Mini-ITX server build

Juic3R · 14 Apr 2015 at 11:24

Hey guys,

Just thought I would ask your opinions on the following mini-itx server build for my new ESX setup. The mobo ASC chip means i can't use the processors built-in GPU, so will have to get a discreet GPU in the available PCIe slot.

CPU - Intel Xeon E3-1246V3 / 3.5 GHz processor (VPro)
MOBO - ASRock E3C224D2I Server/Workstation Board (Socket 1150, Intel C224, DDR3, S-ATA 600, M-ITX)
RAM -KVR16LE11 - Kingston DDR3 1600 MHz ECC DIMM
CASE - Corsair Obsidian Series 250D
PSU - Silverstone SFX-L 500W
COOLER - Corsair Hydro H55 Quiet Liquid CPU Cooler
SDD - Samsung 2.5-Inch 250 GB 850 EVO Solid State Drive (May swap out for a 512GB)
GPU - MSI GeForce GT 720 OC silent 2048MB

I am going to be running the following VM's:
1. Windows Server 2012 - General DC functions and learning
2. Openelec/Ubuntu/Kodibuntu - Specifically for XBMC
3. Windows 7/8/10 - For coding.
4. General Ubuntu mess around image.

Storage:
I have a DS412+ as a NAS which can be mounted over NFS or similar.

Appreciate any comments!

Thanks
-J

stringsonfire · 17 Apr 2015 at 22:11

I'm planning something similar. What's that about not being able to use the built in GPU?

Why not get a bigger case and use this as NAS as well?

Why do you want to develop on a server?

PurplePhoenix · 18 Apr 2015 at 11:10

Have a look at the Asrock C2750D4 for itx. You need IMO at least 4 ram slots if you want to start building a home lab.

Nice 8 core CPU, it little slower than the xeon but is fine for a home lab.

stringsonfire · 18 Apr 2015 at 18:12

PurplePhoenix said:
Have a look at the Asrock C2750D4 for itx. You need IMO at least 4 ram slots if you want to start building a home lab.

Nice 8 core CPU, it little slower than the xeon but is fine for a home lab.

Bad time for an integrated solution with Xeon D being released recently.

If it doesn't have to be a prefect mini-ITX, as in the case will allow a slightly longer itx board, there are also these, with 4 RAM slots:

http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=MT-C224#Specifications
http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=E3C224D4I-14S#Specifications

PurplePhoenix · 21 Apr 2015 at 22:04

stringsonfire said:
Bad time for an integrated solution with Xeon D being released recently.

If it doesn't have to be a prefect mini-ITX, as in the case will allow a slightly longer itx board, there are also these, with 4 RAM slots:

http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=MT-C224#Specifications
http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=E3C224D4I-14S#Specifications

Ohh I didnt know about the Xeon D , will take a look at it

McGraw · 21 Apr 2015 at 22:13

stringsonfire said:
I'm planning something similar. What's that about not being able to use the built in GPU?

Why not get a bigger case and use this as NAS as well?

Why do you want to develop on a server?

I didn't think xeons had IGP?

Xelene · 27 Apr 2015 at 17:18

That chip only has 2 RAM channels. 4765T is basically same thing but lower power and no ECC. Has all Virtualisation extensions.

I built my Virtualisation lab on 4770T + Asrock Z87 ITX. Not tried ESX but it's been fine with HyperV and OpenCloud

Kidge · 27 Apr 2015 at 20:16

How about a Gen8 microserver and drop a Xeon in with 16Gb ram?