Looking for suggestions for building an X2 based server.

[calais86]

I'm looking to put together an X2 based server for my house. Stability is a number 1 priority. Graphics are not a concern since I will only be remote desktoping to the server. I will be running Windows Server 2003.

I know that I am going to be going with the X2 3800 and at least 2GB of RAM. I will also need to move over an SATA RAID1 array from my current server to the new box.

I'm looking for a recommendation on a good (non-gaming) stable motherboard that supports SATA raid. The machine will be on 24x7. I'm also looking for a good case recommendation. Nothing fancy. Just a plain, black, server looking case without any windows or anything... LOL. Just room for lots of drives.

Looking for recommendations on memory and powersupply as well. I would like to order everything from the same vendor (probably newegg) but that doesn't HAVE to be. Also, I'd like to come in $1,000 or under, but I can go a bit over.

Thanks in advance to all for helping me put together my new server!

 

[Czar]

get around a 1-2ghz processor and you are set


servers sit idle most of the time, just so you know

 

[calais86]

Thanks, but I run 3 - 4 Virtual Machines at any given time that are in use. I do need the processing power.

--James

 

[LxMxFxD3]

James, see my sig. I recommend everything in it, cept of course the video card if you dont need that. Only drawback is you'll have to buy a new vid card cuz the A8N-SLI doesn't support AGP any longer.

You can get it all for under $1k.

For ram I'm using Geil ram. I've had it since may, runs fine. Its non ECC though so you might want to consider a differnet board if you're looking for ECC.

Good Luck

 

[Czar]

for virtual machines you mostly need lots and lots and lots and lots of memory

and decent cpu power, not x2, not by far

I'm currently setting up a gsx.. or esx (can never remember which is which) vmware server at work, going to run a few servers on it, 2gb ram, 1x 3ghz xeon.. for now

and vmware wont support x2 untill later this month

 

[calais86]

Thanks! Didn't know vmware was having issues with the X2 procs at this time. I'll keep that in mind.

--James

Originally posted by: Czar
for virtual machines you mostly need lots and lots and lots and lots of memory

and decent cpu power, not x2, not by far

I'm currently setting up a gsx.. or esx (can never remember which is which) vmware server at work, going to run a few servers on it, 2gb ram, 1x 3ghz xeon.. for now

and vmware wont support x2 untill later this month

 

[Genx87]

You can pickup a GF4MX or GF2MX PCI for like 30-40 bucks from Newegg.

That is what I stuck in our too-disk backup server I built in June.

 

[Vegito]

i just bought a8n sli premium with 3800x2 w/4gb ram.. retiring a dual xeon 2.4 with 2gb rdram..

Also running vm but will be switching to windows 2003 64 and vm when it's supporting x2.

i suggest scsi... but its up to u