I am thinking about buying an older pc, but I want to get one powerful enough for my needs. I want to setup a server for myself, to get some of the things off of my primary pc. I plan on running Debian lenny with apache2, mysql 5. I might also use this pc to record a couple of radio shows using Mplayer and converting the wav files (3 a day) to .ogg files, then playing them on whichever other pc I am on at the time. The web server is only for me, I use it to test things and to experiment.
So, my question is how fast of a processor should I get? How about RAM, what do you think would be enough? I was thinking a Pentium II or III about 500 Mhz to 750 Mhz should be fine. I will be running this with no GUI, most likely with no monitor, I'll just SSH into it or maybe use NFS.

Well, a good, proven, fast processor is always a good idea (and, unless you're doing heavy arithmetic, why not a Celeron -- they run a [little] cooler and are pretty much just as fast as the Pentium in most every way). 500MHz to 750Mhz ought to do the job, and you can never ever have too much RAM so, what the heck, throw a gig in there while you're at it. There are probably more than a few Gateways or Dells floating around for dirt cheap with that kind of hardware in them, maybe you'd even get lucky and find one with a SATA drive instead of IDE. I've run an old Gateway (300MHz Celeron, 500M) doing pretty much what you're talking about with good success but I'd rather have a 750MHz or faster processor to keep if from stumbling over its own feet...

With barebones systems starting at $100 at newegg (pentium D). I do not know how much money I would be sticking into older hardware. I would probably look at updating my current system and then using it as your server.

I still run my PIII 1GHz with 768mb(FC4 with GUI). It runs daily tasks ok. My X2 3800 is much faster on cpu intensive tasks, but I do not notice much difference in web browsing.

Well, my current system is plenty computer for me, no need to update. I just stopped in at one of those computer repair shops and the guy said he could get something like I mentioned above for me for about $25. So I figure that might be a good way to go.

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep those things in mind.

Tough to beat $25.

My server is a dual PIII 700 that I collected over a number of years. It has sort of evolved. It is more than enough for my needs. It runs mysql, apache2, slimserver for by squeeze box, and a load of other stuff. You don't need to go overboard for a server. It worked just as well when it was dual PIII 550. See what you can find, it might be worth looking for a computer recycling place if you have them near you.

Cheers,
Phil