Help building a cheap 2U server

[runningincircles]

I've about gone blind with website's looking at parts in trying to throw together a CHEAP sandbox server. I've got a mystery prize for the one that gets me a solid build within spec!

- 1U or 2U box w/ rails. Full length is fine. Black if possible
- 1gb ram
- 20GB HD x 2. would really love SATA
- Onboard RAID/video/NIC
- CD-Rom
- 2ghz or so.. maybe 1.8ghz at the lowest.

I don't really care about noise as it is in an equipment room. I have O/S key's already. I intend to use Windows 2003 Enterprise. This box will function as a test box for new software or config changes prior to deploying on entire network. I know I could work with vmware for testing, but my primary server is maxed out, and I want it in the rack where the power/backup backup systems are. I mostly manage this network from home. I'd also like a 1 year warranty so if you find a refirb w/ warranty PM it to me!

$300 - $400. I've got some outstanding invoices to a couple clients and if they pay soon I'll up the budget.

 

[Fark_Maniac]

Here is the old [H]ardMilitary server that ran the BF42 since BF42 came out.
http://www.ccernst.net/colo.php

My recommendation will closely follow what my server currently is:
nForce2 mobo w/ onboard video. This will also net you SATA, sound, and networking.
AMD mobile Barton proc. Not sure where to buy these retail, I've seen a few floating around the FSFT. Try to snag a 35w mobile...keep the heat down to a minimum.
Not sure exactly what you are looking for memory wise, but grab some value 2 x 512 sticks and you got dual channel right there.
For heatsink, I'd recommend something like this:
http://www.rackmount.com/Rackacc/CPU-P3-B1.htm

your chassis will be the biggest find. I've looked for a few and it is hard to find a 1u for under 100 shipped.
If I were you, I'd grab this guy's 2u:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1022785&highlight=rackmount
I really wanted to grab it myself...but I really don't need it!


You don't really need a CDROM...only for install...then take it out. I have a 300w 1u power supply running my server. I wouldn't go below 235w.

I hope this helps.

 

[bob]

Have you checked on Fleabay? Ive seen some good deals on 1 and 2 U servers.

 

[runningincircles]

Have you checked on Fleabay? Ive seen some good deals on 1 and 2 U servers.

All the egay ones I've looked at are as is or 30 day warranty at best. If I buy new parts and assemble myself at least I'll get a 1 year warranty.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

400 bucks you can even pickup some decent tier1 boxes....IBM X330 series or so...

Or pickup a SuperMicro bare bones package somewhere on eBay...finish it off yourself by sticking in your own drives and OS. Can pickup some of the WD SATA2 drives, 7,200rpm, 16 meg cache.....300 gigs...for about 120 bucks.

Note that some of the cheaper prices you see...for rack mounted servers...often don't include the rail kits. So read the fine print.