Help with server for network degree.....

sicknote · 6 Apr 2012 at 16:41

Hoping to start a network degree later in the year and I'm looking to build a server to help with studies. I also need it to double up as my HTPC and want it to draw as little power as possible.

I currently have:-

Comp 1
i7-920
12GB
80GB SSD + 128GB SSD + 1TB Hard drive
Quadro 2000

Comp 2
i3-530
4GB (Maximum 8GB)
250GB + 4 x 2TB Hard drives

Comp 3
Fairly high spec laptop

meebox as iTunes server.

I spend most of my time on the laptop and never use the i7 computer. The i3 is set up as my HTPC. If I buy 8GB for the i3 computer and fit the 2 SSD drives that I have, will this make a good enough server for my studies?

Budget is not a concern if I need to buy anything.....just want something suitable. What's the best way for me to go?

sicknote · 7 Apr 2012 at 23:50

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Skidilliplop, so it's best to install ESXI on the boxes without any operating system and just virtualise what I need?

sicknote · 15 Apr 2012 at 18:45

@NDJ88 I'm not 100% sure of the course contents, not even sure what Uni to choose to be honest.

Was the programming heavy on your course?

sicknote · 18 Apr 2012 at 18:00

@NDJ88 - I graduated in 2011 with a 1st in a different subject (Computer Aided Design) but have lost all interest in it to be honest. Not entirely sure what sort of course I want to study, that's the problem. Programming I struggle with. What books did they recommend you buy?

@CrazyMonk - Thanks for the GNS3 tip. The Uni just the road from me offers a dedicated networking course....not the best of Uni's though.