Server Build

[freestyler105]

I've had it. I'm sick of having to reinstall Windows every couple months for one reason or another, and having to go through all the crap to back up my files. I don't have an external hard drive, so I decided I'm going to try Windows Home Server:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx

It sounds pretty neat, and could definitely be useful in a few ways.


So anyway, I need to come up with a cheap build that will run this for me.
That DFI mobo for sale sounds good to me, may be overkill, but it's not too much money.

I'll need a processor, I was thinking the Intel Pentium series, maybe the E2160. I could probably get that thing up to 3 GHz...the only thing I'm not sure about is the small L2 cache.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116036

Now I'm undecided for RAM. I'm not sure whether to just get 1GB or go for 2. I could always get a 1GB stick now, and if I think I need more, just buy another...

Hard drive. This is where it gets expensive. Right now I think I'll get a 250 gig drive for cheap (only about $60), and then just add more when I start to fill up.

I have a few spare video cards, and I probably won't even have a monitor hooked up to this thing 99% of the time, so that's not a problem.

I may upgrade the PSU in my E6600 build, and throw the Rosewill from that (which was supposed to be temporary anyway) into the server.

Add a cheap case, and I've got myself a server. Totals up to around $300 most likely. What do you guys think?

 

[ssc456]

maybe the E2160. I could probably get that thing up to 3 GHz...

ok well theres your first problem are you going to use your server like a proper business server on 24 hours a day ??

well if so you dont wonna OC u wonna get a nic cool running CPU with a good HS&F

and id probably go with AMD if your thinking of a cheap build

 

[CompMan]

yeah AMD def for the build, maybe even a cheap single core or something, shouldn't take alot of processing power really,
just a big ass hdd

But just a question about windows home server? like can you just use it to store your files on or what?

I'm a little confused casue I would like to try it.

 

[freestyler105]

Nah, it's a home server. I wouldn't keep it at 3 GHz, maybe 2.4ish. If it goes down, it goes down, not a big deal.

The thing is, if I can get that DFI motherboard, it's definitely worth going Intel. Maybe I'll splurge and get the E4300...

Here's a list of features in Home Server:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Home_Server#Features
The thing that really makes me like this over just getting an external hard drive is it can stream media to my 360. That's huge. Also, if I ever want a personal internet server, I can have one. And there's an add-in for torrents.

 

[colorblindjimbo]

I've had it. I'm sick of having to reinstall Windows every couple months for one reason or another, and having to go through all the crap to back up my files. I don't have an external hard drive, so I decided I'm going to try Windows Home Server:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx

It sounds pretty neat, and could definitely be useful in a few ways.


So anyway, I need to come up with a cheap build that will run this for me.
That DFI mobo for sale sounds good to me, may be overkill, but it's not too much money.

I'll need a processor, I was thinking the Intel Pentium series, maybe the E2160. I could probably get that thing up to 3 GHz...the only thing I'm not sure about is the small L2 cache.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116036

Now I'm undecided for RAM. I'm not sure whether to just get 1GB or go for 2. I could always get a 1GB stick now, and if I think I need more, just buy another...

Hard drive. This is where it gets expensive. Right now I think I'll get a 250 gig drive for cheap (only about $60), and then just add more when I start to fill up.

I have a few spare video cards, and I probably won't even have a monitor hooked up to this thing 99% of the time, so that's not a problem.

I may upgrade the PSU in my E6600 build, and throw the Rosewill from that (which was supposed to be temporary anyway) into the server.

Add a cheap case, and I've got myself a server. Totals up to around $300 most likely. What do you guys think?

About memory, 2x 512sticks in dual channel mode is faster than 1x1gb stick. Keep that in mind. (If your mobo supporsts DCMemory)

 

[freestyler105]

Yeah, but it's not that big of a deal. I'd rather get 1 gig sticks and have the option of getting 4 gigs in the future.

 

[colorblindjimbo]

You gonna be using DDR2 memory? If so, just buy a 2gb package for like $40. DDR2 memory is so cheap.

 

[freestyler105]

Yeah, that's what I'll probably end up doing. There are so many good deals out now, that I'll probably end up spending twice as much as I originally wanted to...

Sorry to double post but...

I decided I may as well go with the E4500. I realized it has an 11x multiplier, so it'll overclock like crazy. It's also pretty cheap for what you're getting, $125.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115031

 

[dan7777]

Why exactly are you getting home server? Are you just backing up files? Why don't you just pick the files that need backing up and set there target to the server. Allow them to work in offline mode, and it will automatically sinc a backup between your pc and server...

 

[freestyler105]

What? I'm getting it so it regularly backs up my files, and I think it could be useful for a few other things too.