Fujitsu PRIMERGY MX130 S2 Server System AMD Sempron 145 2.8GHz Single-Core 2GB 250GB SATA III HD 3.5" 7.2K RPM VFY:M1302SX010US $150

Would this be alright as a lightly used Database server?

Quote from thisboyshouts : Would this be alright as a lightly used Database server?

It's perfect for it. It has 4 memory slots, runs quiet and cool and relatively powerful for its size. Throw 16gb of cheap ddr3 memory, an SSD or two and possible a 2tb green drive and you are good to go.

Better that a NAS is some senses . . . 4 3.5" drive bays, add an optical drive, and very fast transfer speeds. Think I'll pick one up just in case, to tinker with or something!

is the CPU somewhat weak for a multiple purpose server, such as NAS, etc.?

does it take 4x8gb DDR3?
i would like to build a esx

i have this. no the cpu isn't too weak for nas purposes, quite the opposite actually.

However, some quirks: there is space for a slimline drive, but no way to safely attach it to the server. in the manual they mention some sort of add on so that the drive stays in but it's no where to be found, no way to buy it. not a big deal - i just frankenstein'd it with velcro and zipties.

no power cord. seriously, mine (brand new and from newegg) didn't come with one. no biggie they are cheap.

memory sticks need to be "fujitsu approved" otherwise you will get a screen warning EVERY TIME YOU STARTUP THE MACHINE. there is no way to turn it off (that i've found), and it requires you to "Press Any Key" EVERY TIME. super annoying. I got an extra 2 GB ECC ram from newegg.

it's loud. the front fan is not inaudible, unlike what it claims.

if you are installing 4 sata drives, you will need 1 extra sata cable, not a big deal.

if i had to do it over again, i would pay $100 extra for the hp n40l microserver ( i have one already, but needed another server.) much better support and easier to setup IMO.

Quote from groundhogdaze : It's perfect for it. It has 4 memory slots, runs quiet and cool and relatively powerful for its size. Throw 16gb of cheap ddr3 memory, an SSD or two and possible a 2tb green drive and you are good to go.

Quote from nicessgg : is the CPU somewhat weak for a multiple purpose server, such as NAS, etc.?

ECC memory - not sure if it's mandatory for this mb. 16GB (4x4gb) ECC udimms runs above $100.

If the NAS requires more powerful processor than AMD Sempron 145 than there is something wrong with your setup.

The only review I found that gives the inside of S2 is a two-part video on youtube, in japanese:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdTlJc5H5aM
If 3 drives are stacked on one side of the case at the front area, it may be very close to each other and produce extra heat. I couldn't tell if there are fans at the front panel though.

ECC memory is NOT required according to the manual. My unit is quiet and did come with a power cord. I installed Ubuntu server on it and it seems to run quite well with the stock 2GB RAM. I plan to upgrade the RAM when I find a deal.

It is a low profile chassis. So if you plan to add any additional cards, they will need to be low profile.

Quote from wbuhrman : ECC memory is NOT required according to the manual. My unit is quiet and did come with a power cord. I installed Ubuntu server on it and it seems to run quite well with the stock 2GB RAM. I plan to upgrade the RAM when I find a deal. It is a low profile chassis. So if you plan to add any additional cards, they will need to be low profile.

no ecc is not required, but with my uptime i went with ecc. however, i can almost guarantee that you will get the "Memory is not approved" message every time you start up if it's not ecc.

I have non-ecc installed on mine and do not get that warning. Maybe you have a BIOS setting on that warns on all errors?

Also, the FX-8100 works great in this machine. You can pick one up on ebay for dirt cheap.

Quote from sirfergy : I have non-ecc installed on mine and do not get that warning. Maybe you have a BIOS setting on that warns on all errors? Also, the FX-8100 works great in this machine. You can pick one up on ebay for dirt cheap.

checked bios, it's a no go. do you have the non ecc in position 1?

Quote from cgigate : does it take 4x8gb DDR3? i would like to build a esx

Good question. I've got several 1155 systems that run on 32gb no problem but have yet to try it on an AM3 system. You'll probably want to replace the CPU as it is only single core and that would really cramp ESX.

According to newegg, this is a quiet system: "85% efficient power supply unit, very silent (21dB in idle mode), great price-performance ratio.". This system is overkill for NAS but slightly anemic for ESX.