I posted this thread over at the SSD / Storage forum but didn't get any response. I was thinking maybe it was the wrong place to post. I'll post it here and see what assistance and ideas I get.
I've been doing a lot of research and with a potential job interview coming up, I'd like to turn this into a learning experience that I can prove my knowledge in a tech support position where linux, backup technology, and virtualization is used primarily.
I'm looking into creating a thin low-powered server that will run linux based on zfs which will have the following purposes:
- stores files from Windows-based computers (with gigabit transfer rate capability)
- runs security webcam software connected to a wired or wireless cam
- plays / streams movies over HDMI / network (1080p quality)
- acts as a smart device hooked up to a TV in the living room
- low priority web hosting, DNS, and DHCP services running on VirtualBox (experimental)
My priorities are as followed:
1) Reliability
2) Cost
3) Performance
File storage redundancy is important which is why I chose zfs to start with. Cost is the second most important thing. I'm not looking to build a $1,000+ server. I'm looking to spend anywhere between free to a few hundred bucks -- this will be my first linux server ever and I want to learn from it. As a result, I know that I cannot expect so much out of performance but if I can get the performance I need without compromising cost, then excellent. I may not entertain SSD drives because of cost -- I'll stick with good ol' platters, unless I can find something incredibly irresistible for the price. I will not overclock.
With it being my first server build (I've built hundreds of desktop computers before but never a server), I will not have any spare parts to bring over. I will require some sort of 1u or comparatively thin case, low powered CPU, ECC RAM, onboard video capable of running 1080p, onboard gigabit NIC, running at least two HDDs (likely non-SSD), motherboard, and PSU.
However, I will also entertain pre-built systems if I can get an excellent deal (e.g., from Dell's outlet, big promos, used from other sellers). I was offered a SuperServer 5015A-L for $100. I don't know if that's a decent deal or not but it does have what I'm looking for -- it's Atom-based (low power requirements), runs ECC RAM, it's a 1u-sized server, and it's cheap. I don't know if the Atom CPU would be strong enough to play videos at 1080P (let alone, it's VGA-only -- I'd have to use an adapter). I also don't know if 2 GB of memory is enough too -- if I'll be running VirtualBox, I highly doubt it.
All parts will be shipped to Rochester, NY, USA. Sales taxes are 8% which sucks but as long as I can get the best deal, it's not a big concern. I know how to find the best deals -- I almost never buy anything in retail price. However, I'd like to get the parts in within the next week. The moment it comes in, I'll be so excited to build it ASAP!
Thanks to anyone who contributes to this thread!
I've been doing a lot of research and with a potential job interview coming up, I'd like to turn this into a learning experience that I can prove my knowledge in a tech support position where linux, backup technology, and virtualization is used primarily.
I'm looking into creating a thin low-powered server that will run linux based on zfs which will have the following purposes:
- stores files from Windows-based computers (with gigabit transfer rate capability)
- runs security webcam software connected to a wired or wireless cam
- plays / streams movies over HDMI / network (1080p quality)
- acts as a smart device hooked up to a TV in the living room
- low priority web hosting, DNS, and DHCP services running on VirtualBox (experimental)
My priorities are as followed:
1) Reliability
2) Cost
3) Performance
File storage redundancy is important which is why I chose zfs to start with. Cost is the second most important thing. I'm not looking to build a $1,000+ server. I'm looking to spend anywhere between free to a few hundred bucks -- this will be my first linux server ever and I want to learn from it. As a result, I know that I cannot expect so much out of performance but if I can get the performance I need without compromising cost, then excellent. I may not entertain SSD drives because of cost -- I'll stick with good ol' platters, unless I can find something incredibly irresistible for the price. I will not overclock.
With it being my first server build (I've built hundreds of desktop computers before but never a server), I will not have any spare parts to bring over. I will require some sort of 1u or comparatively thin case, low powered CPU, ECC RAM, onboard video capable of running 1080p, onboard gigabit NIC, running at least two HDDs (likely non-SSD), motherboard, and PSU.
However, I will also entertain pre-built systems if I can get an excellent deal (e.g., from Dell's outlet, big promos, used from other sellers). I was offered a SuperServer 5015A-L for $100. I don't know if that's a decent deal or not but it does have what I'm looking for -- it's Atom-based (low power requirements), runs ECC RAM, it's a 1u-sized server, and it's cheap. I don't know if the Atom CPU would be strong enough to play videos at 1080P (let alone, it's VGA-only -- I'd have to use an adapter). I also don't know if 2 GB of memory is enough too -- if I'll be running VirtualBox, I highly doubt it.
All parts will be shipped to Rochester, NY, USA. Sales taxes are 8% which sucks but as long as I can get the best deal, it's not a big concern. I know how to find the best deals -- I almost never buy anything in retail price. However, I'd like to get the parts in within the next week. The moment it comes in, I'll be so excited to build it ASAP!
Thanks to anyone who contributes to this thread!
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