1 File Server, Multiple Uses?

[scarredtaka]

Hi,

I just ordered a case for my new file server I'm planning to build. It's a 4U rackmount.

I am building this server to store files. I work with animation software, and the files that are output can be quite big. My main computer is a laptop, so the space I have is limited. I currently have a external 500GB drive, pretty much full.

I am planning to put a couple TB into my new server.

The reason I mention this is that I was wondering if I could put a decent processor in this server, and use it as a render node for a couple of animation programs. The software I use is very CPU and RAM intensive, but doesn't hit the videocard much.

I asked on another forum, and they recommended that I separate the boxes, making a separate box for rendering.

I can see the wisdom of that, but how critical is this advice?

The case has 2 120MM fans blowing at 90CF/M and 2 80MM exhaust fans. The CPU would be a low to mid core2duo processor and 2-4 gigs of ram. The video would be integrated onto the Mobo, as I don't need much video.

Can I use the same box that I'm using as a file server, as a rendering box? The rendering wouldn't be constant, but when done, would be run for up to 48 hours.

The file server would not be public facing, but share files between my private network of 3-5 computers.

Thanks,

-ST-

[Dew]

You may see slow down in transferring files during renders, other than that there is no real reason not to have a dual purpose box.

[scarredtaka]

Thanks for the reply.

That's good to know, because that would save me some money.

-ST-

[nitrobass24]

+1 for a dual purpose box...I render on my File Server

[Syntax Error]

Why not have the server do the grunt work? :D

[nitrobass24]

Why not have the server do the grunt work? :D

I think that is what he is going for...I mean even a mid-range core duo will outpace most laptops

[scarredtaka]

Why not have the server do the grunt work? :D

That was my question, initially.

My animation program can take advantage of up to ten boxes rendering frames at the same time. A master host sends frames to slave computers, who render the frames and send them back to the host.

Because my laptop takes an hour to render one frame, and the average 30 second animation at 30FPS is about 700 Megs, I am building this machine to give me some more storage space, and possibly help me with the rendering.

I think I killed my last laptop by having it render so much.

My CPU would idle at 62C and run up to 82C under load. You can imagine what this did to things when it sat at that temp for 24-48 hours.

Might explain why my motherboard died 3 times in a year. :eek:

I now have a laptop cooler, which gets it down to about 45C at idle.

-ST-

[spazoid]

Why not invest in some serious rendering machine? If it takes 24-48 hours on a laptop, I would imagine an 8 core beast, even at modest clocks and therefore modest pricing would save you some serious amounts of time. Fitting that in a 4U rack case should be no trouble at all, and besides the fact that you dont get old from waiting, you might even be better off financially in the end.

[Ockie]

Personally, I would build two boxes, one that just has bulk space for storage, and another which has raw horsepower for rendering, you could even assist it with some slaves.

[scarredtaka]

Personally, I would build two boxes, one that just has bulk space for storage, and another which has raw horsepower for rendering, you could even assist it with some slaves.

I'd like to do that eventually, but my budget says that's probably a ways off.