Network/Mini Server Build

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Creator:
hfuller
Status:
Planning
Born On:
15:15, 23 May 2016 (CDT)
Last Updated:
14:36, 28 June 2016 (CDT)

Overview

This documents the build of a mini-PC (Intel NUC-style) "server" build for the shop. The shop has been running on donated surplus workstation-grade gear, but I've decided to go down this path for several reasons...

  • A barebones mini PC is inexpensive.
  • There is a low amount of power drawn and heat produced.
  • The cooling is passive, so dust buildup is less of a concern.
  • My workplace has been playing with using fleets of mini PCs in wiring closets as performance sensors (via the perfSONAR Toolkit), with promising results. So I have some experience in this.

Parts list

Additionally, ATX power supplies from existing shop stock will be used to power everything. We could use the PSUs the gear ships with, but it's much less efficient and makes cabling more complex.

Crowd Funding

  • Tyler - unspecified - pledged
  • Daniel - unspecified - pledged
  • ctag - $20 - pledged
  • Jeff - $20 - Paid to Makers Local (24 Jun 2016 via check) - awaiting reimbursement
  • phil - $20 - received (23 May 2016 at 11:22 via SqC)
  • Kinsey - $20 - received (23 May 2016 at 11:21 via SqC)
  • Anonymous - unspecified - pledged (24 May 2016 at 15:23 via IRC)

Plan

Each box will be on a 2U rack shelf. This should allow enough room to also put one or two HDDs in trays, as well as an ATX power supply that can power all of that stuff.

Progress