Home server + Workstation build HELP

[FuzedS]

I am moving house soon so I have a plan for my server (hp proliant dl380 g9).

 

I want to use this server for 2 things:

 

1. A file storage server where I can store movies etc which I can stream over my network (I don't know what software i can use for this).

2. I also want to dedicate a portion of this server to use as a workstation for 3D modelling / rendering and also as a gaming station. I am sure my server will be able to handle this as its running dual xeons and 512 GB ram. Currently it has a Nvidia Tesla K80 however I am thinking of installing another graphics card for gaming as the Tesla K80 doesn't even have video out. 

 

Lastly, I want to store this server in the attic as its really loud and plan on controlling it from my bedroom (gaming rig/workstation) and I want to access the files from my storage server in the living room (I'm planning on installing Kodi on a raspberry pi and connecting that to my TV)

 

I think I can install a virtual machine for the 2 different operating systems or maybe freeNAS but I'm not really sure.

 

It sounds like a big project and I would appreciate it if anyone could advice me on this.

[AngryBeaver]

Seems pretty straight forward to me

 

Figure out how you want to handle the various OS's and get them setup.

 

Get a Roku or Firetv stick for plex or kodi. This will give you what you need in the living room.

 

For the bed room you can either do more of a streaming setup or just use a solution to send your imputs to the machine while also receiving the video output. Depending on how you do this you could introduce a little delay.

[FuzedS]

8 minutes ago, AngryBeaver said:

Seems pretty straight forward to me

 

Figure out how you want to handle the various OS's and get them setup.

 

Get a Roku or Firetv stick for plex or kodi. This will give you what you need in the living room.

 

For the bed room you can either do more of a streaming setup or just use a solution to send your imputs to the machine while also receiving the video output. Depending on how you do this you could introduce a little delay.

Thanks for this, do you have any ideas what I can use to run both the OS's at the same time also what can I use for a streaming setup? I don't want to drill holes through my attic and my bedroom walls for my inputs so I don't think that's a good idea

[AngryBeaver]

The main machine I have running multiple OSs is running Server 2016 which makes it easy to make a VM. I mean it comes down to if you want a hypervisor before the OSes or you have a primary OS you want to run a Hypervisor from.

 

They have various ways to cast your computer to a monitor/tv. If the monitor doesn't support it they have things like miracast adapters. I think they also have some wireless hub like devices that can accept a m/k and monitor and transmit the data wirelessly. You can also use a cheap or lightweight box as basically a thin client and just do a VDI setup.

 

A VDI is a Virtual Desktop Environtment. You are basically using a cheap low powered device to just remote in to another machine... this can be something as simple as a raspberry pi or a full blown laptop/desktop. 

 

I mean I guess my point is the technology is there to do what you are wanting. You just have to decide what your budget is for it and look for the solution that falls inside that budget.

[FuzedS]

4 hours ago, AngryBeaver said:

The main machine I have running multiple OSs is running Server 2016 which makes it easy to make a VM. I mean it comes down to if you want a hypervisor before the OSes or you have a primary OS you want to run a Hypervisor from.

 

They have various ways to cast your computer to a monitor/tv. If the monitor doesn't support it they have things like miracast adapters. I think they also have some wireless hub like devices that can accept a m/k and monitor and transmit the data wirelessly. You can also use a cheap or lightweight box as basically a thin client and just do a VDI setup.

 

A VDI is a Virtual Desktop Environtment. You are basically using a cheap low powered device to just remote in to another machine... this can be something as simple as a raspberry pi or a full blown laptop/desktop. 

 

I mean I guess my point is the technology is there to do what you are wanting. You just have to decide what your budget is for it and look for the solution that falls inside that budget.

Are there any advantages / disadvantages for having a hypervisor before the OS or on top of an OS? 

 

Also would latency be an issue with using a VDI?

 

Thanks for your help !

[AngryBeaver]

Just the speed at which the hypervisor operates. I feel it is just easier to do it from your primary OS though. Less hassle and more user friendly

[TopHatProductions115]

@FuzedS Not sure how much this will help, but there are options for the K80. Just not sure if it's the right solution for you:

• https://www.quora.com/Can-I-use-an-Nvidia-Tesla-K80-for-rendering-with-Blender-If-so-is-there-anything-I-need-to-know-first/answer/Marius-Iatan

Edited January 10, 2020 by TopHatProductions115
Added picture of answer, for clarification