Ok, I'm trying to build a micro-atx media server and I need some help. It doesn't need to be capable of playing games. I have a pretty good idea for the hardware, but I'd like others opinions. The priorities for the box are as follows.
- Low Power (it will be on near 24hr/day)
- Quite
- HDMI Output
- Internet TV/Netflix capable
- Surround Sound/Digital out to my A/V system
- Cheap
- Small
- Expandable for possible Blu-Ray ussage in the future or more harddrives
Here is the hardware I've chosen so far
| Mother Board | Foxconn A7GM-S 2.0 | 64.99 |
| CPU | AMD Sempron 140 (45W) |
39.00 |
| Sound | ?? Use integrated sound, as I don't know what is worth purchasing |
|
| Case | Hec 6T10BB Black | 39.99 |
| HDD | Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 7200RPM x2 for Raid 1 (mirror?) setup | 56.99x2 |
| RAM | Generic 1GB DDR2 1066 |
23.99 |
| Fan | Artic Cooling ACF64LP | 23.98 |
| CD/DVD | Generic | 17.99 |
| PSU | Atec EarthWatts EA380 380W | 44.99 |
| Total | 368.91 |
I chose the Foxconn due to having a powerful integrated graphics card which should be more than enough for HDMI output. It is AM3 Ready, but I don't know what that means, so does that mean I can't use the Sempron 140? I could switch to the Athelon 64 LE-1640 which seems to be the same only 64nm and AM2 socket instead.
Also, the Foxconn supports HDMI/Audio out combined, but one newegg review said it isn't supported in linux, but I do have some spare copies of XP, however I'd use Linux if it has some good Internet TV programs to make using the device easier.
I think 1GB of ram should be enough memory and I've never had a problem with cheapo memory.
I think the fan may be overkill, but I'm looking for something super quite. I could even go fanless, but I don't know if a heatsink large enough would fit in the case.
As for the power supply, I'm looking for something that is highly efficient, and the one I have selected is surely more power than I really need (at least I think so), but I'm not sure if I can move down to a lower one.
Also, I need some info on IR adapters as I don't know what to get. I could create my own IR/Serial adapter and write a simple program to convert commands into keyboard presses, but I'm all for being lazy and just getting something already made for this.
Finally, any input on programs to easily control a media server would be great. I also don't know if Linux works with netflix and other sites as I've never tried.
