Help needed on a server solution.

[dowxp]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

I'm planning on building a vmware server to be put in a datacenter. I don't need super high power, but i don't want to be limited in it's upgrade path. i don't know much about the new tech these days and can't decide on what platform to use- go enterprise with server chipsets or wing it with a consumer board (which i've done before).

my current plan is to buy a 5520 board, like the supermicro X8DAH+ ; and run only one processor (e5520). can anyone confirm if this is possible? my last dp solution was a p3 933 .. :|

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

not really important, under 1k for cpu\mobo\ram

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

not really.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

case is a supermicro 933T- EATX supported

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

frankly no.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

i've considered it, but i don't think its a good idea since i need it to run 24/7 for 2+ years, etc .. , so no.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.

not gaming.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

0-3 months.



thanks in advance.

- are there any chipsets that will support the upcoming 32nm? consumer or enterprise (xeon)?

 

[schenley101]

My advice for servers is always to go to dell or hp. Building them yourself usually is not worth it especially with warranties and whatnot... if i were to build it I would go intel dual socket because VMs like memory and core count. this also keeps your upgrade path open because you could start with just one processor.

 

[VinylxScratches]

Buy a rackable server from HP?

 

[jsedlak]

Semi old thread, but I like the idea since I am considering similar things. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

I am planning an upgrade for my AD/DNS/Hyper-V server. Like you, not super high end, but I need more VMs for testing. Current hardware isn't going to cut it. Currently I am running WS2008R2 on a Q6600 with 8gb of DDR2 with 5 guest VMs, running 2-3 concurrently. It works for what I am doing now, but I would like to expand a little as I get into testing Sharepoint 2010.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

I have no idea. I am looking at many different ways of tackling this. A single 6 core i7 may be enough for what I am trying to accomplish, but I don't like the current offerings in terms of boards. If I go this route I will keep it around $1250 USD. The other route I am considering is a Dell Server which will easily climb to $4000.

I, like the above poster, really like the idea of going with a trusted name on this. We have an older Dell server that is now outdated but still a fantastic machine that is built superbly. Easily one of the best examples Dell has and I am not sure a custom build by me could match it. Furthermore, the Dell warranty is very useful!

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

Intel all the way (right now). I have used both and been huge fans of both. Intel has never failed me, only been more expensive.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

Again it depends on which way I go. I will reuse as much as possible (PSU, Case, HDs) if I go the i7 route. Otherwise I will reuse nothing.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

Well, this is the second one I've read if that counts. I am doing other "research" outside of Anandtech.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

Default all the way.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.

Not gaming either.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

6 months to 1.5 years.