Spec me a basic server

Lorddalron

Lorddalron

Lorddalron

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Joined
31 Mar 2012
Posts
496
Location
Northern Ireland
Looking to add a server to my current system so i can run Exchange server 03 & 08 aswell as Server 2008 to help with Microsoft certification studies. Dont really want to spend no more than £150. Any ideas?

I was looking at item number: 110833275132

Would that be suitable for my project?
 
bremen1874 said:
If that item number refers to a PowerEdge 830 then I'd avoid it.

The PowerEdge 840 is worth a look if you can get one at the right price. It supports Core 2 processors and is capable of supporting a small production environment. The Dell SC440, Dell T100 and HP’s ML110 (preferably G5 or later) are also viable machines.

For a straight learning system you can’t really go wrong with the HP Microserver suggested above (assuming the cashback offer is still available). You’d probably need to stuff some memory up it, but it’ll take standard DDR3 so it’s dirt cheap.
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Thanks for the advice.



In regards to the cash back offer. Is that via HP.COM/UK?
 
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bremen1874 said:
Loose the link, it's breaking the forum rules.

£110 delivered for the secondhand machine linked, or about £160 for a new one (after cashback) with a 12 month warranty. The current machines also have a slightly higher spec.

The cashback is via HP UK.
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Sorry bout that, should have know better. Must try and find this offer then.

Pretty much matches what i need it for.
 
What would be the best method for me to connect this to my computer. Can i simply connect it via USB or would it be better connected to my home hub(situated in another room from my pc)
 
Think i'll move my router back into the kitchen when i get this. I only have it in the living room so i can connect my bluray, amp and Sky box for firmware updates but firmware updates dont come around too often and it wouldn't be too hard to get a long network cable to check every now and again.

Must mention this to my cousin as well as i know he has been looking for a suitable server for some time and this is indeed a bargain.
 
Essexraptor said:
Yes... well worth the effort ( and far cheaper solution ) over a 4 bay Syn or QNAP and more flexible OS wise

The initial cash outlay for the unit can be daunting if your on a tight budget but the £100 cashback softens the blow

Can't comment on ESXi or all that HyperV stuff... well over MY head...lol
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Hopefully going to place my order within the next week or so when i scrap together the extra cash. Hopefully stock levels will be good.

In regards to ESXi etc. Over my head too for now, hopefully that'll be all to familiar however sooner than later. I saw on a youtube video thats theres a USB slot on the MB itself where ones like to install a pen drive and run ESXi that way.

Thanks anyway guys for all the info. Much appreciated!
 
So im pretty much set on this now and i will probably have many more questions which i'll post in the dedicated Proliant thread but in regards quickly to what i want to do in regards to software.

Can a full copy of the likes of Server 2008 or R2 be got for training purposes as it aint cheap. Like i said in my opening post. Im looking to obtain Microsoft credentials throughout the summer/winter in Server admin, Exchange admin aswell as others but i want to mainly get to grips using the actual software on a dedicated server to help with my studies.

I have Trainsignals Server 2008 R2 training DVD but in the opening video, it is expected that i already be familiar with the likes of basic Server 2008 before attempting R2. Same for Exchange server. I have CBT Nuggets training material for Exchange server 2010 but experience with 2003 would be beneficial which i think the HP wont support.

As im sure you can gather, im looking to start a career in Networking/Server management and want to get a good head start on using the actual applications rather than just reading a lot of words and not putting them into practice.
 
Forgot to mention. When it comes to loading the software onto the server i can do that via my pendrive right? I installed windows 7 like that after going through the process of making the pendrive bootable!
 
Cheers.

Gave them a phone today, plenty in stock so should be safe enough to hold off until next week to get one and gather up some additional funds as although my budget was £150 i dont even have a tenner right now :D. I need one however to help with my studies plus its a great offer and will server other purposes down the line.

In regards to upgrading the RAM to 8gb. OC.co.uk have a range of DIMM ram and i can only gather that i need Dual channel but not sure which to go for as theres a few different types, i.e 10666, 12800 & 14400+.
 
Essexraptor said:
This might help if you have student status?

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/students/free-stuff.aspx

the Dreamspark section :)
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Was checking out Dreamspark today but not too sure exactly what way i can work it.
Im a part time student, however im 28 and i dont have any forms of student id apart from my Cisco Acadamey ID. I tried to check out getting an ISIC car but due to my internal neetwork going through Sweden, i cant get the appropriate info for uk application.

Any ideas?
 
Was thinking about going for some of THIS if it were good enough?

Also, on the topic of RAM. My Acer PC has 3gb of RAM, is there away i can find out which type it is without opening her up? Was just thinking about adding the 2gb i'll be taking out of the proliant to tot it up to 5gb if its possible.
 
Im at that critical deciding point now :(

After a little more research I see ML1110 G7 is a real good price on serversplus @ £272 all in (c/w 2gb RAM & 250GB HDD) however a new site ive come across (MISCO) have it all in @ £239 including DVD drive as there running an extended cashback offer of £80 until the end of the month.

The whole RAM issue in regards to multiple VM's have just got me thinking you see and wouldn't like to fall short as im looking this to be a long term investment for now as i cant be chopping and changing.


Opinions?
 
Dashik said:
I think all the G7's coem with the DVD as standard. Servers Plus seem very reputable from my dealing with them in the past and may be able to provide better support for your server than Misco?
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I was going to go with serversplus for the G7 but they are £5 dearer in regards to delivery to northern Ireland and £60 dearer on the G7 cos there not running the extended cash back offer on the g7.

In regards to customer support. Have you had previous dealings with Misco or what?
 
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