This is an old server build when mini desktops were pretty rare (Shuttle was the most popular solution at the time). I wanted to build a small, efficient, always-on server. The system could be used as a home theater PC, act as a backup server, host public and sandbox websites, code repositories and many other things. With the price of storage dropping and some impressive mini-itx motherboard options out there, the perfect storm of hardware pushed me to build a mini-server.
Specs:
- 4.5 TB primary storage space
- 250 GB OS drive
- 4 GB ram
- Gigabit ethernet
- 802.11n
- e-SATA
- Intel Atom 330
- Nvidia Ion (GeForce 9300)
- VGA, DVI, HDMI out
- Analog and digital audio out
- Small case (12”; x 8”; x 6.5”;)
- XBMC Live
- Full framerate HD video playback
- ~20 Watts Idle, ~45 Watts Full Load
- Near silent operation
- 35 - 45 C operational temperature
Parts:
- 3x 1.5 TB Samsung HDDs ($100 each on sale)
- Zotac Ion ITX-A-U ($185)
- Athenatech mini-itx tower ($50)
- 2x 5.25”; to 3x 3.5”; adapter ($25)
- 4 GB ram ($100 - Note: total overkill. Get 2 GB for $50)
- USB adapter ($10 - Note: for internal OS drive)
- OS drive: from an 8 GB Flash Drive ($25) to a 500 GB Hard Drive ($90)
