Help design Low Power computer/server to be on 24x7. Uses Subsonic music server and NAS?

legend1011 · Oct 18, 2013

I am having a hard time designing a low power system. I can find a wealth of information regarding high performance computers, but nothing into efficient/low-cost servers that use minimal amount of power possible. I'm extra flexible with the operating system, but I'm curious what device would help meet my needs. I have determined the following:
1) Pre-built NAS - Pre-built NAS appear to use less power than their computer home-built counterparts. Is my understanding correct?
2) Atom? - I hear this term thrown around a lot. Is this the best CPU with standard architecture?
3) ARM based - I have read several articles on a computer that functions different than traditioanl computers and this may help me
4) Anything else I don't know about?

I plan on keeping this computer up 24x7. RAID would be nice, but is not necessary as I could perform regular USB backup (data shouldn't change too often when it is initially set up). I do not have a specific budget, but I would prefer it to be minimal cost if possible (up to $500). Won't be playing any games or intense things on this machine. Will simply be a file server that will host an FTP site, and Subsonic Server. perhaps other similar functionality down the line

Thanks for any help on this project

Damon Palovaara · Oct 18, 2013

I would base it off of a Mobo+CPU combo, specifically one with a gigabit port (or two) since there is the potential of a lot of data running through it. If it was me making this I would start with this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128598

legend1011 · Oct 18, 2013

Thanks for the reply. I'm surprised there isn't a market for this; you would think there would be several options. perhaps, we are talking pennies over the course of the year and should just get any machine. I just want it simple and low power. Thank You

Damon Palovaara · Oct 18, 2013

legend1011 :

Also I would highly recommend this PSU. It's very effiecient, relatively cheap and has very high ratings. It's also the PSU that I'm using and it hasn't given me any problems

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

Atleast get 4gbs of RAM (I would get 8 but it's not that cheap currently). It has 3 SATA ports (1 6gig and 2 3gig) so you can use an SSD for caching on the 6gig and 2 large HDDs on the 3gigs. The case is completely to you taste, you can get away with a mini-ATX case but I would suggest a micro-ATX case atleast for more space to dissipate heat since it will be a 24/7 PC. Also make sure you have one high flow intake fan and one high flow exhaust fan and use filters, even if you don't think your house is dusty. I would use a distro of Linux for the OS preferably Ubuntu Server and make sure your router has gigabit ports so you can get full advantage of the gigabit ports on the mobo, just note it wont make a difference if it's over the WWW unless you have a >1gbs connection both ways (which is pretty rare)

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Help design Low Power computer/server to be on 24x7. Uses Subsonic music server and NAS?

legend1011

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Damon Palovaara

Damon Palovaara

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legend1011

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Damon Palovaara

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