Building a server on the cheap
 

Hey guys, I need to set up a secondary server at work to run some version management software, here's what I've got to work with:

Program req's:
- Windows Server 2003
- 1.8 GHz processor
- 1GB RAM
- 1024x768 capable
- Doesn't need server-spec components, they recommend just re-purposing an old PC

Other req's:
- Must be rack mounted, height not relevant (1U, 2U, etc)
- 2x Gigabit NIC (or 2x whatever PCI slot has the most plentiful NICs)

From what I gather so far, I can use standard mobo sizes and processors in a rack-mount case? What about power supplies and add-on cards (ie the 2x gigabit). Is there anything special I need to do for processor cooling? I assume the stock cooler/fan setup may not work.

Finally, what brands do you recommend to get/avoid?

While you CAN buy your own rackmount chassis (like a SuperMicro 2U) and put in standard desktop components in, for what you describe, I would highly recommend just buying a pre-built server. For one, since you said you require 2x Gigabit NICs, most pre-built servers come with this onboard, whereas most desktop motherboards do not.

I would say maybe take a look at the Dell PowerEdge R210... starts for as little as $899.

Dell PowerEdge R210 II Ultra-compact Rack Server | Dell Canada

I was just planning on using add-on cards for the NIC's. Server grade hardware is massive overkill for what we need, we already have a full tilt Dell server for our main stuff, this is simply to run one program on a seperate testing network.

I did some hunting on NewEgg today and came up with this, any reason why this combo won't work?


Newegg.ca - SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW Black 1.5Gbps Model SH-222AL/BSBS LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners
Newegg.ca - Rosewill RC-400-LX Network Adapter 10/ 100/ 1000Mbps PCI 1 x RJ45
Newegg.ca - Kingston 2GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model KVR1333D3SO/2GR
Newegg.ca - NORCO RPC-230 2U Rackmount Server Case 1 External 5.25" Drive Bays - Server Chassis
Newegg.ca - Intel BOXD525MW Intel Atom D525@ 1.8GHz (Dual Core) BGA559 Intel NM10 Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
Newegg.ca - Athena Power AP-P4ATX60FE 20+4Pin 600W Single EPS12V V2.91 SLI and CrossFire Ready Supports Intel Core i7 Server Power Supply

you have laptop memory so it wont work on the motherboard. you need regular dimms. PSU seems like an overkill for this system.

Not sure what kind of program you are running but you might what to get an AMD cpu/motherboard so that down the road you will still have a good enough system to run other testing programs on.

I have an old 4U rackmount case sitting here... and an Athlon 64 gaming board with dual gigabit NICs onboard. Make me an offer :)

^ shoot me pics and specs, I'll run it by the boss.

Look at what the MB requires though, isn't that a laptop-spec RAM so that it can sit flush with the board and help airflow? Yes the PSU is overkill but I need the front/rear fans vs a bottom mount fan due to how they sit in a 2U case.

Specs for the program are above, it doesn't require much so I think everything I've spec'd here is overkill? This is simply as a secondary server as the program needs to connect to our secondary/tertiary networks.

Get a dell rackmount.

Great onsite warranty and good units too.

SO-DIMM is a smaller, shorter module, it won't physically fit the slots in a desktop board.

http://incepator.pinzaru.ro/wp-conte..._vs_sodimm.jpg

Sitting flush is a function of the slot design itself, not the DIMM.

Edit: oops, nevermind... the board listed is a mini-ITX and does actually spec SO-DIMM.

I really doubt airflow will be as big an issue as you're planning for - from the sound of it, this machine won't be doing a lot of processing and won't likely be generating all that much heat.

I costs a little more but why not just buy something like this? Newegg.ca - SUPERMICRO SYS-5015A-EHF-D525 1U Intel Atom D525 Dual Gigabit LAN w/ IPMI Server Barebone just add some ram and a HD and you are good to go.

^ I looked at that, basically the same specs except the build I spec'd out is less than that after taxes and shipping, and includes the RAM.

So that RAM will fit? Thanks for the confirmation.

I don't think it will be either, there's only gonna be 1 HDD in the case (maybe 2) and the power supply will be well under capacity, plus it's going in an AC'd room (locked at 68 F IIRC) with our other server. It just happens to be the only cheap board that has enough PCI ports (and ironically the only one with a 1 gig connection onboard) for my needs.