spec a server to build
I recently built desktop using i7 core processor and a Corsair SSD and am amazed how fast it is. Now would like to try building a server to replace our old one. The old one uses a Xeon X3210 and 8GB ram and a RAID 5. I would like to scale up in speed and also in the ability to handle outside web page hits where the max user or max hit to the web page is 25 simultaneous different users (not open to public). What would be a good board, processor and setup and I would like to do it with SSD's, where possible, to help the speed in SQL and asp.net tasks.
I am a biz owner with a little understanding, so keep that in mind as you answer. I do have a remote IT guy that helps, but I like to decide this stuff with input from EE folks.
I plan to use SBS 2008 and will plan to run Exchange and SQL and would appreciate input on how to use old server in the mix with the new server.
I am a biz owner with a little understanding, so keep that in mind as you answer. I do have a remote IT guy that helps, but I like to decide this stuff with input from EE folks.
I plan to use SBS 2008 and will plan to run Exchange and SQL and would appreciate input on how to use old server in the mix with the new server.
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You're really not going to save much by building it yourself over buying one from IBM/HP/Dell.
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If this is a production server that will cost you money when it is down I would recommend going with IBM/HP/Dell as well. You can get all kinds of service plans from NBD to Parts on Site. If you are okay with being down for a couple of business days then I would recommend purchasing a used enterprise level server from a place like geeks. Google Benchmark CPUs and then you can get a feel for the performance of the processors. SAS drives will run plenty fast. The more heads in a RAID configuration the higher IOPs you will get. 25 users is nothing for any server you will find out there running SAS drives. The advantage you will have running IBM\HP\Dell is they have already done all the homework on drive failures, heat, driver capability, RAID card performance. They maintain the drivers and firmware. Plus in a year or two from now if the MB dies, back plain goes out, it will be easier to find parts for an IBM/HP/Dell.
Of course if you're a computer expert and feel confident in maintaining it yourself including talking your staff through doing repairs when you're on vacation then by all means build your own server. As choward16980 says it will be faster and cheaper than a standard build from a major player.
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I like Chowards approach, have built my own stuff for years, would like help selecting the right parts . A while back Callandor helped me spec an i7 core machine that has been amazing for about 800.00 in parts. Would like to repeat that with the server, for a bit more money, but same effect. Chowars spec above just seemed like overkill for what we need? Also, and this seems the stupid question, but would that perform as fast as my i7 core with SSD? This i7 pc is so fast, everythign I do is instantly processed....
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I opened a new question to get into more specifics of board selection and setup configuration.
Server Hardware
Servers are computing devices that are similar to desktop computers in that they have the same basic components, but are significantly different in size, configuration and purpose. Servers are usually accessed over a network, and many run unattended, without a computer monitor, input device, audio hardware or USB interfaces. Many servers do not have a graphical user interface (GUI), and are configured and managed remotely. Servers typically include hardware redundancy such as dual power supplies, RAID disk systems, and ECC memory, along with extensive pre-boot memory testing and verification. Critical components might be hot swappable, and to guard against overheating, servers might have more powerful fans or use water cooling.
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Maybe scale that down to tiny little biz budget...is there a less expensive board and processor combination?
Also, regarding use of SSD, should SBS 2008 go onto the SSD and the apps as well, or just the OS?