Looking to build a lab mini server

Hopefully I have answered all the questions appropriately, if not let me know and I can try to clarify

1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
This will be running a LAB virtual enviroment.

2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
No

3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
I was thinking $700 or less. it is flexable to a point.

4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
near Oklahoma City, not really any of the B&M chains near me at least last i checked.

5. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
Case
CPU
power supply
RAM
not sure if I will need optical drive or not, probably look at an external something if ever needed
basically I have a blank space on a bench that I want to put a server on.


6. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
no parts currently

7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
Biggest thing I can thihnk of is ablity to add extra NICs would be required. 2 or 3 max


8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
Doesnt really matter single monitor output, on board graphics are fine as it will be a VM enviroment.


9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.

no space requirements, preferable to be small enough to not have to clear off a desk to be able to use. In a perfect world something like a mini server from HP/dell size but not a killing factor.


10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
dont really have the tools or experiance to mod a case much outside of removing things that are screwed in.

11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
dont care, I mean I dont want it to be a engine taking off but doesnt have to be silent either


12. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
In a perfect world just as long as it is easy to carry to a new area if needed.


13. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
CentOS


14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
I would like to begine building in a month or so, or if there is a prebuilt something that meets the needs for around hte same price as a build I am open to that as well.

the only thing I dont see asked is I need to be able to go up to 32gb min prefer 64gb, ideal would be 128gb. I know looking at ram prices lately they have gone up so it may start out at 16gb and wait until becomes more afforadble to upgrade to 32 or beyond.


I do appreciate all your time an help on this.

I'm going to recommend going used, and going to ebay and looking a i7 based Dell Optiplex MT boxes. The MT gives you a bit more expansion. Even the x90 series will go to 32GB (I had a 9010 MT with an i5 and it was actually pretty good too). You can't go higher on the older models though, but you can often score one with some memory, disk (sometimes even SSD) for <$200 USD. If used for Linux VMs, you could run 10+ VMs easily. My old lab virtualization server just had 32G and I had a full Win 2012 Server, along with several Linux VMs and some desktop VMs all running at the same time and was very quiet.

Obviously, you can get something newer that's like 10-15% faster with about 5x the cost.... Just saying.

The MT is pretty small, but is a mid tower. You might be able be able to do a SFF instead if the extra drive capacity isn't interesting.

Often times for your purposes, there isn't going to be any value going from the "7" to the "9" series, but I'd get the i7 in either case.

cjcox said:

I'm going to recommend going used, and going to ebay and looking a i7 based Dell Optiplex MT boxes. The MT gives you a bit more expansion. Even the x90 series will go to 32GB (I had a 9010 MT with an i5 and it was actually pretty good too). You can't go higher on the older models though, but you can often score one with some memory, disk (sometimes even SSD) for <$200 USD. If used for Linux VMs, you could run 10+ VMs easily. My old lab virtualization server just had 32G and I had a full Win 2012 Server, along with several Linux VMs and some desktop VMs all running at the same time and was very quiet.

Obviously, you can get something newer that's like 10-15% faster with about 5x the cost.... Just saying.

The MT is pretty small, but is a mid tower. You might be able be able to do a SFF instead if the extra drive capacity isn't interesting.

Often times for your purposes, there isn't going to be any value going from the "7" to the "9" series, but I'd get the i7 in either case.

Click to expand...

I have been looking at some of the stuff on ebay as well. I may end up going that route so far all I have found in my first search have 16gb ram at most. but that may do for starters. Been also looking at components to build and looking to be a bit more than these refurbs so while I would prefer a SFF to tote around the mid tower may be the way to go.

Thank you for the suggestion.

Hi. i created own mini-server based on:

MB - ASRock Rack EPC612D4I
CPU - Intel Xeon E5 2418L V3 QS
RAM - 4x Kingstone KVR24SE17D8/16MA
Case - Lian-Li Case PC-TU100A
PSU - SilverStone SX700-LPT
Cooling - Corsair Hydro H55 + Asetek Liquid Cooler Intel 2011 Narrow retention ring
Wireless - Mikrotik R11e5HacT + RB14e extension board.
OS - Proxmox Hypervisor.

It was cost around 1200USD at beginning of 2017 year.
Maybe, It will be helpful