Server Plans

Author: jawapro
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 09:22 PM




 

Ok, well strange as it may seem, there are still a few people out there that I haven’t told what exactly I’m planning to do with this server. So for their benefit, here is a short list of my plans regarding building myself a server.

Well, when I was at the last Axon LAN, I played some games and did some leeching (File Sharing) as per normal. But I got annoyed that I couldn’t do both at once. If you’re leeching (or more to the point, being leeched from), your system is normally getting hammered and can’t handle anything else.

So the solution is to have two systems. One to play games on, and the other to be your file server. The guy sitting two seats up from me at the LAN had the biggest file server there, with about 1.5 Terabytes or something huge.

So I decided to rebuild myself a server. I used to have one (called Mara) but it died of a sudden motherboard failure about 6 months ago.

So I want to build myself a new Mara. Well, I could easily find another PC, call it Mara – and be done with it.

But, being a geek, I decided to do more than that.

So I wanted a server that would look like a server. And this case fits that description. Only a geek would think that carting around such a huge computer would be cool, but that’s me.

Anyway – I could throw a motherboard, cpu, etc, and a heap of harddrives in here and call it finished. But I’m a little more adventurous than that this time. I’ve never done much in the way of case mods before – but this time I’ve decided to aim high.

Now there’s a problem with having a server at a LAN. You either need to lug around an extra screen and keyboard and things, or you need to swap between you game pc and server whenever you want to see what the servers doing. Not good.

You can also use Remote Desktop or something similar – but that’s not the best solution. Mainly because the network link will be being hammered, so the remote desktop probably won’t work terribly well. And besides, you want to be able to glance at the server while you’re still playing games – not going back to Windows and loading up a remote desktop session.

So my dream is to make this server self-contained. It’ll contain it’s own screen, keyboard, etc. All it will need is a power cable, and a network connection.

Now, the easiest and cheapest way to do that, is to use a laptop. So that’s my plan. Find a slightly decent laptop cheap, and mount it INTO the case. With a hatch at the top so you can access it.

Now, it will still have to access the server using Remote Desktop, but it’ll use a separate network card, so it gets full speed from that card.

So that means there’s a lot of cutting, and mounting work to be done to get the laptop in there and working.

And just to make things trickier, I’m also considering adding a UPS (battery) so it’ll survive those annoying power outages when someone accidentally unplugs the power for half the room.

And I’m also considering adding a small Gigabyte switch, so it can support a small LAN all on it’s own.

Those two depend largely on space, heat, and cost. But that’s my dream.

Plus I plan to paint it and add some nice touches to the exterior to make it look cooler (which it does pretty well on its own anyway).

And what’s with the dinosaurs on the top of the case in the photo? Well, they are the official mascots of this server project. They just arrived from ebay, which might explain why they look a little jet-lagged.

So my first step is to find myself a laptop, so I can work out how to mount it and how much space I’ll have left for everything else.

Might have to wait a few weeks until my ban account recovers from the big Camera spend-up though…..





Comments: 22

 

Comment: 1

Author: Nifen
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:18 PM




Personally. i wouldn´t bother putting another screen in. Yes sounds great, but its money wasted specialy as you won´t even put 4 22 inch screens in your car pfff.

Why don´t you buy a KVM pull the thing out of its box, and build a new box for it. Then have it mounted on the back of the pc. (well inside the pc, with ports showing on the back.) mount each motherboard further in. Give it about 4 cm´s room befor the end of the case. And plug the KVM into the ports needed.

Then use USB off ether another PCI slot card (cheaper to buy) and or the KVM.

Graphics card can be mounted further in as well, Make a new bracket which runs along the inside of the case, Use aluminum frame to hold in place the new PCI slots. Or cut out a cheaper case and weld that to the inside.
Then everything can be plugged straight into the KVM on the outside, giving you a totally clean finish for plugs. If there are other plugs that you need but aren’t on a KVM. Build extensions for each part and link them together next to each other. Doing this wouldn’t take long and would mean you could put the ports anywhere, instead of just in the same boring place.
This would mean you can use a Dremal and drill out the back panel replacing it with a sleep shiny finish on the back, showing only the new ports which you’ve placed for the KVM and other ports. If you need help building this stuff, simply done. I can even make new power cables for you :)

Maybe instead of painting the whole thing, you should rework the front of the case, removing the plastic which is there and installing a aluminum front cover. this is good as you can polish it for a shiny finish. The sides can be done the same or you can ether paint or put a venier over it. these can look rather nice. When cutting holes in the case, make sure you mark out the edges and file them back, otherwise it will look fairly errm... well just erm...

