The Ubuntu LAMP server project - Part I - How to build a case

The story so far:

I thought of building myself a Ubuntu based LAMP server that works as a standalone (i.e. no keyboard/mouse/monitor) torrent downloader , file and ftp server...

Opted for a Celeron 420 (single core merom) , 512 MB RAM and a jetway micro ATX 945 mobo as the core parts (I know it is performance overkill for a LAMP server, but the celeron has a tdp of 35W and is fairly cheap anyway)

Now to setup the whole box, I obviously am going to need a small case...

Constraints:

- Cannot look like a PC box...the lady would kill me if she sees more messed up comps in the house so small ATX cabbies are out

- A HTPC case though better than the former option is also out for the same reason

the box needs to look unobtrusive, or better still, should look like a work of art

so I zeroed down on a couple of options

A) build a setup in a big shoebox like case, then paint/decorate
but am not sure how well cardboard will hold up

B) I have a dremel kit so fabricate a plywood base to mount the components and then house it in a cardboard box, then paint/decorate

C) Any other options that you guys can think of

The system needs to accomodate a micro atx mobo, 1-2 3.5" HDDs and a PSU

any suggesstions?

Ubuntu based LAMP server? Whats really it is if it has no input/output devices

LAMP= Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP

to be used as:
a) dedicated low power download rig (controlled via a browser interface)
b) dedicated file server (mapped to other machines in the network as a network drive)
c) controllable via VNC to start any other intended long drawn process (e.g. multiple video encodings)

a) get hold of an old atx cabby.
b) remove the right and rear sides i.e., mobo tray, i/o panel and pci slots.
c) build a cabby around this using plywood or any other suitable material.

Antec NSK 2400/2480 (way too overkill but looks HTPCish), NSK 1300/1380, Minuet 300 ??
The 2400 will go with the amp of your HTPC and shouldn't look outta place- lady asuumes something of the same breed.
The others will be lil outta place.
You can always claim it's a DIY advanced DAC or something.
cons- matx only.

Edit- the NSK1300 is fugly enough to look like some electronic gadget.

^^ Bikey,....

get a pair of wooden poofies made that compliment the sofa or some furniture or the decor and assemble inside that.
make sure one side has exhaust fans with grills.

alternatively a wooden unit to seat the electronics you have and house the LAMP server inside.

Have seen Yamaha downfiring subs that look like poofies.
Sat on one in a friend's studio and didn't know till the Shiva boomed.

Which psu you will be using.?
The cheapest and aesthetically appealing case i can think of right now is try to get hold of some old cassete deck / cd player (front loading types) of reputed brands. some upmarket ones had wooden baffles on both the sides (rose wood etc...), remove whatever is inside and install ur system. try not to get too big a size, which will defeat the purpose of this exercise.
if you can manage to get a passive heat pipe cooling solution and if you are not using any big card in the pci slot then the height should not be a problem. even otherwise if needed you can cut a suitable hole on top of the case (using ur dremel) and install a visually appealing , after market heat sink. This way you will have a visually appealing case and The Lady would not mind it since she will never know whats in the box.( A very major issue indeed(Lady Throwing out our beloved toys to make place for their's) which the kids here do not realise for now !!!!)

Man, get hold of a fabrication workshop. (May be u can use a good workshop where they do welding and all) You can make a metal box to your design and specification and powder coat it with some funky colors. (you can also keep this as a stand for something, say like flower vase, but a PC will be running indside )

just curious , what do you need apache/php/mysql for ?
its great for use as a webserver , but as a home server ... samba comes with 7.10, and a gui for it as well. should be good as a fileserver.

I had the same question - what is the AMP for?
For your purposes, you can use just Ubuntu plain (with Samba) or Windows home server (even that would be overkill). You don't need the whole Apache/MySql/Php thing. Even in the furture, if you do decide to put up a webpage (on an Indian BB connection? good luck!), I doubt you'd need MySql.

methinks he wants a webui for the whole thing so that he can use it as an ftp+ downloader and remote admin the whole thing . still think its overkill

i think you should hire a carpenter and make it like a small cabinet of drawers , complete with drawers which accomodate HDD's

someones actually done it already

PCs: Wife-Friendly Furniture Hides Slow PC

Ejjhactly...
If there are any better (and easier) options, do let me know
I am going to get cracking on this thing tomorrow

@Greeny...Funny link indeed


They'll know...give the some time

Strip the side panels and front panel of any old atx cabby, get hold of a carpenter and get the thing covered by plywood and make it look like a bookshelf speaker..complete with the speaker diaphragm in the front..

And only problem tht i see happening here is tht the lady may ask you as to why those speakers dont play no moosik???