The Mac Mini Server Project

[Christian Jensen]

Hello all

 

I'd thought I'd share some ideas of my new project to you all.

The motivation for this is that I'd really want a server to run something else than a linux installation. I really want OSX server. Now I'd love to do a OSx86 project, but I feel that its a bit unsafe regarding updates and so on. And also the EFI-X would be fun, but I've exluded this for the same reason. I really don't want this to be a "Its pretty safe"-thread, so I'll continue explaning my idea. I'd really loved to just go and by a mac pro, but its a really expencive computer, so I'm ending up with a Mac Mini.

 

OK.. so a Mac mini it is.

But there are a couple of "but"-s here.

 

1. The mac mini does not support more than 1(2)-SATA devices.

2. There are no second ethernet plug.

 

So I've been googeling some and I think I found a solution to both.

 

1. The solution to this would be a External Raid controller. There is no word of this controller needing PM support on the SATA-controller already in place, but worst case I'll use a FireWire connector.

 

2. Next up is the second Ethernet Plug. Adding a USB-to-Ethernet bridge is not really an option. So I started researching a bit. All Mac Minis exept some of the first editions and the latest edition uses a Mini-PCI express connector for its Airport card. So By ripping out this card and installing a ethernet card here might do the trick. Ethernet Mici-PCI express. This card also uses a chip that has been used in Mac Pros.

 

This would solve all my issues. I'm introducing some new ones to myself. For instance power supply and the housing. But I think I can handle that.

 

I'd love to hear some opinions on this. Are there anyone with experience on something simular to this?

 

What really is a bit shady to me is the second problem. The interface it self is a Mini-PCIe connector. But I have no tecnical info on the pinout itself. A confirmation that a Airport card works in a regular mini-PCIe port would be most welcome.

 

All feedback appreciated!!

 

NZ

[wrathfulcoot]

2. Next up is the second Ethernet Plug. Adding a USB-to-Ethernet bridge is not really an option.

Why is this not an option? The Apple USB-Ethernet adapter has excellent reviews when used with a Mac Mini server. The only downsides are that it uses one of the five USB ports of the Mini, and it can only run at 10/100 mbps...

 

I'm about to get myself a Mini to use as a server. It's going to be getting a RAM boost before anything else