Looking to either make or buy a Home server

[Tythus]

And i was wondering what i would be needing for it..... It will be a general usage with tasks ranging from Backups for 3 computers (2 desktop 1 laptop) to being head honcho of my small render farm of 21 small dual core PC's and running Local Lan for games etc.

 

[Tythus]

If it were only for the former then id say there would be no point in buying a server, just build one, however if you are planning the latter and using in conjunction with 21 small dual core PC's and running a local lan as a gaming server then maybe something a little more higher specced would be better.

However someone else might comment, a decent specced PC might suffice for a home server for your needs.

What sort of stuff do you think i should be looking at?