PSU for a Home NAS Server

Bairum

October 6, 2010 9:45:56 PM

Hello,

First post, long time lurker. I plan on building a home server primarily for NAS, but I unfortunately have limited PSU experience/knowledge. I would like a PSU that is:
- Highly efficient as it will be on 24/7
- Quiet
- Cool temparature
- Reliable

Here's what I plan on putting together:
- Motherboard: SUPERMICRO MBD-X7SPA-HF-O Mini ITX Intel Atom D510 processor
- Case: LIAN LI PC-Q08B
- HDD: Eventually 6 x Samsung Spinpoint F4EG HD204UI 2TB SATA2 5400rpm 32MB Hard Drive

My initial impression for a PSU is: SeaSonic X650 Gold 650W ATX12V.

Questions:
1. Considering the server's load will essentially be idle for most of the time, what is the optimum capacity (in wattage) that would equate to the highest efficiency? I read at Wikipedia that efficiency really depends on how much power is being delivered.
- Is 650Watts maximum overboard considering the 'green' motherboard and drives?
2. Is there a particular brand that is known for quality and dependability?
3. Probably a stupid question, but would the SeaSonic fit in the Lian Li case? I assume so as its a standard ATX PSU, but would hate to order something to just return it.
4. If possible, could you please recommend a PSU if the SeaSonic isn't suitable?

I appreciate any help.

More about : psu home nas server

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endorphines

October 6, 2010 10:02:40 PM

i think that a 650w is a little overkill... 300w would more than do it i think. they need to be able to power the drives peak draw, which is at start up. 8w is what my drives take at peak and i run 5 seagate 7200 1.5 tb drives from whatever generation tooke 4 platers to do it. they're pretty power hungry.

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popatim

Power supply Master

October 6, 2010 10:25:27 PM

I would think even 200w would be sufficient for that low power board and be more efficient since it would be operating more often in the 'zone'.

I'm curious why you would select a mini itx board for a case that would hold 6 drives. Seems to me a micro atx would work, be cheaper, and not need so-dimms.

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Bairum

October 6, 2010 10:34:44 PM

popatim said:

I would think even 200w would be sufficient for that low power board and be more efficient since it would be operating more often in the 'zone'.

I'm curious why you would select a mini itx board for a case that would hold 6 drives. Seems to me a micro atx would work, be cheaper, and not need so-dimms.

Thanks. I guess I was way too high with the PSU I found at first.

The reason I picked that mini-tx board is because of the low power usage, and the case only supports Mini-ITX / Mini-DTX. I'll take a look at the micro atx options, as saving some money would be nice

.

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Bairum

October 7, 2010 12:38:25 PM

Timop said:

650W is OVERKILL, and the fact is that PSUs are the most efficient around ~60% loads, with your system you would probably get higher efficiency with a sub-500W Silver unit.

Honestly, the X-400 Fanless would be great fro you, silent (obviously), cool and reliable.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

But you can also opt out for the slightly cheaper Lazer Gold and HALE90 PSUs from Kingwing and NZXT respectively. (same PSU actually, just that the Kingwin is modular and $10 more)
Nzxt: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Kingwin: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Thanks a lot for the response. I really like the X-400 that you suggested. According to a review I read, it seems to have relatively high efficiency even at very low wattage (69% at 20 Watts).

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Bairum

October 7, 2010 2:24:31 PM

Best answer selected by Bairum.

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moody89

Power supply Authority

October 7, 2010 2:26:14 PM

+1 to the X-400 fanless. Ideally, you want something reliable, quiet and efficient considering it's going to be running more or less 24/7.

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