request for hardware advise: server specs

[JoeyC]

All,

My wee 24/7 home server is in need replacement. It is running on a desktop machine that was old when I promoted it to server, and after a couple of years and upgrades (memory, storage space) I'm running into limits I can't fix.

So, time for something new. What I'm looking for is
- something that doesn't use too much power
- has room for 4 disks, 3TB each
- has two ethernet ports
- supported by ubuntu (10.04.1 LTS, server)
- Capable of running a modest LAMP setup (low traffic, mostly Gallery)

Other than that I'm happy to buy off the shelf, or to build from scratch, or anything in between. I have a budget of around 300-400 euro (260-350 pounds).

Anyone any pointers?

Regards,

J

[nelz]

An Atom-powered Mini-ITX board would be low power (and quiet). Something like this can be expanded with extra SATA and ethernet ports.

[JoeyC]

That looks promising.. I'm not familiar with them. Am I right in assuming I can connect only 1 daughterboard?

J

[Dutch_Master]

From the same supplier:
http://www.mini-itx.com/store/rack

A little more expensive (select the C2 rack enclosure and Jetway JNC9C-550) at E 310-320 (for 1 and 2 GB RAM resp.) but you'll have plenty of room to grow.

[edit: yes, there's only room for 1 daughter board, but the JNC9C-550 comes with 4x SATA and 2x Gbit LAN as standard]

[JoeyC]

update:

I'll order the JNF99FL-525, with 3 WD Caviar Green 2 TB disks for a raid 5 array. A smaller disk (I must have lying around somewhere) will contain the os.

I'll try to fit it all in an old Shuttle pc that's gathering dust at the moment. It does not contain an mini-itx board so the mount screws are not aligned for a mini-itx.. I'll be tinkering for a while :)

J