Low Power box w/ Logging Capability (non-SSD) Recommendations

[birdsthewurd]

I am currently running a box at home on an ALIX 2D13 and loving it. I want to set something up at work, but with a little more kick. One of my requirements is for logging. RRD data, snort, etc.. I have been looking around at some low power units and I'm not really sure where to go.

Would either of these be good picks?

http://www.mini-box.com/Mini-Box-M350-Barebone-System
Intel D2500HN motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856205007&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction--na--na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10440897&PID=3891137&SID=rewrite
Can't seem to figure out which motherboard this uses, but it run an Intel Atom D2550

I'd like to stay away from the embedded solutions, since I really need logging capabilities.

If you can recommend anything else, I'm open to suggestions. I'd like to keep the price no more than ~$700 and the two units above seem like a right fit, but I just want to be 100% sure. I'd lean more towards the Mini-Box.

Thanks in advance!

[charliem]

I have a number of those "OEM production" units in service for some time, and they work great for me.  Not sure why you want to stay away from SSD.  I think the reliability issues have been solved. so mine are using SSD with TRIM enabled.  Would have preferred intel LAN chips, but the broadcom NICs are reportedly pretty solid too; they have been for me.

The other system you linked to has only one built-in LAN port, so you need to budget for another card unless you are using VLANs.