file server.. looking to build..

[giguchan]

Anyone ever build one before..? I think it's basically like building a pc except that you load server S/W on it.

I am trying to figure out what MOBO and Processor to use..


Thanks.

 

[questnz]

Amigo, it is a bit more to it, proper "Server" is not just PC. You need to be more specific.
Hardware spec will depend on many factors eg.
What is your intended use for?
What OS you envisage using, Windows Server or Linux based Server, Licensing ?
What you intended to host on the Server, files, printers, music, video, feed?
Number of users?
For hardware, you need to spec, Motherboard, CPU and memory to match.
Storage, HD's space, chassis, power supply, UPS, backup, any redundancy eg dual power supply,
mirrored disks, array RAID disks etc and most important, what is your budget $$$$$
Obvious depends on your requirements and application some of the above may not be that important

ps yes you can run laptop as a simple server, BUT ???

 

[bharvey2]

As was mentioned above, you need to determine the purpose of a server before you set out to build one. The purpose of the server will govern the components and O.S. that might be used. If your're building one "just because you can" well, that is another story.

 

[giguchan]

Thanks for the replies.
Currently use a WD NAS EX2. I use it as a place where I can store and remotely access small media files and lots of Photos. I have a buddy who wants to buy it from me so I thought that this would be a good time to build my own. I'm told that Linux is superior to anything windows based but I think because this my first server build I will stick to windows server s/w. I will be the only user. I think as I get better at this I will get more into streaming and having more users. I guess you can say that it wont be too complicated .

Hardware wise I didn't think that there was much difference between a PC and a server. If I am wrong please correct me.

I already have a psu, case,dvd tray. like most of my builds I normally buy the cheapest/ easiest parts first leaving the mobo,memory, cpu last... that normally takes up the most brain power. I already have a spare 256GB SSD for the OS, I think i am good there. I would like to run a Minimum of 2 HD's(2 TB) or more if it makes sense to do so,using the RAID1 configuration (correct me if I am wrong)

I've always had good luck with INTEL cpu's /mobo. If it's possible this time around I'd like to use intel cpu and a MSI mobo... from what I've seen they are just as good. This will be the first machine that I built that will actually use the onboard video, so I don't have to spend extra money on a high end Video Card.

I've been to New egg and microcenter looking around.. if I've missed anything please let me know.

Thanks for the replies

 

[bharvey2]

Based on your description, it doesn't sound like you need a file server. However, far be it from me to stand in one's way. I certainly try things out because I can. (learning experience and sometimes, just plain fun) In any case, I would recommend some sort of RAID array - mirrored if you're only using 2 disks, RAID 5 or 10 if you can handle 4 or more. Either will afford you file protection should a disk fail. Ubuntu offers a server package and another option for you may be FreeNAS. With Ubuntu you can build up a server that can act as a web server and I believe it can offer other services as well. -Been a while since I used it. FreeNAS is aimed toward those who are looking just for robust file storage and protection.

 

[questnz]

Second that,. FreeNAS will do the job for you if you want to build your own, all in one package. But sound to me that external NAS will be sufficient without much administration work. Maybe just upgrade WD to Qnap or Synology 2-Bay unit?

 

[giguchan]

Hey guys,

Slight change in plan... After to speaking to some people I've decided not to go with an actual server application. Since I really don't need much I've decide to try WIN10 for my OS.

The WD is a 2 bay unit but a buddy of mine wants it. I'm going to restore it to factory settings for him and I'll be done with it - it will offset some of the cost of the build. I ended up going with a MSI MOBO and an AMD CPU. I was able to secure 16 gb of memory and 2 HD'S (4TB of storage).

Because I am only using 2 drives for storage I think RAID1 will be what I have to use when I get some more money I might add 2 more- I will never fill them all but it's nice to have the space.

This should get me started... I'll assemble it this weekend and hopefully have working shortly after that.I have had a dyn-dns acct for a while so i'll be using that too...Not sure about if I have to use port forwarding or not... I think I did that with the current configuration,

Thanks again

 

[bharvey2]

I had a rash of hard drive failures a couple of years ago (more so at work) so I started buying MOBOs that support RAID arrays. My last few workstation builds have included RAID1 arrays. I've still had hard disk failures but when they occur, I just buy a new drive, swap it with the bad one and keep chugging along. No lost data. Man, is that nice!