Let me know if you want help, i am going to be back in a couple of months i recon anyway.

 

Comment: 2

Author: Nifen
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:19 PM




oh one more thing, even if you think you can smooth it up later. Dont make a mess. I find 90% of the time, i make a mess of something, mistake or something else, I think yes no problems this can be fixed later. BUT it never looks quite as good.

Plan it first, plan it well, Do templates for each item, paper templates on painting and for cutting. mount these before making any effort in painting or cutting. These will give you a good guide line and is much easier to clean off after. I find pen and lead on a case doens´t come off very well after, paint also doesn´t stick to it very well.

 

Comment: 3

Author: jawapro
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:19 PM




Dont worry - planning everything before I start.

I thought of KVMs - but I prefer the idea of using a laptop. I could make use of a laptop occasionally when I go travelling etc, so I´ll make it removable (probably by mounting a Docking Port inside the case).

Still not sure what I´ll do regarding the look of the case. Although it doesnt look bad, I dont want any clear windows so you can see inside. That sort of thing has been done way too often.

But I´ m still thinking of ideas, and I havent ruled anything out completely yet.

And a negative of the KVM idea is that I´d have to have the server and my PC within cable reach of each other. If they are seperate, then it means the server could end up sitting on the main switch, while I´m over on a normal table with my game machine.

Still thinking though.

 

Comment: 4

Author: Nifen
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:20 PM




yes that is true. You can´t keep them together. But i think thats the whole point. Maybe even better. maybe you can have it clip together all ports connect. But i think that could be quite tricky. I recon i could do that my self, but i´ve been making cables quite a lot, and find it rather easy to wire up annoying plugs. I´d say if you haven´t done it, it might be just a total pain in the ass.

I think KVM is a good idea though, i´m actually starting to think, how great an idea that is, Maybe i´ll sort this out but instead of buying another large pc, i thought of putting a really small case together with USB drives attached, or something mounted inside.

The idea i gave you, would look the best i belive. I kind of thought the whole case was one though, not 2 cases which clipped together. Shame really.

I´m thinking of some idea´s my self. But i´ll have something plug into my current computer for power, and have it access the network. Its a very good idea to have something else for leeching.

Then again i buy most of my games now.

New list of games. all real.

ones off top of my head that is.

battlefield 2142
Half life 2
x3
king kong
shadowrun
neverwinter knights 2
myst 5
oh gosh, can´t remember the rest, loads more i lent out and never got any back!

 

Comment: 5

Author: Nifen
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:20 PM




just had a quick thought, screw all those idea´s simple way. Stick in a LightsOut card. This would mean that you won´t need any monitor. you can even access the pc while its turned off.

second hand ones are cheap!

 

Comment: 6

Author: Nifen
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:21 PM




I think i´ve sorted out my idea for extra storage.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Compaq-iPAQ-Mini-PC-Tower-P3-PIII-1-0-GHz-256MB-20GB_W0QQitemZ190143692478QQihZ009QQcategoryZ179QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This thing is quite decent, so i´ll buy that i think. then just stick in a bigger hard drive and some USB devices. In my main machine i only have 1 hard drive. so the case is quite light.

 

Comment: 7

Author: jawapro
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:21 PM




At one stage I wanted to buy one of those Compaqs too. They are very small, and I thought they looked cool.

I dont know much about LightsOut cards - but from what I saw in a quick google, they are web based admin tools for computers that replace the graphics card. Do they actually show what´s on the screen?

And what gave you the idea that this was two cases bolted together? Its not, it´s a server case. But the motherboard is mounted in the centre of the case, so you get about the same space as a normal PC on either side of it.

It´s definatly not two PCs bolted together. Although that was my backup plan if I couldnt get this one.

And no, I havent done much case modding or anything before, so I´m going to take it easy and see what I can manage. But I still want it to come with its own screen/mouse/keyboard. So the only real question is wether I attach a laptop, or an LCD, keyboard, and mouse directly. That would mean I see whats on the server no matter what (which is good if there´s an error on boot) but it´d take up more space, and I wouldnt have a laptop to use when I go travelling. So I´m still deciding - but I think a laptop is the way to go if I can get a nice small one like my Dads.

 

Comment: 8

Author: omnimors
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:21 PM




That is an ambitious project. I understand the desire to have a laptop, but I think I would take the LCD/Keyboard approach...it´s cheaper and probably easier to make fit.

As for the cutting/drilling and what not I have a proverb: measure twice; cut once.

