MFF Server Questions

Metrix

Metrix

Metrix

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Joined
11 May 2018
Posts
9
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Hi all,

I'm currently looking to buy a small form factor PC with the intention of being used as an Ubuntu server that will host the likes of Docker, Portainer etc. Whilst I've built systems in the past when it comes to ultra-small form factor I have no clue and given my budget of £150 (at a push) I've been looking on eBay at pre-built and used systems, one that caught my eye was Lenovo M910q as you can get it with an i5 processor and upwards of 8-16GB of ram. One I'm currently looking at supports:

Lenovo ThinkCentre M910q Micro (MFF)
CPU - Intel Core i5 6500T
Graphics - Intel HD 530
RAM - 8GB DDR4 SODIMM
SSD Storage Size - 256GB SSD
Video Out - 2 x DisplayPort
USBs - 6 x USB 3.0
Ethernet - Yes

Do you guys think this will be enough for what I'm planning or should I be looking at a better-specced CPU/Ram combo? It's an absolute longshot I realise but I do have a Q6700k laying about somewhere, I'm wondering whether a CPU swap might be possible to give it a significant bit of juice?

Alternatively, if you think that the machine will be too much for my intentions, I have a Raspberry Pi 3 laying about which I could use but something tells me it might be a little underpowered in the long run?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated as always!

Metrix
 
I think those USFF machines make great home servers - I have one with an i5-4590S and one with a Ryzen 3400G. They're more than powerful for virtual machines, remote code builds, app hosting, and video transcoding. Look up Lenovo Tiny USFF and the HP Elitedesk.

By Q6700k do you mean i7-6700k? 2 things about OEM machines like this, especially tiny ones:

- CPU compatibility is usually very limited so don't assume a K series chip will work. Generally you'll want to check the specific support list in the product manual.

- These products work by utilising very low power (as in, low heat generation) CPUs. If you upgrade CPU you can expect thermal problems and throttling at best. That said, watch out: S series CPUs have a lowered TDP but often otherwise comparable to their main equivalent (e.g. i5-4590 Vs 4590S is just a boost clock/power consumption tweak). Whereas T series are extra low power parts and it's often detrimental to performance. The i5-4570T is only dual core Vs the 4570S and normal 4570 both being quad core. So do a little reading on your specific CPU and whether it's worth the T series.

In general though, Jump right in! Either try the Pi out and upgrade if needed, or get the USFF and get stuck in. Both of mine run 24/7 and are frankly underutilized with power to spare. Which is a good thing if you might add some extra services later.
 
They are decent value, but the HP 290 G2’s are similar money, use desktop 8th gen CPU’s, have better expansion options and similar power consumption with performance thats significantly better and more capable iGPU. Personally, unless you absolutely need the smallest possible box (NUC‘s rule!), then I would go with a desktop over SFF.
 
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The basic machine seem a good idea but I think the answer is very much it depends. What are you planning on running in the Docker Containers ? A couple of big apps plus data storage etc and things may get a bit tight.

Personally I would try to go for more memory before a bigger processor. If you are thinking of using something like Kubernetes plus a number of apps then 16GB would be more practical.

Looking around, DDR4 SODIMM can be had for 16GB/£55 32GB/8£110 so you do have a reasonable upgrade path in that respect if needed.
 
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