Rate My Windows Home Server Build

[JackSpadesSI]

1. Use = home server to back up from 5 other computers. Those computers are running:
Desktop 1 = Windows XP Professional SP2 32-bit
Desktop 2 = Windows XP Professional SP2 32-bit
Desktop 3 = Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit
Laptop 1 = Windows XP Media Center Edition SP2 32-bit
Laptop 2 = Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit

2. Budget = ~$400 for a 1TB WHS

3. Country = USA

4. Brands = Western Digital HDD, Intel CPU, Gigabyte MOBO

5. Using current parts = DVD-ROM drive (Parallel ATA), monitor+keyboard+mouse from another desktop for initial set-up.

6. Searched or read = some

7. Overclocking = no

8. When = very soon

Ok, so like I said I'm building a WHS. The WHS will serve both server and backup/system restore purposes. It must have 1+TB of storage and cost ~$400.

Here's the proposed build (all links are Newegg.com for convenience, but the prices aren't all from there):

CPU = Intel E5200 = $70.99 (Buy.com)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819116072
Motherboard = Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L = $53.70 (Buy.com)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128357
Memory = Corsair 4GB DDR2 800 = $19.90 after MIR (Amazon.com)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184
Hard Drive = Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB = $89.99 with promotion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136317
Case = HEC 6C28BB8S = $34.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811121001
Power Supply = OCZ StealthXStream 500W = $39.99 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817341012
OS = Windows Home Server (Power Pack 1) = $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16832116550

I know the 4GB ram is high for a WHS machine, but for the great price I couldn't resist.

I also know that a WHS benefits from extra security when it uses multiple hard drives (so that it can disburse the information across multiple drives) but my budget doesn't allow for that now. My plan is to add more drives in several months - everything I've read has said that extra drives can be added quite easily without disturbing the existing information.

Please let me know if you see any compatibility issues with this system as well as any deficiencies in performance that could be overcome without adding much cost.

Finally, besides...
This build
The other computers (listed at the top)
A wireless b/g router
Ethernet cable

...is there ANY other hardware/software I need to make this build work as a WHS?

Thanks, in advance, for everyone's help!

 

[nobb]

Do you really need something that powerful? Since you will be leaving it on 24/7, might want to consider power consumption. As a general rule of thumb for 24/7 use, a 100 watt system will cost you about $100/yr, a 200 watt system $200/yr, etc...

Your bottleneck is still going to be how fast your ethernet connection is. Check out the MSI Wind PC, looks perfect for a WHS build:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...32&Tpk=msi%20wind%20pc

With the money saved, you could invest in more hard drives.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

I'll give you that the MSI Wind is really cheap, but it only has one 3.5" internal bay.

I wanted to build something that could support at least 4 HDDs.

As for the Ethernet connection - I made sure that the motherboard I selected supported a gigabit connection.

 

[nobb]

Well you can use an adapter to fit an extra hard drive in the 5.25 bay. If you wanted more than 2 hard drives with the MSI Wind, you will probably have to buy a bigger case and a PCI to SATA card. Even with a gigabit capable board, that is still your bottleneck and you will not be using anywhere close to what your system is capable of. Kind of a waste in my opinion, especially since you will be dumping money away in terms of power consumption.

Have you looked into some of the mini-itx boards such as the Intel D945GCLF2? Not as power efficient as the MSI Wind, but should be more than enough for WHS.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Yeah, I realized after I posted about using the 5.25" optical bay on the Wind as a spot for a second HDD.

No, I'd never seen that motherboard/Atom combo before. Still just support for two HDDs, though, with the two SATA ports. Sure, there is a PATA port there but (to my knowledge) they don't make PATA drives as big as 1TB.

I'm really not super concerned with the speed performance of this server. I just want it to handle 4 HDDs (so I can continue expanding it with cheaper/smaller drives later). The E5200, understandably, is overpowered - but I don't see a cheaper dual core processor that is less than 65W TDP.

Also, I know the 4GB RAM is nuts for WHS but I couldn't pass up on 4GB for just 91 cents more than the 2GB kit.

Any thoughts on compatibility issues?

 

[RebateMonger]

Your component selection looks fine.

With the built-in video, power consumption won't be outrageous. Probably around 65 Watts total, based on the WHS systems I've measured. Unfortunately, as you've found, there's really only two ways to get an ultra-low-power (35 Watts or so) WHS system today that'll accomodate four hard drives:

1) Buy a pre-built HP EX475/EX478

2) Buy an Intel Atom motherboard and a PCI drive controller card to accomodate a couple of extra hard drives.

 

[Schmide]

OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V

Get the 600w version. It's quieter and better and worth the extra $10

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Is it more efficient, too? Quiet is nice, but I'm after cost of operation here.

 

[Schmide]

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD103UJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB cache Hard Drive - $79.99

There I saved ya the $10.

It's probably equally efficient, there was just a batch of 500w StealthXStream that produced a fair amount of noise.

But if you want to save money. Combo up those items. For example

Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz + ECS G31T-M(1.0) LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard 110.98 ($12 savings) - 10 rebate = $101
(warning/flaw I noticed the motherboard doesn't have gigibit nic)

Thermaltake Purepower 600W + CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 104.98 ($15 savings) - 25 rebate - 25 rebate = $55
(You could swap the PSU from another computer that may need the extra Oomph)

I think that's a $35 saving. In addition, if you add all your above items to the newegg cart as so with my substitutions, shipping is $10.

