Raspberry Pi Server - Other Alternatives.

Question

Hi All,

I was just wondering if there are any other single board computers like the Raspberry Pi which would allow me to create a Storage/Cloud server by connecting a external hard drive. I am kind of new to this and would like to work with simple boards to help get me started. Has anyone has come across tutorials that would help me or done a similiar sort of project and if this is actaully do able.

I was thinking of using the Intel Galileo Gen 2 or the Arduino Uno

Any feedback and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks in Advance.

Omar.

gadget.iom · Answer

Ok. You could look into installing OwnCloud onto the RaspberryPi.

You can use the SD card for the system image and mount a USB hard drive for the data.

Although there are physical limitations on the pi in terms of Ethernet and USB speed, I wouldn't imagine the kind of files you mentioned being impacted by these too much.

balearicdynamics · Answer

Hello Omar, most of it dpeends on the budget. To be honest, in my opinion - I am using the Raspberry PI in a lot of applications and I consider this device one of the best SBC - this is not adapt to make a server just because it is limited in two aspects: the network speed limited to 10/100 instead 1Giga and the USB2 instead the availability of a USB3 (that with an hard disk with a proper SATA-to USB3 interface reach a identical or comparable speed). Instead - with a budget few more consistent - you can orient your choice to a Gizmo2 Gizmo2 . I am making a small server and progressively publishing some how-to that I hope maybe useful for the users, including a control board to manage the server powering, fan and temperature control and server health status. The two more important aspects that give the option to create a Gizmo2 based cloud are the availability of two USB3 (and two USB2 ports), the possibility to add a SSD disk - I am using a 120 Gb and it works fast and very well - or - alternatively - a SATA hard disk. Without excluding the availability of GPIO and other features. Take a look to the following articles already posted: Gizmo2 Advanced Controller Board (part 1) http://www.element14.com/community/message/152505/l/gizmo2-ssd#152505 Gizmo2 connecting peripherals: searching issues solution Gizmo on Fire!! Gizmo2: 3D Printable Enclosure - First Iteration As you see not all is so simple and we have already spent almost time on studying this hardware that is very nice but also include some issues and complexity. Last notice, the Gizmo2 board is open source and this is al a key factor in my opinion. Speaking of Gizmo2 I can't mention that has done a very good job on this board and fvan that has designed a good 3D printable case for this board. Enrico