Win XP works better in the this area, but it doesn't include Media Center (unless you have XP MCE). Also note that only Vista Ultimate comes with the Remote Desktop Server.

If you're concerned about power usage like I was, another thing to re-consider is the 24/7 uptime. I realized that for the amount of time my wife and I really needed this box to be on, 24/7 uptime was ridiculous. What I did was enable wake on LAN on the NAS and install a WOL app on all of the other PC's on my network. I also used a SmartStrip power strip for the NAS box and printer.

SmartStrip: http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Sh...rt-Energy/Smart-Strip/
This is the WOL app that I used: http://www.matcode.com/wol.htm
I simply made a .bat file containing MC-WOL <MAC-address>, created a shortcut with the power button icon from windows, and placed the shortcut on the desktop. So, you basically have a big red button on the desktop for when you want to turn the NAS on.

 

[zagood]

I keep an old Voodoo card around for moments exactly like these. You can find old 16-bit PCI cards for super cheap.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Search ebay for pci used video cards.
You can get them for $10 shipped.

Maybe Craigslist for free. Look for free old computers (Pentium, AMD K5/K6 era).

 

[Genx87]

Go buy a cheapy video card. I just did today from Microcenter. 7200GS PCIE for 24.99.
The benefit is it is passively cooled. The 6600 it replaced wasnt and its fan was on its last legs.