Building a File Server

[bovardc]

This will be my first build in a long time and will be an XP machine in the closet to host all important files (docs, music, pictures, etc).

My requirements are as follows:

- it must be quiet
- it must stay cool (it's in the closet)
- multiple (5x max) clients may access the files at the same time
- new parts need to stay below the $500 mark

I've built several machines, but have never attempted to optimize on storage capacity, multiple client access, noise or temperature so that's where I need help. Here's where I'm currently at:

From another post, I've seen this mobo, cpu, RAM combo:

- ASUS P5KPL-CM LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
- Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz
- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800

I have a case, but if a case/power supply combo makes more sense, I'm good with that too.

I'm gonna do a RAID 1 via software (unless you think I'm crazy) so I've gotta get 2 new drives as well.

Then it comes down to cooling. I'm clueless here. I need fans, but how many, which ones?

Thanks for any tips and help you can give!

- Chris

[glc]

You don't need any extra fans. The E5200 runs very cool and with no video card, there really isn't anything in there that will generate much heat. All you need is a well-designed case with a quiet power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129032

The single rear 120mm fan is plenty.

I do *NOT* like software RAID. I'm not a big fan of motherboard RAID either. I'd install one drive on the ICH for the OS, and use a real RAID card for the storage array. This will put you over budget, but you should do it right.