WXforum.net

Miscellaneous Debris => Tech Corner => Topic started by: 92merc on August 18, 2011, 03:49:09 PM

Title: Low Power PC
Post by: 92merc on August 18, 2011, 03:49:09 PM

I remember quite a few discussions on using low power PC's.  You think I can find that thread now?  Of course not!  I remember someone having a link to some "build it yourself" PC's with external power supplies.

What I want to do is make my own Smoothwall firewall PC instead of the old Linksys box.  So I'll need at least one PCI slot for a second NIC.  With built in NIC, all I need then is a hard drive slot.

Thanks guys...

Title: Re: Low Power PC
Post by: Cynjut on August 18, 2011, 06:44:07 PM

I've starting investigating low-voltage, low-power ITX computers.

I have one here on my desk that's working as a dual-GB/sec Network Attached Storage device with 2Terabytes of storage and 8Gig of RAM.  It's six inches on a side and maybe a foot deep - runs off of a 12v "wall wart" power supply.

I've using NetBSD as the operating system (with NFS and SAMBA) as well as a couple other programs to make it accessible from the network.

Seems to me the whole thing was under $500 (I think the CPU was probably the most expensive part).

Title: Re: Low Power PC
Post by: ed2kayak on August 18, 2011, 09:18:25 PM

Try this:
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=12274.0

Title: Re: Low Power PC
Post by: 92merc on August 19, 2011, 09:39:23 AM

I did finally find what I was looking for.  http://www.mini-box.com/site/index.html

Problem is, those boxes are more expensive than I thought and don't have enough PCI slots. I'm just as good off going to Dell's outlet store and buying a basement bargain mini tower.  Power would be more.  But the money I save over a low power machine would pay for the electricity I'm using.  Plus I'd have more versatility.