Old motherboard improving.

[ddddanil]

So, I disassembled an old computer to check it out. I wanna make a file server from it. First thing I've spotted on the motherboard is.. OMG - SATA. 2 ports to be precise. It's excellent for my use. Later I've found 4 more SATA pins without ports (check out the down left corner). I couldn't find do they work. Can you help me, guys? If they do how can I solder them? Thanks in advance.

Hardware:

-Epox EP-8RDA+PRO motherboard.

[alexhelvetica]

Just because there is more sata traces doesn't mean they will do anything with a sata port is soldered to it.

 

[Lehti]

Agreed. Why bother with experimenting if you can get a cheap PCI raid controller and use that instead? 

[ddddanil]

So you mean they're useless? maybe it's like with amd's pheons, some broken ports or cores are blocked, but maybe 1 or 2 of them will work. I don't want to mess up anything so I'm asking here.

[Lehti]

You have no way of knowing if they will work or not if you don't try to solder a SATA plug in there. Maybe they will, most likely they won't. 

Not to mention, it's very easy to mess up with solders this tiny, that's why I suggested getting a separate raid controller. 

[ddddanil]

I'v just checked and they are cheaper than I thought. Thanks for help.

[Lehti]

You're welcome. Will you share your experience with us on this forum? I'd be interested to turn an old motherboard + processor I have into a file server. 

[ddddanil]

I'm thinking about it, Lethi.

Now I'm setting up software. Hope it won't fry from 24/7 work.

[Lehti]

1) your case looks prettier than mine;

2) if the power supply is halfway decent, you probably won't have any issues for a while. 

 

What processor is that, by the way? 

[ddddanil]

Thanks =).

PSU is a bit trickier. It has enough watts, but it's Noname_Chinese. It It was working great, but still it's 10 years old. Processor is AMD Athlon XP 1800+. Nice thing for its time. Btw do you know some tips for stable all-day computer work? This boy wasn't designed for that.

[Lehti]

A decent power supply (I'd recommend a 80+ Gold one, although they're a bit expensive) plus a good case airflow.

Depending on your CPU temps at idle, it'd be a good idea to replace the stock cooler, if you can find one compatible with your motherboard.

[ddddanil]

I improved my cooling in advance. Good CPU cooler, 2 rear fans, 1 on the top and 1 next to hard drives. I agree with you, good PSUs are expensive and I don't want to spend money on new components. I think I'll watch how it performs in the first week and then decide do I need a new power supply.

Do you think build log on that would be interesting?

[Lehti]

1 minute ago, ddddanil said:

Do you think build log on that would be interesting?

Of course it would be. I think some people may be interested in repurposing their old PCs to use them as small servers, especially professionals who work from home or small businesses.

[ddddanil]

Thank you. Now i'm sure I will do that.

btw I'm finishing my software installation. Looking forward to test it but not today.

[Lehti]

That's okay, take your time. I have notifications turned on, so I'll have a look at your log as soon as you publish it.

 

[ddddanil]

Here it is

Hope you enjoy it.