SFF server platform

[David Bandel]

On Sat, 05 Feb 2005 16:51:59 -0600, Michael Hipp <Michael at hipp.com> wrote:
> 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.
> 

I've had no problems with standard hard drives, but if you're worried,
use laptop hard drives.  They draw almost nothing and are very
resilient (but a tiny bit more expensive -- say $25 more for a 40Gb
hdd).

You could always order a 90w or 120w system, and the 120's come, I
believe, with 2 PCI slots -- at least, one or two of them do, but
they're a slightly larger case as well).

Ciao,

David A. Bandel
-- 
Focus on the dream, not the competition.
            - Nemesis Air Racing Team motto