New server build that won't break the bank.

[_Grid21]

I am looking to build a custom server for a few reasons. Right now I have a Dell T5500 with 2 Intel Xeon X5550, 4 cores 8 threads, and since I have 2 Xeons in one box, I actually have 16 threads altogether with 24GB of ECC DDR3 ram, 2 1TB WD Blue in Raid 1 and 2 WD Red 6TB for a total of 12TB of storages. Don't get me wrong this is a good server box but there is one MAJOR issue, the heat output from a metal box is unbearable especially now that summer is on its way. It's also very heavy to carry outside to clean, and the amount of dust and the fact that the motherboard is custom to Dell, there isn't a whole lot more I can do with it. 

 

Now what I want to do is build a brand new server where I can render videos on, create virtual machines, run Minecraft Servers and TeamSpeak servers, and still, have a high volume of storage WITH expandability. For example, I have a Corsair T760 Graphite case and was able to fill all the hard drive bays. I'd like to have the same amount of Ram, cores, and storage without going overboard on cost. Something I can get started on now, and build over time into the future. I'd also like to have a better cooling solution too. I like the Intel 6950X but that's over $1,000 alone. So I want something similar to it. I was hoping someone here could help me get started in making a price and parts list so I can see if I can build something newer and better.

 

Thanks in advance

Grid

[GirlFromYonder]

3 minutes ago, Josh_Grid21 said:

I am looking to build a custom server for a few reasons. Right now I have a Dell T5500 with 2 Intel Xeon X5550, 4 cores 8 threads, and since I have 2 Xeons in one box, I actually have 16 threads altogether with 24GB of ECC DDR3 ram, 2 1TB WD Blue in Raid 1 and 2 WD Red 6TB for a total of 12TB of storages. Don't get me wrong this is a good server box but there is one MAJOR issue, the heat output from a metal box is unbearable especially now that summer is on its way. It's also very heavy to carry outside to clean, and the amount of dust and the fact that the motherboard is custom to Dell, there isn't a whole lot more I can do with it. 

 

Now what I want to do is build a brand new server where I can render videos on, create virtual machines, run Minecraft Servers and TeamSpeak servers, and still, have a high volume of storage WITH expandability. For example, I have a Corsair T760 Graphite case and was able to fill all the hard drive bays. I'd like to have the same amount of Ram, cores, and storage without going overboard on cost. Something I can get started on now, and build over time into the future. I'd also like to have a better cooling solution too. I like the Intel 6950X but that's over $1,000 alone. So I want something similar to it. I was hoping someone here could help me get started in making a price and parts list so I can see if I can build something newer and better.

 

Thanks in advance

Grid

looking around for old server chips. sure u meant find something. Scavanging is best.

[Electronics Wizardy]

Total budget?

 

If you want to save power, but some l56xx cpu's in there.

 

Your not gonna get much better than that system

 

Also look at the xeon d boards if you want lower power.

[_Grid21]

1 minute ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Total budget?

 

If you want to save power, but some l56xx cpu's in there.

 

Your not gonna get much better than that system

 

Also look at the xeon d boards if you want lower power.

 

I was thinking around $900 given as things are so expensive. I don't have to have Xeon processors, even something in a desktop class that can run windows server 2012 with similar specs. 

[GirlFromYonder]

1 minute ago, Josh_Grid21 said:

I was thinking around $900 given as things are so expensive. I don't have to have Xeon processors, even something in a desktop class that can run windows server 2012 with similar specs. 

DERP THREADS. 

try ryzen if not look around for some old 5960x

Edited March 25, 2017 by DeezNoNos
DERPED

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, Josh_Grid21 said:

I was thinking around $900 given as things are so expensive. I don't have to have Xeon processors, even something in a desktop class that can run windows server 2012 with similar specs. 

well something like a i7 7700 will be very low power for the performance. (think 40w idle about 100w load w/o drives)

 

Xeon d like this will be very low power and about the same speed as your current system, but isn't cheap https://www.amazon.com/Supermicro-X10SDV-4C-TLN4F-O-DDR3-Socket-Motherboard/dp/B01F9W3R9Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490477106&sr=8-2&keywords=xeon+d-1541 Think about 30w idle and 60w load w/o drives.

[_Grid21]

Just now, DeezNoNos said:

16 cores. lol no

Ok I thought there was something in the 5th Gen Intel Processor that was 16 cores as I just upgrade a board that had one and was in the X99 DDR4.

[GirlFromYonder]

Just now, Josh_Grid21 said:

Ok I thought there was something in the 5th Gen Intel Processor that was 16 cores as I just upgrade a board that had one and was in the X99 DDR4.

no refresh i editied my post

[_Grid21]

13 minutes ago, DeezNoNos said:

DERP THREADS. 

try ryzen if not look around for some old 5960x

 

Is Ryzen all it's cracked up to be and can it handle server duties and such? It seems like all I've seen is theory videos. I like Intel more, but I'm a little curious. 