Edit: savings miscalculation/gigibit

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Buy an Intel Atom motherboard and a PCI drive controller card to accomodate a couple of extra hard drives.

:thumbsup:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...k=INTEL%2c%20D945GCLF2

 

[dmw16]

I just bought an MSI Wind PC. Starting with one 1TB drive and can always add a 2nd one w/ a 3.5"->5.25" adapter. I went for the Wind for low noise and low power consumption.

With that said, your build looks good, but maybe overkill.

 

[BTJ]

I dunno if you're a student (or know someone who is ), but you can get Windows Server 2008 (or 2003) for free from MS here: https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx

 

[dmw16]

Originally posted by: BTJ
I dunno if you're a student (or know someone who is ), but you can get Windows Server 2008 (or 2003) for free from MS here: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx">https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx</a></a>

Awesome! I was about to buy.

EDIT: Oh, it isn't home server. I may not be smart enough for real server

 

[JackMDS]

Windows Home server is peer-to-peer Server, it is a product that meant to be used, and capable to do things that are Not part of Windows 2008 or any other Real Server OS.

I.e., even if you can get Windows 2008 for free it is Not a replacement for Windows Home Server.

I use both since each one is geared toward performing different functions.

http://www.ezlan.net/WHS.html

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Thanks, everyone!

I'm rather partial to the WD hard drives, so I'll stick with the Caviar Green (nonetheless, thanks Schmide, for looking out for my wallet).

Also, I'm finding it very difficult to beat the price of the OCZ power supply I selected when you factor in its rebate and the free shipping. How much quieter are we talking with the 600W model? If it was just one bad batch of the 500W's, have those all been sold off yet (e.g. am I likely to get a "bad" one at this point)?

As for the Atom suggestions, their power requirements are astoundingly low, but I was sort of trying to stay away from the Atoms. I once used an Atom netbook and I wanted to beat my head on the wall because the thing was so slow. Even opening Firefox on the netbook felt like a chore. Granted, this is a server, but I don't want file transfers to take all day.

Out of curiosity - do they even make Atom motherboards in a form factor other than Mini ITX? It is really hard to find a case that fits Mini ITX boards. It doesn't look like you can buy an Atom CPU separately from the motherboard, either.

 

[armstrda]

A mini-ITX board should fit in 99% of any ATX style case. The screw hole pattern is the same generally. I can say for sure the INtel board/cpu combo will fit in any ATX/m-ATX case.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Which is the better power supply:
OCZ StealthXStream 500W = $39.99 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817341012

CoolMax ZP-380B 380W = $34.99 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817159073

OCZ seems to be the more reputable brand and claims 80% efficiency (without certification). However, the CoolMax one has 80 PLUS certification and 4 SATA power connections.

Is 380W enough for my build during peak loads, though? On the other hand - is 500W too much for when the system is idle (since running a PSU at below 20% yields horrible efficiencies)?

 

[Schmide]

I think the most efficient PSU especially at low loads is the BFG LS series

BFG Tech LS-450 450W

anandtech PSU

Regardless. It would take a long time for 3-5% of a generally low wattage to add up to $10 worth of electricity.

Think about it at 50w a 5% efficiency difference adds up to about 1.8kwh a month. Or less than 30c. So it would take you 2.7 years to make up that $10 difference.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: JackSpadesSI
Which is the better power supply:
OCZ StealthXStream 500W = $39.99 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817341012

OCZ seems to be the more reputable brand and claims 80% efficiency (without certification).

They can claim 99.9% efficiency as long as they don't pay for the certification.
Uncertified claims are meaningless. Third party evaluations are where the rubber meets the road.
I can think of one reason why a company would make an efficiency claim, yet not pony up the jack for certification... :laugh:

If you're serious about a backup server, then spend some $$ on a key component like a quality power supply.

 

[dbcooper1]

Most of the efficient power supplies are rated so at higher wattage usage so it might be counterproductive to go with a 500 or 600 watt unit when you'll be running it at around 100 watts if that, most of the time.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

What would you guys estimate as the average used wattage of this system? Every company's "PSU calculator" gives wildly different estimates: from 99W to 308W.

 

[Blain]

Power supply components degrade over time...
Buying larger than you actually use gives you some power buffer for long term use.

One smart step for keeping "clean power" running to your machine, is to install a line conditioner or at least an "AVR" UPS unit.

 

[Schmide]

At idle your system is very low, especially if you enable all power savings features.

Not at the wall

idle
e5200 = 3-6w
G31 = 10w
HD = 7w
Memory = 5w
Fans, DVD, etc = 10w

~30-40w

load
e5200 = 20-25w
G31 = 12w
HD = 7w
Memory = 5w
Fans, DVD, etc = 10w

~50-60w

At the wall you're looking at 40-50w idle 62-75w load.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: JackSpadesSI
What would you guys estimate as the average used wattage of this system? Every company's "PSU calculator" gives wildly different estimates: from 99W to 308W.

The Windows Home Server I built using an E4300, 512 MB of RAM, built-in VGA, and a couple of hard drives drew about 60 Watts "in normal operaiton". The MSI Wind barebones PC I built with an Atom 230 and a single hard drive drew about 30 Watts. These were measured values using a Kill-a-Watt 4400.

Sadly, the Intel desktop chipset for the Atom is a "standard" chipset and draws about three times the power that the Atom itself draws. But, hey, 30 Watts is 30 Watts. It makes for a whisper-quiet PC that runs very cool (especially with the MSI Wind, where the power supply is external.