Extremely cheap server..

[PyrrhusIV]

In the next 2-3 months I plan on having a "mini" server built, for alot of functions i've done doing lately, my gaming computer doesnt really fit the bill. I am TERRIBLY short on cash though, it is pathetic to be honest.

I went to my workplace and asked them if they still used an old server in the basement (Circa 1995 Built), of course they said no, and told me I could have it. I can scrap a few things from it. Most imporantly an 8GB Hard-Drive and some other real basic parts. I've also decided to take apart my other old computer (Built in 1998) and use some of it's parts. I can scrap the Sound Card, 2 GB HDD (If I want), Speakers & Keyboard etc.

On top of this, some parts of my new computer I didnt use are availible. A DVD CD drive, A PCI Card which lets me plug in USB sticks into the back of the computer, (1) 40GB External USB HDD, 3 fans, and a couple IDE cables and the such.

My question is, what would you guys reccomend for the PSU, Processor, Memory etc ( I dont need a case). What I need is a very low cost functional server, mostly for small uses, not large ones....

[fatsheep]

You want to upgrade a 10+ year old server? I think you might have a hard time finding compatible parts...

[krazykarl]

Currently I have been using an old HP vectra( p3 1 ghz/256mb RAM/20gb HDD that saved from the dumpster at work as my server. For small loads, and running Fedora 5, it seems to run fine. Linux boxes are fairly good on older hardware if you are not running Xwindows. I would recomend setting it up and keeping it as a headless box. If you are running on a private network, you can probably get away with running raw telnet instead of SSH, it will save you a bit of power, not much, but on older boxes every little bit helps. If you are going to get any newer components I would suggest getting a newer hdd for the unit, I have noticed that linux boxes that are always on have this tendancy to crash and burn with even the smallest amounts of filesystem corruption. If you are looking for free parts, office dumpsters can be a great source of them, if you are willing to go through a dumpster. People throw out old machines that still work all the time. If you are looking for a PSU, an easy way to test it before you plug it in, is to run a paperclip from the green wire to a ground on the MB connector, it should start up as if you had it the power button (the green wire is the startup relay on ATX systems)

[fatsheep]

For older computers I've heard Xubuntu is really good. Since you're already familiar with Ubuntu you could try that out.

[PyrrhusIV]

You want to upgrade a 10+ year old server? I think you might have a hard time finding compatible parts...

umm... no I am taking a couple useful parts out of a 10 year old computer and 7 year computer. Things like HDD's, CD-DVD Drives, Sound-Cards, Fans etc. I want to know what I should get (cheap) for A Processor, Mobo, PSU, and RAM. Basically, cheap parts that would run a cheap server, meant for basic server stuff... not intense stuff.

[PyrrhusIV]

hmm, I may need to update the topic tomorrow. I found a bunch of servers at my workplace, most seem fairly old, but I think I found one about 5-6 years. If it is that old, then I can probably use it fairly easily, or upgrade it much easier.

Will get back later....