Book Server - Volume 2 Project

return to Projects

Purpose:

The original Book Server was built in July 2007 and has worked very well with Windows Home Server. With the release of Intel's Atom 330 dual core processor, low cost and fast motherboard / processor package brought forth new capabilities for the Book Server.

The original Book Server used a Jetway motherboard containing a 2GHz Via C7 processor. The motherboard supported up to 1 GB RAM and required an add-on board to get gigabit ethernet. The Book Server was upgraded to the Intel D945GCLF2 motherboard which has an Intel Atom 330 1.6 Ghz dual core processor. The board supports up to 2 GB DDR2-667 memory and has built-in gigabit ethernet. More information on the Intel D945GCLF2 and Atom can be found here (PDF).

Parts:

• Intel D945GCLF2 Mini-ITX motherboard with Atom 330, 1.6 GHz (dual core) processor
• 2 gig DDR2-667 RAM
• picoPSU-120C-DC ATX PSU
• Power adapter: AC-DC 12V, 5A Switching Power Adapter (110/220V)
• Seagate Momentus 5400.3, 100 gig 2.5" PATA laptop hard-drive
• Adapter for SATA to eSATA.
• ANTEC Veris external e-SATA enclosure with Seagate 750 GB drive X2
• Please refer to Book Server article for more information on the case.

The motherboard was also installed into a Mini-Box.com's M300 mini-ITX enclosure for comparison.

Procedure:

1. A second fan hole had to be cut into the Book Server case due to increased heat from the new board as compared with the Via C7. A fan was placed at the new opening. The front air duct is just for airflow. The original motherboard was removed from the Book Server and the new Intel motherboard installed.

2. The Book Server case was too small to install the eSATA backplane, so the cables were removed from the backplane and fastened into the case:

3. The connections were double checked and the system powered up. The two holes in the case will be dressed up with a cover to better conceal them from view. One Veris drive enclosure is used as a second data drive for Windows Home Server and the second Veris is used as a WHS USB backup drive. Please refer to the Windows Home Server articles for more information.

The ventilaiton holes were covered with a plastic grommet with a plastic mesh inside to keep dust and insects out.

4. For comparison of the cooling and installation, the board was also installed into the M300 case. The case was a tight fit for the motherboard and had one small 40mm fan installed. The case itself was made for embedded systems so it was not meant to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly like in a testing environment.

A eSATA backplane was added to the case to allow connection of the ANTEC eSATA drive.

Chapter 2 - Final Assembly and Testing (click here)

Terracode copyright 2008