 

[giguchan]

Thanks for the information... I think I will use the RAID too... I'm going to get 2 more HD's and carry on from there. 4 in total. I'll also use my Agility SSD for the system drive.

Thanks for adding.

 

[iMONITOR]

Use the KISS principle! This might be all you need:

Build a Home FTP Server with FileZilla

 

[Jackets]

My current data backup/storage solution is in my main box, running win7x64 ultimate.

I currently use 2 2tb drives in a raid0 setup that i use as main storage. and a 840Evo ssd for OS. For a backup solution i plug in 2 3tb drives in a raid1 setup once a week and update the contents.

I have had lightning issues twice now so backup data is maintained separate.

Remember to keep a backup, as life happens and drives fail, i recommend you play with that raid setup by removing a drive like it failed and then try adding another to "rebuild" getting used to the process of data recovery. learn with it before you put it into use with your data

 

[bharvey2]

While a bit off topic, a good practice these days is to have some sort of removable media in your backup rotation. For those unfamiliar with it, there is a type of nastiness lurking on the web called ransomware. This is malware of sorts that once it makes it to your computer, will encrypt many of your files and then hold them hostage until you agree to pay a substantial sum of money for the encryption key and do so within an allotted period of time. It usually looks for common file types such as *.doc, *.pdf, *jpg, etc. It can affect any drive that is mapped to your OS. Whether you will actually get an encryption key if you pay the ransom is a crapshoot. The best solution is prevention in the form of removable media. A hard drive in a hot swap drive bay would do the trick.

 

[giguchan]

Hey guys,
I have the unit built. Due to MOBO limitations I have 2 drives. Eventually I'm going to get a PCI SLOT controller so I can add another 2 drives for a total of 4. then i'll be good..

I use FileZilla@ work . I wanted to try something else. not too crazy about it.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Jackets]

If your doing this on the home network you could map a network drive to the main computer so its just a drag and drop.

What mobo did you get the MSI AM1I? if so the slot is a PCIe much better then the older PCI for finding compatible cards.

I would recommend getting a card that is capable of handling all 4 drives in raid then use the mobo sata's for the OS host drive.

Cheers,
Joe

 

[giguchan]

Hey Joe,
I went with the MSI A68HM-E33V2. Can you recommend a good card? I am already into this for a fair amount. I don't mind spending some for a good card. This was an afterthought.( after I thought I figured it all out the first time)
That was a joke.

I just bought the card so I am hoping that the one I have will work. I Like the idea of having a CD/DVD tray,,, that's why I ran short. again... I didn't think of everything. It's my first server build.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Jackets]

I've had decent luck with a Syba card i installed in my mothers computer for her, But its just running JBOD, My mobo has lots of ports (i'll list it all at the bottom).

So, the PCIe 3.0 your motherboard has supports 7.877 Gbit/s (984.6 MB/s) per lane.
Sata III is a (6 Gbit/s, 600 MB/s) Max, now platter drives wont use this to its fullest extent.
All them specs and your network will not support speeds like that its 125MB/s max (gigabit).

Out of all that i'd sugesst a SYBA SI-PEX40064 This is a single lane card that will host 4 Sata III drives. Currently $30. (1/2 off)


My current rig is:
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD5
CPU: PII x6 1035T
Ram: G.Skill Ripjaws F3-14900CL9S-4GBXL
Video: Saphire HD5770
OS Drive: Samsung 840EVO 120GB
Stroage pool: 2x Toshiba 3TB 7200RPM drives
Backup Pool: 2x Seagate 2TB 5900RPM drives

Next go of drives will be whatever is the best $$/TB Replacing the storage pool, the current S-pool will flop to backup duty.
My rig runs 24/7/365, current up time is 52 Days, 2.25 Hours, last time it was shutdown to be cleaned due again in 8 days.

This current system is due to be replaced this summer, it will flip to a data box and get stuffed in a Rack mount case.

 

[giguchan]

Hey there,
Thanks for the reply! I'm going to look into that card and make a decision... on paper it looks like it'll do the job.

 

[iMONITOR]

Below are some other options, from a manufacture I've used, and can recommend:

Addonics Category: SATA / eSATA / Mini SAS

 

[giguchan]

There is certainly a lot to see on that page.. thanks for the link!

 

[Jackets]

That Addonics link is a good find indeed.

A few choices there that would work wonderfully,