What to do with my Server

[Ohio]

So I built a server for a start up venture, and long story short we no longer need the rig (we're still going strong, just don't need the server anymore). All that is fine and dandy, however I now have ~$2000 worth of server that I don't really have a purpose for haha. 

 

The Rig: 

CASE: Phanteks Full Tower Computer Case (SSI EEB Support) with 1x 200mm MegaFlow, 3x COUGAR Silent 120mm, and 1x COUGAR Silent 140mm 

CPUs: 2x Intel Xeon E5-2609 (Quad 2.5GHz)

CPU Cooling: 2x CORSAIR H55

Motherboard:  Intel S2600CP2 SSI EEB Server Motherboard

RAM: 6x 4GB Crucial ECC Sticks (Don't have the link for these). Need to pick up 2 more sticks, MicroCenter was low the day I went haha. 

SSDs: 2x SAMSUNG 850 Pro

PSU: CORSAIR HX850i

Some $20 Samsung DVD Burner

 

My first thought is to build some form of Overkill NAS, however I don't really have the need for a NAS at this point. I've thought about renting it out, however until I move out of my apartment (next year) and into my own home, I won't have access to anything over the best Time Warner can give me in an apartment building as far as internet goes. So I figured I would come here and see what y'all think I should do with this rig. Any input would be greatly appreciated . 

[TheKDub]

Sell it on ebay or something similar?

[Enderman]

Sell it on craigslist.

[Clyne]

Sell it.

[Kingofpants]

*Fold

*Build a VPN server

*Make a Windows login server

*Sell it

*Make a Viritual machine server and lease VPNs for rent

[MasonIsPurple]

Give it to me?

[ZackerTheScaR]

Host 24/7 game servers on it! Heck, do something like a free game server hoster! Host low-demanding games like CS1.6, Minecraft, Doom etc.

[wpirobotbuilder]

-snip-

Your company could still use it for virtualization. If they have an ESXi cluster, they could throw it in as a redundant host.

 

You could use it for virtualization. VMWare has a free version of ESXi, which is a great environment for setting up virtual machines to learn about different operating systems. I recommend picking up Ubuntu and CentOS, and definitely play around with LDAP and NIS configurations. That kind of knowledge is useful when hunting for jobs.

[Keystone Nyan Cat]

Based on what others have said and along with a few of my own inputs-

1. Try selling it to a company. That's some pretty powerful hardware and rather than selling it on eBay or Craigslist, you may get a better offer from a startup that's looking at using it for virtualization needs for many users. Alternatively, you can try selling it to someone who runs a server/ game hosting place. They are most of the time on the lookout for stuff like this (search for "renting a game server [your city]" on Google and try contacting those companies
2. I would personally not use it for folding. The PPD for processors is quite low and there would not be that much of a benefit.
3. Keep it for the future if you do plan on setting up a NAS

I'm sorry but I think that's about it. It's not like a gaming rig that can be easily repurposed, it's very specific hardware for a very specific use, and in my opinion, if you wait to sell it for too long, you may lose a bit of money. Unless you want to donate it to a charity for around ~500$, I'm afraid that's about your options.

 

I hope this helps!

[Ohio]

I appreciate all the input so far! 

 

I've been contemplating selling it, however I don't exactly need the money. I actually really like the idea of a free game host, however I'd need to look into the network impact of running something like that to better understand how not to cripple my internet connection. I've ran game servers before and have never had trouble, however I've never had a multitude of them running. 

 

If I do decide to sell it I will take the advice to first look around for statups and other companies in my area to sell direct, I already wasn't too keen on craigslist or eBay and this gives me a better option. 

 

And of course I could just keep it around for a potential NAS. However I'll be living with my girlfriend, who doesn't require much space on her personal PC, let alone network storage, and if it comes down to just my machine in the house that needs the storage, there would be no point in having the NAS over the separate machine for backups and what not. Honestly the only benefit would be the backup potential, and for the most part I keep my projects stored offsite anyways.  

 

Again, thanks for all the input!