Spare parts.. setting up another server
 

Well, I just came across a boatload of spare used old computer parts and want some ideas on how to maximize my resources. Any ideas are welcome.

Basically I want to split the services I offer from my Linux server so everything isnt on one box. Currently all my server dependent services are on one server.

Motherboards (Can't really tell brands):
AT Socket7 Board
AT / ATX Socket7 Board (yes, has both)
ATX Board
ATX Socket8 Board (1 cpu)

CPUs:
Pentium 120
Cyrix 300+
AMD K6 333
Pentium Pro 180
Pentium Pro 200

Miscellaneous:
AT Midtower Case
4 Floppy drives
1 CD ROM
2 NICS
1 2.1 GB IDE Drive

Any ideas on what to do with all this stuff? I would like to run some Linux servers of course, and do have needs for a dedicated mail server, and maybe a freesco router if a few more nics were purchased. Just wondering what y'all would do with the stuff.

I'd build the PPro 200 (I assume its already in one m/b) with the CD, 2FD's, a NICs, the case and disk. you need to buy RAM though.

You know that you don't have enough stuff listed here for more than one machine don't you? Actually, you could have another machine built that boots and runs from floppy, but again you need RAM and you might want a case for it (but maybe not)

Ya, I know there is only enough for merely one computer complete, but I wanted to try and maximize the use of the stuff while spending a least amount of money to get the needed parts. It's kind of like a puzzle that I was interested in how others would solve. Se keep hitting me with IDEAS!!

For the server, although i'd be hard pressed between the AMD and the Pentium Pro, i'd end up agreeing with fatgod on the PP200. It's a fantastic chip for serving even though it's seemingly slower than a 333, it'll perform better all the same, as well, use the atx board for better compatibility. You seem to have everything you need for 'one' full system outside of needing ram. I'd get a switch so you don't need to buy another mouse, keyboard and monitor. Throwing 512 megs of ram into that machine would be good and only cost about 150$ at MOST for pc66 speed memory (i assume it's not a 100 or 133 mghz board). That's what i'd do. You can play with the ram to get cheaper prices, like going 256megs etc ...

The PPro probably uses EDO, which the upshot is that its cheaper than pc66, just getting harder and harder to find. I've got a pair of machines like that doing big jobs. It also looks like your a case, some RAM and a HD away from a second machine.

Offhand, what you can't immediately use, sit on. These kids aren't worth spending real money on, but if you were lucky enough to get one lot of stuff, you'll probably get another pile soon. I know my closet of gear seems to have a revolving door.

Cheers,

Finegan

LOL, that is so true finegan. All my buddies who are into computers have stockpiles of their old stuff they have sitting in their closets or garages. I used to be that way then got into crunching work units for Seti@Home. Then all my spare parts turned into computers sitting there crunching seti. Then I figured if they are just gonna sit there crunching seti, may as well use them for useful things for myself as well. That's how all these servers came into being. The best part about it is I can't even tell they are crunching seti when using them for sendmail or apache. Sure some days it takes forever to crunch a work unit due to high server use by clients, but since I have the seti client using the cpu ONLY when it is idle, no one ever knows that the computer is never idle.

Thanks for the ideas guys. I will continue to look for some more spare parts from friends. Who knows, I may stumble upon exactly what I need.

Hey, if you've got spare parts, and your friends have spare parts, swap an extra m/b for that case and RAM you need to build a second pc. With spare parts (and a little searching on e-bay), I've built two complete servers (ok, so they're mostly crunching Seti workunits and giving me a Linux playground ;) for my LAN.