 

Comment: 9

Author: jawapro
Date: Tue 21/08/2007 10:22 PM




Yes, it would be cheaper - but not heaps (I´m not planning on getting a very good laptop).

If I wasnt getting a laptop - I´d go with an inbuilt monitor and keyboard instead rather than Nifen´s KVM approach. But hey, that´s just me.

Unfoutuantly a laptop is smaller than most LCDs I´ve found anyway (in thickness) plus they normall have cables poking straight out the back - increasing the thickness significantly, which means I´d be making the depth of my ´hatch´ rather deep. And that´ll get in the way of the motherboard. A Laptop is pretty thin, and the cables wont be such an issue.

If I was using a montior, I could mount it on the side of the case rather than the top - but that´s what Klutz is planning to do with his case I think, and I´d rather be a little different.

On another note - I think this might be one of the longest threads I´ve had on my blog. Only posted last night and I´ve had 9 or so comments now. Sweet!

 

Comment: 10

Author: turkeybrain
Date: Wed 22/08/2007 10:22 PM




And I haven´t commented yet, well, that was before this went live, but that is so not the point!

I tend to agree with Jawapro that the KVM isn´t a good idea. I can´t actually understand what you are trying to do, but the laptop concept makes much more sense. I think a dock would be a superb way of doing it. Make it so the top of the dock is flush with the top of the case. It would mean the lappy would stick up a little, but it would also make things a lot easier.

Oh, and for your information, this post was typed on the computer I scored out of the case deal.

 

Comment: 11

Author: jawapro
Date: Wed 22/08/2007 10:22 PM




I think the Dock is the way to go (which makes sense, as I was the one who suggested it). But I plan to put it slightly lower, so there can be a hatch over the top of the whole laptop section.

Why? Well, so if the laptop isnt there, its not just a stupid hole, and if the laptop is there, but not being used, I´ll be able to lock the hatch in place to slow people down who might like to steal it. I already need to replace two locks on the case that dont have keys, so I can get an extra one for here.

Plus I think if the top of the case is less broken up, it´ll look better.

And that Netvista you got off me seemed like a very nice machine - except for it´s shockingly noisy CPU fan. You should be able to replace that though.

 

Comment: 12

Author: jawapro
Date: Wed 22/08/2007 10:23 PM




Hmm... Been looking at laptops on ebay and that´s not too bad. I can get a very nice laptop for around $500. Which is more than I´d want to spend on a monitor/keyboard/mouse setup, but it also means I get a laptop to cart around when I´m going somewhere.

But the problem is docking stations. They are huge!

Dad´s old P3 laptop has a nice docking station thats increases the height of the laptop only slightly - but it seems that most of the newer laptops have docking stations that end up almost doubling the height. On a desk that´s not a problem, but when I´m trying to sink it into my case, it´s more of an issue.

The easy sollution is just to plug the network cable into the laptop when I put it in, instead of using the docking station - but it´s not as tidy. And means I need another way of hold the laptop steady (the docking station would do that if it was mounted to the case). Neither are terribly huge problems - just more to think about. Sigh...

 

Comment: 13

Author: turkeybrain
Date: Wed 22/08/2007 10:36 PM




I actually think the whole plug the network cable thing in may work well. It is definitley simple, and it won´t take up too much room depending on the lappy you buy. Perhaps you could knock up some brackets that were screwed in place and held the lappy when you put it in. Maybe two running each direction under the lappy so it wouldn´t fall out.

That would also make the cabling easy as well, cos it would be as simple as pulling the lappy out and taking the cables out, or the other way round. And make it so the brackets are deep enough so you can have the hinged lid (hint hint) come down and lock into postion over the lappy for security. I do understand why you would go for that. LAN parties can be dangerous places for hardware, especially when its right over the other side of the room next to the switch.

Although I do have to say a thin docking station would probably be a better option, but you will still have to do something similar to hold that in place anyway. Its just what the cables connect to that changes.

And it appears you enjoy thinking if you took on a project like this!

 

Comment: 14

Author: jawapro
Date: Wed 22/08/2007 10:41 PM




Definatly a hinged hatch Turkey - that´s a given.

The other thing about a docking station is they normally come with their own power cable. If I plug the cables in manually - I´ll still want a 2nd power cable for the laptop, so I dont have to pull it out of the server each time I take the laptop away. Unless I have the cable tucked up besides the laptop with a power point right there... Possible I guess. I was intending on having it attached to the case more permantly. As in needing to take the side off the case to get the power cable out - and I wouldnt want to have to do that to take the laptop for a walk.

