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Hardware for home server

J

Jombi

n00b
Joined
May 20, 2011
Messages
5
Noob here,
I am trying to spec out some hardware to build a little server for my home. I plan on using it partially for backups (need plenty of disk space), and also for VM's. I won't be running any production stuff on it. I may also use it to study up before taking the CCNA exam later this year. I'm looking for some input on some hardware I have picked out already, and hopefully some advice on hardware I should get to make this work.

Chassis: SuperMicro CSE-825TQ-563LPB. I'm really looking for a 2U case because I haven't really been satisfied with the amount of storage (or lack thereof) I can get from a 1U case. I also have the room, so space isn't much of a limiting factor in this. Perhaps a novice reasoning, though.

Motherboard: SuperMicro MBD-X10SRL-F. I chose this because of the amount of memory slots and the supported 2011 socket allows for some pretty nice CPUs. I want to start off reasonable, but still have room to grow as my needs grow. The reviews seem positive. I saw it recommended here in 2015 and the SuperMicro website lists it as supported by the chassis. Should I be focusing on the ATX or should I maybe look at something smaller?

RAM: Kingston KVR21R15S4K4/32. Due to my need to keep important backups, I think ECC is the way to go. 4x8GB seems reasonable for now, and I can always add another 4, or replace them with larger modules in the future. Starting out, I only plan on running 5-6 VM's. A few basic hosts and then a couple servers to handle database work and backups.


Should I assume the PSU included with the chassis is enough? or should I invest in a replacement?

Obviously this is just a start, but I want to get my stuff right before shelling out the dough.

Any input is always appreciated!
 
Will the VM's be idle/light usage most of the time? Might make a difference on core count versus frequency count.
 
Assuming you already have a rack and needed rails. If rack space isn't an issue, a 2U or larger case sure makes installing and working on the unit easier. IIRC, a 3U lets the drives sit vertically, allowing more on the front.

Since this is a test, non production, learning machine, save some money and get a normal MB and normal RAM. MBs with the term server in them seem to double the price. The type of errors ECC is supposed to detect and correct rarely happen. If a RAM module fails, the machine usually crashes fairly quickly or won't start in the first place. Better to have 64GB of normal ram vs 32GB of ECC.

Get a MB that has lots of drive ports and supports RAID5 or plan on buying an add in card for your drive array.

Your OP is contradictory in mentioning not running production stuff but needing to keep important backups. Never use a test machine to store important data. One rogue VM or stupid user mistake and your backups could be toast. Get yourself a standalone NAS for the backups.

Whatever drives you decide on, purchase at least one extra as a spare.
 
I am all for building machines from the ground up part by part. LOVE IT. However, if you want to save a bit of money and headache have you thought about going with a pre-built solution?

When crunched for time, or needing a machine for a client, I really like Dell's outlet site. The machines are scratch and dent/or refurbished but they come with 3 year hardware warranties. You get a huge price break and I just looked at their tower servers and they have a 30% off coupon on top of the reduced price being outlet servers: be30PowereS

I personally own a T630 tower server. It has tons of storage options available for 2.5 or 3.5" drive sizes. The T630 supports 2 sockets and i THINK 768GB of RAM. Works great with ESXi, Proxmox and oVirt.

I also own an R620 rack-mount server that is co-located in a data center in Chicago. Also from Dell outlet.

If you spend a little bit of time looking through what they have on offer you can get an amazing deal.

Save up to $2,000 Sale.

I agree with Dead Parrot on getting a NAS for your backups as opposed to using your test server for it. Synology makes great little NAS boxes for cheap.

However, noting that you are getting your CCNA, I imagine you are currently working or plan to work in a data center or IT company of some sort. If money is a huge concern, then I also agree just to build a simple machine to learn on. If not, then it may be greatly beneficial to you to learn on hardware closer to business class equipment.

Just as a side note; saying that errors ECC is supposed to correct rarely happen, is wrong. Perhaps if you have a light workload you won't notice them but in busy boxes ECC is a life saver. ECC is there to prevent the "if a RAM module fails, the machine usually crashes" scenario.
 
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HP Z420 Workstation Quad Core E5-1620 3.6GHz/Quadro 600/No Memory or Hard Drive

For less than the price of your mobo...

Add ram as needed. Upgrade to an 8 core CPU (~$55), all for the minimum of costs since you're looking at refurb. The mobo's got plenty of HDD ports, but the chassis needs adapters if you want to use more than 3x 3.5". But adapters can be had to either bring you up to 6 or 7 3.5" in total. Many more if you want some 2.5".
 
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