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View Full Version : Cheap, performance per watt, bang for buck system?



Calmatory
11-12-2008, 01:13 PM
This might not be the appropriate section, move if needed. You've been warned so here it goes:

Well, my server machine is getting old. I need something new to play with. However, I have absolutely no clue about the lowest offerings of AMD or Intel. What I need is CPU, motherboard and RAM which meets the following requirements:

-Small power draw(silence, possibly passively cooled, and ofc electricity bills :shakes:).
-Dual core is a must so (no single process is going to force the whole machine to crawl.).
-Cheap (Best possible bang for buck.).
-Hardware must be able to run linux (no compatibility issues. Guess this is tough one for anyone who hasn't tried linux with the motherboard. :().

What would be great plus:
-Motherboard with possibility to undervolt the CPU.
-Integrated IGP and NIC.
-Overclocking potential(Possible low vcore to reduce heat and TDP, or crank up the performance if needed.).


The load would consist of running few screens, few irssis, http and ftp servers. So, lightweight load right now but in future I have plans to run multiple game servers with quite heavy php scripts, needs some horsepower.

Anyway, all this has to be fit into sub $250 budget. I don't hesitate with E2160, cheapest mobo and few gigs of ram, as long as it meets my needs, but as I am not up to the current state of the low-end hardware, I have no clue what to buy and what to avoid. Besides, I'd love to have the budget as low as possible.

So it is up to you, have a word. :)

Mr.Guvernment
11-12-2008, 03:07 PM
intel atom system? :)

e7 series perhaps...

Peen
11-12-2008, 03:59 PM
intel atom system? :)

e7 series perhaps...
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=bsdwd4b&c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&kc=features~featured_server&dgc=BF&cid=7421&lid=197378
Hate to recommend a Dell, but this is pretty good for the price. Server board, chipset, ECC ram. Only thing is no undervolting-overclocking

luie
11-12-2008, 06:04 PM
How about building one with 2nd hand parts? or new if you like (those near Black Friday deals) if you don't mind rebates.
$100 for Core2Duo with ECS motherboard @ Fry's
$30AR of 4GB DDR2 RAM @ newegg.com

$250-$130=$120 to spend on the rest.
There was a $60 Antec case + 80+% PSU @ Fry's
That leaves you $60 for HDD. :-)

MJR
11-12-2008, 06:18 PM
+1 for Atom, but it might be underpowered, depending on what you want to use it for.

Tonucci
11-12-2008, 08:28 PM
intel e2xx0, e4x00 or preferably e5200, 2Gb or 4gb of cheapo ddr2-800, g31/33 or g45 board (the ones with good OC, like gigabyte's). Antec EA 380W, yate loon fans and the cheapest HDT cooler. 320Gb platter quiet drives.

xytrius
11-13-2008, 07:51 PM
I would look into buying a laptop PCB with processor or a used laptop with a busted LCD (both easy off ebay). You save space if you can hang it under a desk and save on buying a UPS. 2.5 to 3.5 HDD adapters can be had for a few bucks.