[imreloadin]

25 minutes ago, Josh_Grid21 said:

Is Ryzen all it's cracked up to be and can it handle server duties and such? It seems like all I've seen is theory videos. I like Intel more, but I'm a little curious. 

What software do you use to render videos with?

I know that having 1 CPU with 16 threads will generate a lot less heat than a 2 CPU setup will, I'm guessing it'll use less power as well.

What OS are you using?

 

Here is a rather in-depth review of Ryzen from Anandtech, looks like they've benched numerous software suites so see what you think if they have what you use listed:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/11170/the-amd-zen-and-ryzen-7-review-a-deep-dive-on-1800x-1700x-and-1700

 

Here is also a build I threw together assuming you'll be reusing your hard drives. Also with the case I'm guessing you meant the Corsair 760T instead of the T760 which I've marked as purchased.

 

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/f7LDXH
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/f7LDXH/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD RYZEN 7 1700 3.0GHz 8-Core Processor  ($324.68 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15S 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler  ($79.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B350-PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($204.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 760T Black V2 ATX Full Tower Case  (Purchased For $0.00)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($77.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $786.55
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-03-25 18:34 EDT-0400

[8uhbbhu8]

1 hour ago, Josh_Grid21 said:

I was thinking around $900 given as things are so expensive. I don't have to have Xeon processors, even something in a desktop class that can run windows server 2012 with similar specs. 

I got a Dell Poweredge 710 with 2 l5630s, 12GBs ram, perc 6i raid card, and 3 146GB SAS drives for less then 400CAD through ebay so you should be able to find pretty good full systems for less then your budget. Just make sure to get ones with support for 3.5" drives cause 2.5' drives are expensive AF comparatively 

[_Grid21]

5 hours ago, imreloadin said:

What software do you use to render videos with?

I know that having 1 CPU with 16 threads will generate a lot less heat than a 2 CPU setup will, I'm guessing it'll use less power as well.

What OS are you using?

 

Here is a rather in-depth review of Ryzen from Anandtech, looks like they've benched numerous software suites so see what you think if they have what you use listed:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/11170/the-amd-zen-and-ryzen-7-review-a-deep-dive-on-1800x-1700x-and-1700

 

Here is also a build I threw together assuming you'll be reusing your hard drives. Also with the case I'm guessing you meant the Corsair 760T instead of the T760 which I've marked as purchased.

 

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/f7LDXH
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/f7LDXH/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD RYZEN 7 1700 3.0GHz 8-Core Processor  ($324.68 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15S 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler  ($79.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B350-PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($204.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 760T Black V2 ATX Full Tower Case  (Purchased For $0.00)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($77.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $786.55
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-03-25 18:34 EDT-0400

 

I like this system, it's a lot better priced. I am currently running Windows Server 2012 Standard and use Vegas Pro 14 for editing and rendering. Would this also be able to handle running 3 or more Minecraft servers plus lets say a few VMs? 

[imreloadin]

50 minutes ago, Josh_Grid21 said:

I like this system, it's a lot better priced. I am currently running Windows Server 2012 Standard and use Vegas Pro 14 for editing and rendering. Would this also be able to handle running 3 or more Minecraft servers plus lets say a few VMs? 

I can't find any Vegas Pro 14 benchmarks specifically but there is a post on their forums by someone who switched to the 1700 from 4770K. He tested both of them at stock clocks.

https://www.vegascreativesoftware.info/us/forum/some-amd-ryzen-1700-numbers--105904/

 

I'm not sure about virtualization either as I haven't heard much from people in regards to it on Ryzen but considering it trades blows with the 6900K in a lot of things I don't think it should hinder it much if anything. Regardless it'll still probably be the best bang for your buck upgrade unless you happen to score a deal on an enterprise server that's getting upgraded or something.

 

Here is a comparison, it's from userbenchmark so take it with the usual grain of salt:

http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Xeon-X5560-vs-AMD-Ryzen-7-1700/m16614vs3917

[The Hound]

I'd recommend going for something like either a single or dual Xeon E5 2650 v2 to be honest. I just quickly had a Google and found one on eBay.co.uk going for £60 (though it's a cut down version of the chip). It should be quick enough and have enough cores/threads for your workload and it's only a 2013 chip so relatively modern for consumer stuff.

[_Grid21]

On 3/27/2017 at 7:59 AM, The Hound said:

I'd recommend going for something like either a single or dual Xeon E5 2650 v2 to be honest. I just quickly had a Google and found one on eBay.co.uk going for £60 (though it's a cut down version of the chip). It should be quick enough and have enough cores/threads for your workload and it's only a 2013 chip so relatively modern for consumer stuff.

 

And I imagine I'd have to find a 2rd Gen motherboard? 

[TheCherryKing]

You will need a C602 or X79 motherboard.

[_Grid21]

On 4/3/2017 at 6:44 PM, TheCherryKing said:

You will need a C602 or X79 motherboard.

Oh ok. Cool.