I'd like to tap into the collective brain here, if I may.
For many years we've had a philosophy of using small machines to perform specific roles, say web-server, email-filter, SMB box, that sort of thing. We even have some of the Single-core Athlon boxes with 512Mb memory we bought 10 years ago still running, and working fine.
However, of late, energy consumption has become a real issue. These things just consume too much electricity to justify keeping them running despite them have paid their way years ago, and still preforming faultlessly.
I've had a look at the local guys at http://www.linitx.com (Needham Market) but the choice is mind-boggling, and I haven't really kept up to speed with this stuff.
We already have a miniITX machine here as a firewall, but I might recycle it as a web server and use a Jetway JBC373 Fanless Quad Gigabit LAN Barebones System to replace it.
However, what I need very soon is a couple of low-power consumption systems with at least 2Gb of memory, preferably a multi-core CPU (but not essential), at least one LAN port, standard VGA and PS/2 ports, and capable of taking a standard SATA 2.5" or 3.5" drive. We use Gentoo and Ubuntu on our servers.
I'm thinking maybe the Jetway JNC9I-525 JC110 Barebone System but, recommendations anyone?
Cheers, Laurie.