How to build a home server to run VMware ? (HP DL380 Gen9)I need help !

[Geoff Bartlett]

Hello all,
I have been lucky enough to save an HP Gen9 DL380 form the skip at work.
I don't have all the specs yet as I haven't spun it up yet but in summary:

• Twin CPUs
• 128GB Ram
• DVD bay and 8 x 300GB SAS drives in an 8 drive bay

I also have 6 4TB SAS drives but alas they are 3.5 drives. They are in caddies already as they came out of a Gen8 DL380 server - I am wondering if I could get a "cage" for the gap in between the current drives and the DVD unit or whether to exchange them for larger 2.5 form factor SAS drives via a popular online auction site ?

My ultimate goal would be to have a Linux OS booted from internal USB running VM software.
The 8 drives would be set up in Raid of some description and I would like to eventually have the following working on the server:

• Windows 10 VM
• Storage for Family photos and Videos - with access to those from any device on the network
• Storage for a few days of IP CCTV footage (I don't have a CCTV system yet - looking to install four cameras at gutter level connected to a PoE switch in the loft - then a lan cable down to the server
• Plex server to stream stored films to the TV

Any pointers would be much appreciated - especially on how to start with the Linux/VM install on the USB drive (is this even possible?) I dabbled with Ubuntu on an HP Micro server a few years back (54NL I think, or similar sounding)
I have a 6TB External drive that I would use for backup - and the only items that would need backing up would be the family photos and videos, all the other "stuff" would be backed up if there were space available.

Many thanks in advance - looking forward to this immensely !

Regards

Netrix

 

[Geoff Bartlett]

Thanks for all that detail Avalon - much appreciated. I did wonder about trying to sell it - my employer was happy to donate it to my "home lab" I'm not sure how they'd feel if they knew I'd outed it on the 'bay (they would, of course, only know that if I told them !)
Would you have any thoughts on the setup route you suggested - ie is there an off-the-shelf solution or would it be best to buy the components and build from the case up ?

Thanks again

Regards
Netrix