Keith's Windows Home Server Build

Note from Dave:  Re-publishing user submitted builds into the category BYOB Hardware/User Builds.  Access more at the top of the blog under category BYOB Hardware.

Here is the first of what I hope to be many home build submissions from listeners and readers.  I'll publish your list and also photos if you have them.  You can also write a description of your build, how the physical construction phase was, as well as the install.  The more info the better!  Hopefully I can get some of you on the show to discuss your build.

I'll set this up so we can discuss builds, drives, deals, external drives, mods, etc.  One thing I will leave out of the build that you will need to consider is the hard drive.  The prices fluctuate too much and people want to spend differently.  We can discuss drives in another post.

This build comes to us from Keith.  He has built this and will follow up on how everything is running.  I have a Newegg.com wish list setup for this build but, their wish-lists will not allow you to add a combo to the list.  The case and power supply are on a deal combo.  Click the CoolerMaster Case below and then scroll down a little bit.  The power supply will be on the bottom left side.  Total is $209.98 for the case and p/s.  Then, you can add the rest via a wish list.

Step 1.  Click this case.

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black Computer Case - $79.99

Step 2. Scroll down and find the $209.98 combo.  Add to cart.

Click this WishList to add the rest of these items listed below.

GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - $54.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000 2.6GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - $57

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Memory - $33.99

HP 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model 1035i - $21.99

Microsoft Windows Home Server 32 Bit 1 Pack (Power pack 1) - $94.99

Arctic Silver AA-1.75G Thermal Compound - $3.99

Total - $476.93 (hard drives not included)

Notes from the builder:

CoolerMaster RC690 - Nice case with lots of cooling, 90 degree hard drive access, dedicated HD fan, bottom mount power supply with bottom intake so power supply fans are never circulating case heat

PS: CoolerMaster RS700 - Silver rated for >85/90% efficiency for lower power consumption

Case and P/S combo package for the price.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2 - 6 SATA with RAID0/1 (in case I end up deciding on something other than WHS), integrated video, great price.

I didn't go ultra cheap since I wanted a really good case that was robust, easy to work on, and good cooling.  Also, I wanted high-efficiency on the big power hitters of the PSU and hard drives.

Note to Keith.  The RAM you submitted is no longer available so I chose a couple of good G.SKill sticks.  I threw in a DVD Burner and some Arctic Silver cause that's just what i do!

Keith also noted that you can download the trial WHS before purchasing but I put in the cost of the software so you can see the entire price.