Server hardware/software help.

[mrymr]

So I got some help with this by Vitalius (very nice hand helpful) and think I have a solid ground that I would like help to punch holes in.

 

Hardware that will be used:

Router: Asuse AC68U

Case: Fractal Design Node304

PSU: Be-Quiet Straight Power BQT E9 400W. This PSU is Haswell ready and will be able to run at low loads.

MB/CPU:  ASRock C2750D4I or Supermicro A1SAI-2750F. I have yet to decide wich of these MB/CPU combos to use since some warning flags popped up on the ASRock board.

RAM: Kingston ValueRAM DDR3 PC12800/1600MHz ECC Reg CL11 16GB x2 . Both motherboards supports 64GB of ram, getting 32GB with a possibility to upgrade it.

Storage: Kingston USB 3,0 DataTraveler G4 32GB (OS). 4x4TB WD Reds.

 

OS: Ubuntu Server. I would like to use Ubuntu since I want to learn more about Linux in general.

Applications: OpenSSH, OpenVPN, Samba, miniDLNA, zfs(raidz2), OwnCloud, Posfix and DSPAM, rTuorrent and Murmur(mumble).

 

Is this a solid build for the applications that I plan to use or is this overkill? Would you suggest different software? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

 

[qwertywarrior]

why exactly an AC68U ?

[tharvey]

Whether or not its overkill depends on what you are going to do with it.  You could run Ubuntu server on an old vista desktop if you wanted (I have a friend who does).  Looks like a really good setup though.  I love the node 304.

[Vitalius]

Here's a review of the FreeNAS Mini that iX Systems (the guys who make FreeNAS) sell. It has the ASRock C2750D4I and many tests with that motherboard/CPU. 

For some reason, he says the Supermicro equivalent has some issues whereas the ASRock is great. Not sure why.

 

[tharvey]

You should look into PfSense for a router.  Its free and LOADED with features.

[DarrenP]

 

So I got some help with this by Vitalius (very nice hand helpful) and think I have a solid ground that I would like help to punch holes in.

 

Hardware that will be used:

Router: Asuse AC68U

Case: Fractal Design Node304

PSU: Be-Quiet Straight Power BQT E9 400W. This PSU is Haswell ready and will be able to run at low loads.

MB/CPU:  ASRock C2750D4I or Supermicro A1SAI-2750F. I have yet to decide wich of these MB/CPU combos to use since some warning flags popped up on the ASRock board.

RAM: Kingston ValueRAM DDR3 PC12800/1600MHz ECC Reg CL11 16GB x2 . Both motherboards supports 64GB of ram, getting 32GB with a possibility to upgrade it.

Storage: Kingston USB 3,0 DataTraveler G4 32GB (OS). 4x4TB WD Reds.

 

OS: Ubuntu Server. I would like to use Ubuntu since I want to learn more about Linux in general.

Applications: OpenSSH, OpenVPN, Samba, miniDLNA, zfs(raidz2), OwnCloud, Posfix and DSPAM, rTuorrent and Murmur(mumble).

 

Is this a solid build for the applications that I plan to use or is this overkill? Would you suggest different software? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

 

You wont be using those 16GB DIMM's on that Asrock motherboard. Simply because it's not supported. Only Memphis Memory is supported in 16GB DIMM's. 

[mrymr]

You should look into PfSense for a router.  Its free and LOADED with features.

Then I need to get another NIC card for the server right? I also want wireless for phone/tablets/desktop computers.

[mrymr]

You wont be using those 16GB DIMM's on that Asrock motherboard. Simply because it's not supported. Only Memphis Memory is supported in 16GB DIMM's. 

Then I'll have to check for a distributor for Memphis memory here in europe.

[mrymr]

Whether or not its overkill depends on what you are going to do with it.  You could run Ubuntu server on an old vista desktop if you wanted (I have a friend who does).  Looks like a really good setup though.  I love the node 304.

I don't think I will run any VM's on it. So it will only be used for the applications stated in OP.

[mrymr]

why exactly an AC68U ?

I want the 5ghz band and the overall performance of the router. Will be on a 100/100 fiber connection.

[tharvey]

Then I need to get another NIC card for the server right? I also want wireless for phone/tablets/desktop computer

You would need 2 nics for pfsense to work.

[Createinator]

This is too much of an overkill!

Will 10+ people access your server all the time?

 

If not, you could save around 200-350$ by choosing different parts.

[mrymr]

You would need 2 nics for pfsense to work.

Wouldn't I need a Wifi solution ?

[mrymr]

This is too much of an overkill!

Will 10+ people access your server all the time?

 

If not, you could save around 200-350$ by choosing different parts.

At most it would probably have 15-20 connect to it.

[Createinator]

At most it would probably have 15-20 connect to it.

Even then, you will never fully utilise 32GB of RAM, you can get a consumer grade MOBO... supermicro MOBOs are usually more expensive than similar consumer MOBO. Since you mentioned ECC RAM... are you planning to use Xeon in your build? Is this server meant to sit in an office?

[mrymr]

Even then, you will never fully utilise 32GB of RAM, you can get a consumer grade MOBO... supermicro MOBOs are usually more expensive than similar consumer MOBO. Since you mentioned ECC RAM... are you planning to use Xeon in your build? Is this server meant to sit in an office?

The server will sit in my home. Both motherboards uses an integrated Atom processor. Doesn't ZFS need alot of ram?

[Createinator]

The server will sit in my home. Doesn't ZFS need alot of ram?

Yes ZFS needs a lot of RAM but only when data is being written to it. In home usage tend to be read intensive which does not require as much RAM.

Will you be using RAID configurations?

[tharvey]

Wouldn't I need a Wifi solution ?

You can disable DHCP on you Asus router and use it for your wifi connection.

[mrymr]

Yes ZFS needs a lot of RAM but only when data is being written to it. In home usage tend to be read intensive which does not require as much RAM.

Will you be using RAID configurations?

I have looked at raidz2(raid 6).

[mrymr]

You can disable DHCP on you Asus router and use it for your wifi connection.

Wouldn't it then be easier to let the router do everything?

[Createinator]

I have looked at raidz2(raid 6).

Start with 2X8GB RAM... if you need more ~ get another 2X8 Kit.

[mrymr]

Start with 2X8GB RAM... if you need more ~ get another 2X8 Kit.

I guess you want 2x8 because of dual channel right?

[Createinator]

I guess you want 2x8 because of dual channel right?

Yeah, most of the MOBO nowadays support dual channel RAM.

[mrymr]

Yeah, most of the MOBO nowadays support dual channel RAM.

If you would pick parts for a server that would run the applications this one will, what would you pick?

[tharvey]

PfSense is acts as the router and firewall.  It is a free software that you can install on an old desktop, laptop, server or you can use one of their pre-assembled units from their website.  I got this one:

http://store.pfsense.org/vk-2d13-black/