OT: Lowest-power small server solutions

[Scott Stevens]

On Tue, 01 Nov 2005 14:18:00 -0500
Allison <ajp166 at bellatlantic.net> wrote:

> >
> >Subject: Re: OT:  Lowest-power small server solutions
> >   Date: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 16:09:01 +0000
> >     To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
> >
> >Chuck Guzis wrote:
> >> This may be appropriate for another list, but it seems to me that there's
> >> plenty of applicable knowledge here.
> >> 
> >> Right now, we're using an older Compaq Deskpro P3-600 box as our incoming
> >> Linux server.  Basically, it connects with the DSL modem and contains IP
> >> masquerading, DNS caching, firewall and fetchmail/procmail/qmail tasks
> >> (SpamAssassin included).  It runs 24x7 with no problem, as it has for the
> >> last 5 or 6 years.  Built like a tank.
> 
> I wonder if you even need a P200 for that.  I used to manage a
> networks that had a 486dx/66 doing all but SpamaAssassin. For the rate it 
> had to handle on the DSL port (actually fractional T1 256kb/S) it never 
> seemed to be working hard. The PS in it was only 200W and nowhere was
> it ever stressed.  It's claim to fame was running at room temp over a 
> weekend in the summer with both PS and CPU fan siezed without melting
> or even getting upset.
> 
> Also an older 500mb-1gb drive will use less power than a newer fast 
> spinning drive. Or better yet netboot it and only keep a floppy. Pull
> all the IO you don't need and run the video at 640x480x256 as a further 
> power reduction. Use a monitor (or KVM switch) as you don't need
> a monitor save to check on it. 
> 

I am in the middle of replacing the battery in a NVRAM on a Sparc IPC that I plan to use as a router/firewall.  I bought a retail copy (gotta support the effort every few years by doing so) of OpenBSD that's now running on it.  The small 'lunchbox' Sparcs are perfect for such a role, with a second ethernet port on an SBUS card.  It's a rather light-duty Sparc, but by running on a fairly foreign architecture instead of a common Intel box I'll miss out on all but the most determined crackers.

Any suggestions of a better battery (cheaper, mostly) to 'strap on' to Sun NVRAMs?  I am going to use AAA lithiums on this machine, which should last forever, but they're a bit pricey.

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