Buy this server or build my own?

Nick1881 · 21 Apr 2009 at 13:20

Been thinking about a server to back up my main pc and act as a media share.

Found a HP ProLiant ML115 G5 Server - Opteron 1352 Quad Core / 1GB / NHP SATA 160GB for £200.

Is this any good or would I be better building my own? If I built my own I could get 2nd hand parts from MM maybe?

I have spare hard drives to use.

3 x 500Gb
2 x 250Gb

Or I could used the 1.5Tb from my main rig and use a different drive in my main rig.

Opinions?

Thanks

alle · 21 Apr 2009 at 16:49

...I bought one of those for the same price.
Good value for money I reckon. Stuck Windows Home Server on there with 4 drives.

Its a small neat server that does the job well.

There's a thread all about it here.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17891676

Furton · 21 Apr 2009 at 17:05

If the server is just for storage you really don't need a Quad core Opteron. A basic Celeron system will be fine.

I'd be inclined to build your own and whack WHS on it.

Nick1881 · 22 Apr 2009 at 12:56

How much is it likely to cost me building it all seperate though, not to mention the hassle of finding all the parts if I want them second hand. Seems like an easy hassle free way if I buy it ready built.

Nick1881 · 22 Apr 2009 at 20:18

Just had a price up and if I build myself I can get..

AMD 4850e 2.5Ghz dual core
MSI K9A2VM-F - 780v on board vga and audio Gbit LAN.
2Gb ram
Cheapo case
No name 450w PSU
DVD Drive

For £160

Then add 4 x 500Gb drives - no raid option though.

£40 less than the HP server but which would be better?

Chew · 23 Apr 2009 at 09:53

The Server would be the better option... and erm... who found it?

matthewhotdude · 23 Apr 2009 at 09:58

I'd build my own (well I have) and stick WHS on it

Audigex · 23 Apr 2009 at 12:13

I'd definately build my own - cheap and no wasting of components. You have the hard drives there anyway.

Nick1881 · 23 Apr 2009 at 13:10

Chew said:
The Server would be the better option... and erm... who found it?

Oi, who invited you here

I'm still undecided, only thing I wouldnt use from the server is the hard drive, I think it also comes with a kb and mouse which might be handy. Only annoying thing is a couple of weeks ago it was only £150 which would have been a bargain.

alle · 23 Apr 2009 at 16:31

...Still think its a bargain at 200 notes.

Glad I bought it really

slylittlefox · 23 Apr 2009 at 16:48

I'd go with the HP - it's a tried and tested system and you have easy warranty for all parts. There will be no 'cheapo' components as is with the PSU in your sample spec

However, if you can build a really cheap system, sub-£100 - I'd go for that

Chew · 23 Apr 2009 at 17:32

slylittlefox said:
I'd go with the HP - it's a tried and tested system and you have easy warranty for all parts. There will be no 'cheapo' components as is with the PSU in your sample spec

Not only that it runs quiet. I have its predecessor the ML110 G5 which had the Dual Core CPU. Its a very reliable server with neat and tidy install of drives

If you wanna see it and inside just pop up mine Nick

khrall · 23 Apr 2009 at 18:04

Personally I'd go with the HP :

Gigabit NIC.
Supports Raid 0,1,5.
Supports up to 8Gb Mem.
1 Yr NBD Support (No faffing with RMA's).
Free 160gb paperweight!