After some research I wanted to ask the experts! I am not new to PC building, but I am navigating in a bit of unknown territory with Server 2012. Knowing its based on Windows 8 architecture, I still feel unsure.
I am looking to build a exchange server/backup AD for a domain.
Utilizing:
WS 2012
Exchange 2013
Min 16 GB RAM
RAID 5 w/ controller card
Single or Dual Core (prob Xeon?)
A decent PS
I have the licenses, the UPC, and the backups. Just need recommendations on these components. I believe the major hurdle is a RAID card. I am trying to stay within the 100-200 range or less. Also I want to make sure it can work with SATA.
All other components can be best suggestion.
Go native windows host-based software RAID1 and save the money and put it towards SAS disks instead of SATA. You will get read load balancing so read performance with software based RAID will be twice that if non-RAID (in perfect world).
Get decent disks too, if going SATA, make sure they are enterprise/server class. It makes a big difference.