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Living Room / Re: Barebone server: what else do I need to complete it?
« Last post by 40hz on September 27, 2012, 01:34 PM »Take a look at how Backblaze has configured their 67-Tb servers to economically handle 45 drives. Article here which includes detailed parts list.
I'm not sure what "barebones" means since I've seen it applied to everything from a case+mobo+PS combo all the way up to a machine that just needed RAM, a HD, and an OS. So based on the list below, you'll need to get whatever isn't included in the barebones configuration you're buying.
What you need for any server is:
Next comes compatibility issues. You'll need to positively confirm the more esoteric elements in your configuration (expansion cards, BIOS, chipset, etc.) can all work with each other. So you'll need to check various manufacturer's hardware compatibility info and rework your spec as needed. That's one reason why having a vetted spec like the Backblaze server comes in so handy. They've already done the legwork and identified a "known good" configuration. (But it may not be well suited for what you have in mind.)
Configuring a server is an iterative process. You really can't say it's a go until you've successfully spec'ed all the components. It usually takes a few passes to get everything right.
re: Supermicro E5-2600 Series
I like Supermicro products. Unless they've changed things, barebones for them means the case plus whatever is soldered on the motherboard. So you'd need: CPU(s), RAM, disk drives, additional fans, power supply (and/or secondary PS), plus an OS.
Note: rackmount servers are heavy, noisy (as in 747 takeoff noisy) and run hot. So think about where you're gonna put it. Server rooms are usually soundproofed, and almost always have their own separate air conditioning, for a reason.
I'm not sure what "barebones" means since I've seen it applied to everything from a case+mobo+PS combo all the way up to a machine that just needed RAM, a HD, and an OS. So based on the list below, you'll need to get whatever isn't included in the barebones configuration you're buying.
What you need for any server is:
- Operating system (decide on this first because it affects everything else you use)
- RAM sufficient for whatever you plan on doing (rule of thumb: as much as you can afford/will fit)
- CPU - 64bit. Period. Speed and cores (or dual-CPUs) dependent on what it's for plus what OS you've selected.
- Power Supply - calc power requirements based on what's going in box and add about +20% over.
- Disk Drives - SATA. Period. (add expansion controller cards as needed - and watch power consumption!)
- DVD drive - to load OS and software. Cheap or recycled is ok here.
- Additional Cooling - the more in the box, the more air you'll need to move to keep everything happy. (Don't skip this.)
- NIC - two quality Gb-speed NICs minimum. Ideally with wake-on-lan features.
- Mobo - mostly determined by CPU selected. Get a server mobo - not one designed for desktops
- Case - determined by space/cooling requirements for all of above. (You can get really creative with this so think outside "the box.")
Next comes compatibility issues. You'll need to positively confirm the more esoteric elements in your configuration (expansion cards, BIOS, chipset, etc.) can all work with each other. So you'll need to check various manufacturer's hardware compatibility info and rework your spec as needed. That's one reason why having a vetted spec like the Backblaze server comes in so handy. They've already done the legwork and identified a "known good" configuration. (But it may not be well suited for what you have in mind.)
Configuring a server is an iterative process. You really can't say it's a go until you've successfully spec'ed all the components. It usually takes a few passes to get everything right.
re: Supermicro E5-2600 Series
I like Supermicro products. Unless they've changed things, barebones for them means the case plus whatever is soldered on the motherboard. So you'd need: CPU(s), RAM, disk drives, additional fans, power supply (and/or secondary PS), plus an OS.
Note: rackmount servers are heavy, noisy (as in 747 takeoff noisy) and run hot. So think about where you're gonna put it. Server rooms are usually soundproofed, and almost always have their own separate air conditioning, for a reason.
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