server Recommendations for POS File Server

[My Name is Jeff]

A friend of mine asked me to make a part list for a server to be used on a POS his programmers are making for their client. Any recommendations on what parts to pick for the file server? Thank you!

[GDRRiley]

I'd say not go custom and get something like an HP microserver gen 10+

[My Name is Jeff]

27 minutes ago, GDRRiley said:

I'd say not go custom and get something like an HP microserver gen 10+

Thanks for the recommendation! But hat are the parts should I pick as a custom build that will serve as an alternative purpose if that microserver is not available? So that I can have options for my proposal to my supervisor. 

Edited March 31, 2020 by My Name is Jeff

[GDRRiley]

26 minutes ago, My Name is Jeff said:

Thanks for the recommendation! But hat are the parts should I pick as a custom build that will serve as an alternative purpose if that microserver is not available? So that I can have options for my proposal to my supervisor. 

issues is most of the boards I'd recommend are 200-250$

give me a min

so it looks like right now the asrock rack boards on x470/x570 aren't in stock and all the xeon boards that are in stock are older

[My Name is Jeff]

2 hours ago, GDRRiley said:

issues is most of the boards I'd recommend are 200-250$

give me a min

so it looks like right now the asrock rack boards on x470/x570 aren't in stock and all the xeon boards that are in stock are older

i want to add informations on how the server will be used. the files from the POS will be saved directly to the file server and the owner said that he wanted to access the file locally and if for example, he is outside his store, he wanted to access the files on the server remotely by using his laptop. so for these scenarios, is it still possible to use a desktop build for this scenario or just connect a NAS to the POS's LAN for connection and then add VPN features so that he can remotely access his files even though he is not physically connected to the file server?

[GDRRiley]

5 minutes ago, My Name is Jeff said:

i want to add informations on how the server will be used. the files from the POS will be saved directly to the file server and the owner said that he wanted to access the file locally and if for example, he is outside his store, he wanted to access the files on the server remotely by using his laptop. so for these scenarios, is it still possible to use a desktop build for this scenario or just connect a NAS to the POS's LAN for connection and then add VPN features so that he can remotely access his files even though he is not physically connected to the file server?

yes you could use a desktop but I'd push for a machine with ECC.

a NAS would work but most are near the same cost as the microsever without its features and support.

[My Name is Jeff]

i'm thinking for a desktop build since the client's business is just a start up but I don't think that if it will be a good idea since the build should be up for 24/7.

does the ECC feature can be found only on server motherboards and almost none to regular desktop motherboards?

i'll try to add the microserver as one of my option. the problem is if it is available here in the Philippines. 

 

[GDRRiley]

1 hour ago, My Name is Jeff said:

i'm thinking for a desktop build since the client's business is just a start up but I don't think that if it will be a good idea since the build should be up for 24/7.

does the ECC feature can be found only on server motherboards and almost none to regular desktop motherboards?

i'll try to add the microserver as one of my option. the problem is if it is available here in the Philippines. 

 

it can be found on some consumer boards but often not will full proper support.

used workstations/servers maybe an option. just don't go back farther than 2011 or 2011-3 as power consumption starts to hurt

[My Name is Jeff]

1 minute ago, GDRRiley said:

it can be found on some consumer boards but often not will full proper support.

used workstations/servers maybe an option. just don't go back farther than 2011 or 2011-3 as power consumption starts to hurt

copy on that. 

in case I used a consumer board instead of a server board, is it recommendable for it to be turned on 24/7 coz it's a file server and should be accessed remotely by the owner. will problems occur more than using a server board?

[GDRRiley]

Just now, My Name is Jeff said:

copy on that. 

in case I used a consumer board instead of a server board, is it recommendable for it to be turned on 24/7 coz it's a file server and should be accessed remotely by the owner. will problems occur more than using a server board?

My parents HP ran for weeks strait 24/7. my system is about the same.

Server board just gives you better/more IO, ECC memory and will likely work with weirder stuff.

this isn't the 90s so most consumer stuff should do fine 24/7

[My Name is Jeff]

1 minute ago, GDRRiley said:

My parents HP ran for weeks strait 24/7. my system is about the same.

Server board just gives you better/more IO, ECC memory and will likely work with weirder stuff.

this isn't the 90s so most consumer stuff should do fine 24/7

that's a good thing to know. well i think i'll go for a custom build since the client's business is just a startup, but will make rooms for upgrade in case the POS gets updates. 

last question, how much storage should I go for the files saved from the POS to the file server? 

[GDRRiley]

22 minutes ago, My Name is Jeff said:

last question, how much storage should I go for the files saved from the POS to the file server? 

I have no idea. never done any POS work.

SSD for live work every few mins backed up to a HDD, then hourly or a minimum nightly offsite is best.

[My Name is Jeff]

1 minute ago, GDRRiley said:

I have no idea. never done any POS work.

SSD for live work every few mins backed up to a HDD, then hourly or a minimum nightly offsite is best.

will add that one as my one of my options with drives.

 

alright. thanks for helping me out! 

[GDRRiley]

Just now, My Name is Jeff said:

will add that one as my one of my options with drives.

 

alright. thanks for helping me out! 

ofsite backup is important. you don't want the only copy locally for fire/flood/mother nature.

[My Name is Jeff]

1 minute ago, GDRRiley said:

ofsite backup is important. you don't want the only copy locally for fire/flood/mother nature.

noted on that. thanks a lot!