[WTB] Cheap Server to run Bitcoin Node

[lyth0s]

Hello, I'm looking to buy cheap server solely for the purposes of running a 24/7 bitcoin node, as the number of nodes is decreasing and I'd like to contribute. Please post/PM me what you have and the price.

https://getaddr.bitnodes.io/dashboard/chart/?days=60

Edit: A long time ago someone had linked a website where you could buy old servers for like $40 (working). I think they were servers that were being retired from some school and they are sold in an online auction (but almost no one bids on them). If anyone has that link I'd be very appreciative.

[AndrewK]

Just get you a pcduino and setup the client on it. They come standard with ubuntu.

[lyth0s]

that is an interesting solution. But for $60 I can just get a cheap rack server too and I don't have to be quite as tech savvy or worry about casing etc.

[AndrewK]

The electricity you save will make it pay for itself... and ubuntu/linux is pretty friendly. Plenty of tutorials out there. They send the thing in a cardboard box... Just use that as the case and cut a hole for heat.

[xjack]

Agreed, any x86/p3/p4 server is going to suck between 150-350 watts.

Many better options out there, look at nettops or mini pcs.  Slightly more cost, tiny fraction of the power consumption... and they don't sound like a jet engine.

[ny2cafuse]

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Raspberry-Pi-Case-From-an-Altoids-Ti/

... and your breath will smell delicious for days.

-Fuse

[Dare]

If you're just planning to run a full bitcoin node on it and nothing else, a cheap Raspberry Pi is probably your best bet. If you have an old desktop or laptop sitting around that you could leave on, that would work as well; just put Ubuntu on it, set up the Bitcoin node, create the port-forward in your router (or stick it in a datacenter, but that's expensive), then stick it in the corner and forget about it. If you get a UPS, you won't have to worry about rebooting it after (brief) power failures either.

If you're looking for a full server, either to use for multiple things or to colocate in a datacenter with a better connection, look up government surplus sites in your country. If you're in the US, I can recommend a few. Most require local pickup or charge a lot for shipping though, so you may have to wait until there's one for sale in your area.