SFF server platform

[Michael Hipp]

David Bandel wrote:
> On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 22:45:34 -0600, Michael Hipp <Michael at hipp.com> wrote:
> 
>>I need to spec a very low-end server box for a small client. Needs to be small
>>and quiet so I'm looking into SFF boxes. It will need 3 LAN ports to act as a
>>firewall/router for their network. Only one internal IDE drive needed and
>>probably no floppy or CD.
>>
>>Anyone have any recommendations on a SFF box for such an application?
>>
> 
> 
> I rent boxes like this.  Here's what I get:
> at CaseOutlet (http://www.caseoutlet.com/):
> ITX 2677R using a CL1000 motherboard (two ethernet ports).  I then put
> in either another ethernet card or a frame relay card (you'll need to
> buy the riser card for this).  I buy neither CD-ROM nor floppy, but do
> get either a 40Gb hdd or (better) a 1Gb flash RAM, 128Mb RAM.
> 
> Note that you'll need to adapt the flash RAM/IDE adapter into the case
> by drilling some holes for screws to hold it in place, but it works
> nicely.  (If you're not comfortable with this much engineering, just
> juy the hard drive).
> 
> I have "drop in" bridging firewalls (no IP needed), two or three port
> routing firewalls with VPN, and all are 60w 12v boxes, so last forever
> on even a small UPS.  The brick also provides some protection against
> surges.
> 
> And the 2677R is a nice small form factor box (I buy the black case --
> literally a black box).  In fact, I'm ordering four more this weekend
> for some new clients.

What kind of hard drive would you put in one of these?

The reason I ask is that I've tried them before but a 40GB Seagate Barracuda 
was a bit too much for the little 60W PSU. (Actually, it was just the 
startup/in-rush current; it was fine once up and running. I ended up forking 
out some $ to upgrade the PSUs because they wouldn't boot reliably.)

I do *really* like the Mini-ITX platform.

Thanks,
Michael