I just ordered a bunch of parts, and Kym and I are going to attempt to build a small computer to act as a web server. It's going to be a little bit different than anything that I've done before. We're going to run a Linux OS on it, and I have very limited Linux experience, so that's something I'll have to learn...
Goals:
1. low noise/heat
2. low power consumption
3. small
Here are the parts that I'm ordering:
Motherboard
JetWay J7F5M1G2E-VHE-LF
$219.99
This is the most expensive component I am purchasing, but also the most important. I chose a Mini-ITX motherboard for its small size (6.7"x6.7") and low power consumption. It has a great deal of features that I need integrated or bundled with it:
Bundled 1.2GHz CX700M CPU
Onboard video w/D-Sub & HDMI outputs
Onboard 6-channel audio
Onboard 10/100/1000Mbps LAN
1 ATA controller
2 SATA II controllers
Rear 2x USB 2.0
Rear 1x Firewire
Internal 4x USB 2.0
RAM
G.SKILL Extreme Series F2-4200PHU1-1GBLA
$27.99
Wow, RAM sure is cheap these days. I chose this because it is a good brand and the specifications match the motherboard's maximum specifications for RAM.
1 GB DDR2 533
Compact Flash card
Transcend TS8GCF133
$54.99
I am actually probably going to use this 8 GB card in my MicroTrack audio recorder, and use the 4 GB Kingston card that I'm currently using in my MicroTrack for this computer, if (1) the Transcend card works in my MicroTrack and (2) 4 GB is sufficient space for the computer. Why am I getting a CF card? I will be using it as the primary boot device. It is faster, quieter, cooler, and uses less power than a hard drive... so I will put Linux and all the software on the Compact Flash card instead of a hard drive, and just use hard drives for file storing. I will need an adapter to plug a Compact Flash card into an ATA cable.
Optical Drive
Samsung SN-S082D Slim DVD Burner
$54.99
It's a DVD burner, like the kinds that you find in a laptop. The interface is a bit different than standard ATA cables, so I will need another adapter to plug a slim optical drive into an ATA cable.
IDE Cable
Link Depot UV-ATA18-BU-3 IDE Cable
$3.49
It's your regular 18" 3 connector IDE round cable. I'll be using it to plug in the CF and DVD burner.
IDE to CF Adapter
SB-ADIDE2CF-A1
$5.20
Slim CD-ROM to IDE Adapter
$9.95
Chassis
AOpen S150
$70.93
Everything will be going into this case. It's nice and small. 7.9"x12.6"x4.2". It can house a Mini ITX motherboard, 1 slim optical drive, and 1 3.5" hard drive. It has a power supply included rated for a maximum 150 Watts, but hopefully we will be far from that maximum... I'm not sure where the IDE to CF Adapter and CF card can be mounted, but it looks like there should be plenty of room inside.
Both SATA controllers will be unused at first. After this machine is up and running we'll add the internal drive to hold files... and eventually an external eSATA drive if necessary. But for that we need another adapter.
SATA to eSATA adapter
Sabrent SATA-ES1P
$5.99
This fits in an expansion slot, and the case I'm getting only supports low profile expansion cards. I didn't notice this when ordering, whoops! So we may have to get creative here... but if it doesn't work that's fine.
Subtotal: $453.52
Tax: 33.48
Shipping: 29.18
Total: 516.18
Next step: find OS and software while waiting for parts to arrive... and assemble once they do!
Concerns:
Where will the CF adapter and card go?
Will 4GB be enough to hold the OS and all software?
Will I be able to do anything with the SATA to eSATA adapter?
If all goes well, Kym and I may try to sell some machines similar to this online to make some extra cash. I think there is some interest in it. Originally I was considering buying one pre-assembled that has worse specifications than this but would have been at least $800 after shipping.