G4 500mhz as file server?

[mr g5]

I have been looking on ebay for a sub $150 computer to use as a file server. I would like to use a mac becuase they are very stable and low mantience.

For the price I am willing to pay I can get a 500mhz single G4 powermac with 512 MB of RAM. It will be hosting videos, music and documents. 4 computer will be using it.

Does this computer have the horsepower to do this? Will I need to upgrade the RAM?

 

[baggss]

The computer itself should be ok as long as you don't heavily task it. Trying to run multiple videos and/or music off it simultaneously may be an issue, it is just a 500 Mhz processor. Will this be a wired or wireless network?

 

[mr g5]

currently its both, I would like to have all wired at some point.

As a test I put a video on an old pentium 3 500mhz laptop and it was 50% cpu with one computer watching the video, with 2 computers it was 100%.

Im guessing a G4 is faster than a P3. Also would upgrading the RAM help out?

Would you recomend I just get an old PC?

 

[baggss]

Adding RAM is always a good thing. Considering a CPU upgrade may be worthwhile if your going to be streaming video/audio.

 

[mr g5]

What kind of RAM do G4 powermacs use? pc133?

If I upgraded the cpu I would buy a 1 ghz G4. If I remember correct all the powermacs with AGP graphics are capable of CPU upgrades, correct?

Lastly how much RAM do you recommend for a file server? How does a server use RAM, to cache recent files?

 

[baggss]

Yes, it's upgradeable, I think my old Sawtooth too PC-100, but PC-133 should be correct. I'd go with at least a Gig of RAM.

 

[mr g5]

Yes, it's upgradeable, I think my old Sawtooth too PC-100, but PC-133 should be correct. I'd go with at least a Gig of RAM.

thank you so much for the help

 

[IceCreamMan]

Good luck, tell us how it all panes out for you!