Budget Server Hardware

K

Krypt0n1te

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Hi Guys

So many Q's, don't know where to start.

Background: I want to set up a small server to share a few flash type files (almost like powerpoint slides).
There will be 20 workstations connected to this server.

Current server's motherboard failed so I need to set up a complete new server. The current sever was a very old AMD athlon PC, so I really dont need any hardcore hardware.

Software: I need to run either Server 2003 or Server 2008, so I need drivers! I will set up a very basic DHCP server to do the job.

Please give me input or suggestions on what to do.

Budget for Motherboard and CPU = +- R2000 (From R1300 to R2500 is fine) (As mentioned the previous server was something like an AMD xp1400 with 512MB ram so I don't want to overkill at all.)

1.AMD vs INTEL for server

2.Recommondations on Motherboard + CPU (Preferably from Prophecy, BUT please tell if I should buy somewhere else.)

3. Is it better to buy a dedicated network card, something like this http://www.prophecy.co.za/intel-pwla8391gt-with-lowprofile-bracket-gigabit-deskt-p-31598.html or can I simply go with the onboard lan?

4. Remember drivers will be important due to the fact that i will be running MS Server.

I want something that will last, but will rather spend some cash on upgrading the 20 Celeron 800Mhz machines.

Any input welcome
 
That lan card is pricey. We pay R80-120 for a gigabit card nowdays. What we have learn't is to buy separate cards due to poor driver support on many onboard ones these days.

Oh, we get our cards from places like Computer Mania and Chaos at Somerset Mall.


EDIT: I now you want to install server200x, but you could achieve all of this using an easy LINUX distro on one of the 800Mhz machines.
 
Cool, will look into other options for the network card.

Where is Chaos???? I lately do a lot of shopping at Computer Mania, very well priced.

I so wish I could set up a LINUX server, but i dont know jack about LINUX :(
 
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whether on board or dedicated... for 20 workstations as long as its gigabit.. your fine. either im really stoned or you didnt mention a switch. your gonna need a 32 port switch. probably a 100Mbit one. (gigabit 32 port switches are like R8000 for good ones) besides your just serving some slides, so 100Mbit should be fine for client <-> switch. (you need switch with a gigabit port for switch <-> server). LOTS of memory. As much as you can get. RAM cached network i/o makes a phat difference.

AMD is nice if you wanna save some clams, although i would recommend Intel. I still have three Pentiums running after 14 years of continuous use. Although in 14 years you could probably buy a matchbox that does everything you just described.

For the workstations.... those Celerons are fine. Double their memory, and load Medibuntu Linux. They'll be snappy fo sho.
 
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Cool Mr naked, will look into that, just a bit concerned about drivers. Will have a look now.

Opinion on onboard lan vs. dedicated card?

5. Hard Drive?
6. PSU?
 
just a bit concerned about drivers.
Click to expand...

What drivers?

Hard Drives. Since there is gonna be a lot of reading / writing on the diski, i would suggest getting a mobo that supports RAID 0/1 (most these days do), and buy hard drives in pairs of two. thus if one fails you can restore from the other one. otherwise. just get something that spins faster than 7200rpm.

PSU. About 500w will be future proof. just not a 500w PSU that costs R350. Cos its gonna fail in two weeks. About R1000 for a good one that will last 4 years.
 
holy **** monkey. a R620 24 port DLINK. THANKS! I need that.
 
I dont see the need for a dedicated card unless you need 2 or more ports.
Not sure of your space requirement but I'd think a 250GB R345 is adequate since It's kind of the smallest size you get at a good price. But for R40 more you get double the space 500GB R384. I too would think a raid set up is worth wile for a server.
PSU: Now I always recommend this Corsair cx400w R500 since It really is a quality PSU that can handle alot. But you really don't need that much and the gigabyte odin 370w R263 should server you well. :D

Edit: I'd still go for the cx though :)
 
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@Naked

Will definitely look into the Corsair PSU, don't mind spending on the thing driving the core of the setup, I know for a fact the electricity is a bit shaky where I am. so maybe I should spend a few bucks on a UPS, any ideas? Fairly budget on this one though.

And do you guys recommend Prophecy if I go online?
 
Prophecy are quite pricey as online stores go. But they do have quite good service and orders over R1500 are delivered free.

Rebeltech is one of the cheapest. Never had to return anything but they very fast to respond and get your order quite fast as well.. just deliver is pricey. So I usually go collect from them in Rivonia, which you I suppose cant :)

Sorry cant recommend a UPS, no experience with one.
 
Thx so much for all the input, I appreciate it. Will go and do some more research and will shoot if I need more help.
 
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