Hmm.What to do with this Desktop?

[kev7274]

Hey guys,
I picked up a used (very good condition) Compaq Presario SR5433WM for the total of $40. I think is was a good deal.
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...portFAQ&prodSeriesId=3686675&prodTypeId=12454

I want to use it as a Nas,but I'm not sure if it's too much,not enough,etc. I wasn't expecting much when I got it,but I'm surprised as to what I actually got. You can check the specs in the link and I have gotten some of the basic info from it also.

1.Intel Pentium Dual CPU [email protected]
2.64 Bit Win 7 Pro (Upgraded)
3.2gb Ram
4.Ati Radeon HD 2600XT Video Card (Upgraded)
5. Realtek RT8101E Pci-E Fast ethernet nic
6.Seagate Barracuda 7200
7.Msi Boston MB,Intel Chipset,Southbridge Intel 82801

I know that the network cards needs to be replaced and possibly more ram. I am thinking about getting a couple of new hard drives because I don't want to wipe the current one since it has Win 7 pro on it.

So,what do you think? Upgrades,recommendations,etc.

 

[thiggins]

It should be fine for file sharing once you put a Gigabit Ethernet card in it. As long as you don't mind the power consumption, size, heat and noise, that is.

 

[kev7274]

It should be fine for file sharing once you put a Gigabit Ethernet card in it. As long as you don't mind the power consumption, size, heat and noise, that is.

Yes,the noise is a little LOUD. It's in another room so,it's not really a big deal I guess. As for power comsuption,I'm not sure how I would check that?
I figured it would give me a chance to play with the free Nas programs until I get an actual NAS box.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Power Useage

The simplest way to check power usage is to buy a Kill A Watt meter and plug your NAS computer into it and see how may KW it uses in a day.

Should be able to find this meter at a local hardware, Home Depot etc. for $30.

 

[kev7274]

The simplest way to check power usage is to buy a Kill A Watt meter and plug your NAS computer into it and see how may KW it uses in a day.

Should be able to find this meter at a local hardware, Home Depot etc. for $30.

I'll do that.
I just got through playing with one of the free Nas programs and it was blah,blah,blah. Guess the demos of the Synology and Qnap interfaces have spoiled me. Guess I'll try a few more and see how they are.

It looks like I have a couple of free pci-e slots,so I'm going to go with a pci-e ethernet card.

What kind of numbers should I be looking for? What is high and what is ok?

 

[coxhaus]

You might think about Microsoft Home Server 2011. Newegg has it for $35.00. It is very reliable and Microsoft provides all the updates automatically.

I would replace the Ethernet card with a true Intel card first before the install. It would be easier.

 

[kev7274]

Since I'm shopping for hard drives,what about a raid card?

 

[coxhaus]

If you get a RAID card get one with a CPU so it can do the parity processing on the card and not off load it to the main CPU. I like and run true Intel RAID cards but I also now only buy and run true Intel motherboards.

 

[moosport]

A decent UPS will track your power usage too. I installed one which has 6 devices connected to it including my main server running multiple VMs.
I was pleasantly surprise by the power which is under 2kW per day.