New server.. What do you chaps think?

Admiral Huddy · 28 Apr 2008 at 11:43

Requirements 1TB+ in RAID-10
Fast Quad core processor.
Will run on Windows 2003 with no more than 4 users

Chimerical · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:00

Doesn't Crucial RAM tend to fail a lot?

Admiral Huddy · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:03

Guess it doesn't have to be Crucial

gt_junkie · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:06

I'd go OCZ, corsair 620 (would go for the 520 but it's out of stock) and a q6600.

Pretty much the same performance but would save you well over £200.

gt

Admiral Huddy · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:33

The 9450 is clocked slightly higher than the q6600 with more cache. However, i take your point through. Customer CPUs can't be OC'd.

daz · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:35

You'd be better off getting an OEM server machine rather than building it yourself.

Admiral Huddy · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:39

daz said:
You'd be better off getting an OEM server machine rather than building it yourself.

I did look into this but most of them you still have add processors etc. It's only for a small company. What do you think?

Sin_Chase · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:45

Can I ask why they require Raid-10?

Specifically, if it is a performance requirement I would be running it off a dedicated hardware controller.

I am with daz somewhat, a small company surely values the manufacturer warranty. You can then go for hotpluggable and a dedicated controller. Well, is what I would do

oli collett · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:47

720W is massive overkill imo, i wouldn't think you need more than about 400W for that system.

randal · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:52

To be honest, I'd look at someone like Dell for a server as you've got a lot of performance parts on there which for a box in a rack - just isn't needed. Plus you get an RTB warranty with Dell.

semi-pro waster · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:53

The CPU you have there is OEM so you'll need to add a cooler unless you already have one.

Is there any particular reason for the external drive?

The case and PSU would appear to be largely overkill unless you are intending on adding lots to the system later.

Finally unless the system is going to be overclocked then PC8500 is overspecified, PC6400 is more than adequate and will save you cash as well.

markyb · 28 Apr 2008 at 12:56

Change the 8400GS for something passive.

I tend to find those tiny 40mm fans only last 6 months. The last thing you need is to pull the server down for a while for a dead fan.

mrbios · 28 Apr 2008 at 13:07

what exactly is this server going to be used for with only 4 people connecting to it? curious more than anything, as it looks like overkill for 4 people unless its doing some stressfull tasks?

Hodders · 28 Apr 2008 at 13:07

Bottom line.

How much impact will there be if the server 'goes wrong' ?

If there will be more than one person sitting around doing nothing, more than one critical email that doesn't get answered then buy a proper server with 4 hour on site warranty.

Something like a Dell PowerEdge with a CERC raid controller and Sata disks will remain a valuable business assett for 3+ years.

The server you specced - the mobo goes wrong in 17 months time, it is not available any more, so it is a reinstall and a wait for a new mobo.

It is a bit of a no brainer if you ask me.

Also with 1.5TB of storage - what is your backup strategy ?

Admiral Huddy · 28 Apr 2008 at 14:25

You're all correct. Should have known better really so thanks for the input.

iKettles · 29 Apr 2008 at 19:25

Can't really justify spending £125 on a power supply. Corsair HX620W should be more than enough