So I´m still thinking. And still enjoying it so far. It´s a break from dreaming about Stikfas figures - which is the other thing I´ve been day-dreaming about lately.

 

Comment: 15

Author: jawapro
Date: Thu 23/08/2007 12:44 PM




Currently I'm considering a Dell D400 or a HP NC4000. Both are small 12" screen laptops. Neither have optical drives built in, which is why they can be so small. And the specs arnt bad for the price really either.

IBM laptops look ugly, and I dont like Acer - so these look like the best choices. And at the moment I'm leaning towards the HP.

Any thoughts?

 

Comment: 16

Author: turkeybrain
Date: Thu 23/08/2007 09:23 PM




Yeah, where can I find a spec sheet to give you an opinion?

 

Comment: 17

Author: jawapro
Date: Thu 23/08/2007 09:24 PM




http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HP-NC4000-LAPTOP-NOTEBOOK-CENTRINO-PM-1-4GHz-40GB-512_W0QQitemZ110160351161QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3711QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DELL-Latitude-D400-laptop-P-M-1-7GHz-512MB-40GB-12in-XP_W0QQitemZ190142868939QQihZ009QQcategoryZ130753QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here´s some Ebay links - or you could resort to using Google.

 

Comment: 18

Author: turkeybrain
Date: Fri 24/08/2007 12:35 PM




Too lazy to do anything like that!

I would personally go for the Dell, purely because it doesn´t have an ATI graphics card. This is a totally biased opinion, and I wouldn´t look past this personally. I didn´t even bother checking other specs!

I hate ATI?

And now I have checked over the specs, I stand by that choice with more than pure bias for my reason. I don´t particularly like the look of the Dell (the HP is a stack better looking), but for bang for your bucks the Dell is significantly better. It has a better proc, the same HDD and RAM, and it IS smaller. Something I imagine you would like a lot. And it doesn´t have an ATI. I would prefer an Nvidia graphics card, but go Intel over ATI, especially if you plan on installing ANY form of Linux (which you should do without question) on it. Although you would be VERY lucky to get Beryl (also known as Compiz or previously AIGLX, or for the uninitiated "desktop effects") running on it. But you get open source drivers that acually work under Linux, unlike the tryhard ATI stuff.

Did I mention I hate ATI?

 

Comment: 19

Author: jawapro
Date: Fri 24/08/2007 12:36 PM




Here´s another review. Basically it compares the HP and Dell offering, and has good sides for both. The Dell was cheaper (and seems to be cheaper on Ebay too) but most other things are in HP´s favor.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/47250/hp-compaq-nc4000-dg244.html

And I dont hate ATI. And I doubt I´ll run Linux on the laptop. Not that I´ve got anything against Linux, and would quite possibly run it on the server - but for a laptop I expect I´ll use Windows. And the gigabyte networking is a plus.

 

Comment: 20

Author: turkeybrain
Date: Fri 24/08/2007 06:24 PM




Hang on, I thought the Dell had the better proc and Gigabit, not the HP. Apart from the fact the HP was a 13", I thought the Dell specs were all in its favour. Well, if you didn´t want to run Linux (as if you wouldn´t!)the HP may be better in the graphics department, but if you ever want to run Linux, go for ANYTHING but ATI.

And if you do want to run games on it, I really wouldn´t, as it hit only 1,200 in 3DMark 2001. It doesn´t even come close to the specs required for ´06, but I don´t know if it would for an older version than that.

I´d still go for the Dell, though, but it could just be because I would never buy anything with an ATI in it. Of course, this obviously isn´t an issue for you.

My opinion.

 

Comment: 21

Author: klutz
Date: Sat 25/08/2007 12:26 AM




I think the idea is to use it purely as a VNC or Remote Desktop client and just beable to take it out for the occasional time jawa might need a word processor or a oldschool game on the road.... anyway, this project sounds really awesome. I gotta work on my site after i've done the gallery. Then i'll start blogging my new budget gaming box mods.

 

Comment: 22

Author: Nifen
Date: Tue 04/09/2007 09:08 PM




pc arrived, sorry to say rob, the motherboard is totally customized. you´d need a werid looking shaped motherboard to fit in that case.

also, no pci slots. soo i´ll have to work with what i´ve got. but its decent for sure.

256 meg ram and PIII 1000mhz.

not bad for 25 pounds. thats like 5 lunch meals here. not bad at all!

i think i´ve worked out how to build the case with out needing a huge lab to do it.

Also will be lit, except only some of it. soo its unlikely to look crap.

ok off to another site so talk later :)