spyderbite9001

The Dell PN is MPX3V, theres a few floating around Newegg and eBay. If you really want that machine to run again, just replace with a refurb but looks like you're gonna spend $60-$100 doing it.

I've been in tech over a decade and honestly the most important thing you can do is illustrate your ability to pick up new talents on the fly. If you want a software focused role, go to a coding bootcamp. Its blitzkrieg but totally worth it. Java and Python are prolific so if you can get proficient in one of those, your BIT degree will be a great complement.

There are 4 things that would keep a Dell server from posting once power is applied (as evidenced by fans spinning) #1 bad CPU #2 bad RAM #3 bad motherboard #4 monitor output disabled (its posting but you cant tell) Looks like you tried #2 so its either 1 or 3. Try a cpu swap to see if thats the issue, if not then try below. Dell servers can also disable monitor output so it may be configured that way. If it is, you'll need to clear the cmos settings. Try the directions on this site. https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln284985/how-to-perform-a-bios-or-cmos-reset-and-or-clear-the-nvram-on-your-dell-system?lang=en

I have hundreds of servers world wide with the 9211-8i. Its pretty great and even at volume, have a very low (<1%) fallout rate after 3 years 24/7 use. There is nothing better at the 6Gbps bandwidth.

Because of the quantum tunneling effect. The charge trap flash in an SSD gets electron sized holes punched in it every-time there is is any write to it. Admittedly, modern NAND only gets a few electrons stuck in the charge trap so it takes a while but the insulator will eventually break down and no longer trap the electrons. The modern solution is overprovisioning of the storage so the worn out cells are just replaced.

I'd run my OS off the fastest storage I have available. A fresh install on the NVMe is the route I would go. If your old hdd's have an OS installed, make sure BIOS places your NVMe first in the boot order or you'll end up booting to the old drives.

If you're buying the M.2, get an Intel 660p 2TB. Sure, its performance degrades as you fill it, but it can be your primary editing drive. As for your 2TB question, why so small? Enterprise grade Nearline 4TB's are only $100 and you could go bigger for that price in the client space. https://www.amazon.com/Inch-Cache-Enterprise-Drive-WD4000FYYZ/dp/B0090UEQ8I

SAS is backwards compatible with SATA, however there is a mechanical interference on the connector where the 2nd port would normally be on SAS. If you're hellbent on using it, you'll need something like this adapter to get to SATA https://www.amazon.com/SFF-8482-SATA-Drive-Adapter-Power/dp/B017QYA3XQ/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=sas+to+usb&amp;qid=1560876099&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-6 Then from SATA to USB, keep in mind, you need something with add'l power for the 12V rail. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLL41MA/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_ttrcDb8N09TXA You're probably better off getting a Nearline SATA drive like this one. https://www.amazon.com/Inch-Cache-Enterprise-Drive-WD4000FYYZ/dp/B0090UEQ8I

The stickers on NVMe are thermally conductive, you won't need to remove it. In fact, manf's like Intel use them as a heat spreader.

Here's what I would do in your shoes: Create a Raid 1 array of archive class hdd's. 6TB ~$150 each on newegg (Seagate ST6000AS0002). It'll future proof your storage needs (over capacity), preserve your data (archive class) and just get an LSI 920x adapter depending on internal or external requirements. If internal, you'll need a LSI 920x-8i with a rosewill rsv-sata-cage-34 (personal favorite) and the correct cables. You can either use LSI utilities for the RAID or software RAID with your OS.