Need help with choosing a mobo for use as a server.

[Xtreme Gamer]

Im now starting to build a Home Cloud Server. My problem is that IDK which server to choose. IDK which mobo can be a server mobo. I could really use any suggestions, stats, facts, anything. Thx in advance!!!! Also Which Xeon cpu should I use with it? the mobo should support ecc and support as many hdd's and ssd's as possible.

 

 

 

One last thing though....

 

MUST BE CHEAP ENOUGH (anywhere from 0-$300)

MUST BE RELIABLE/LONG LASTING

 

Sorry for caps, I only use them to try to get a point across.

 

And again, Thanks for any responses!!!!!!!!

[redhalo626]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131915

 

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117270CVF

Best that i can find on newegg

[Dim]

Can you provide some clarification as to what it's going to be for?

Most motherboards have "server" capabilities, so the matter of choosing parts relies heavily on what you want to do. If you just want it as a home file server, like a NAS, then you don't really need a Xeon processor, or anything overpriced at all really.

[Xtreme Gamer]

What I want the server to do is hold MASSIVE (terabytes worth) amounts of files/vids/pics/docs/games/streamable(if possible)/etc. Plus still be affordable, reliable, and a performer (if ya know what im tryin to say).

[Dim]

What I want the server to do is hold MASSIVE (terabytes worth) amounts of files/vids/pics/docs/games/streamable(if possible)/etc. Plus still be affordable, reliable, and a performer (if ya know what im tryin to say).

 

Honestly, go for the most budget solution possible with a bunch of SATA connectors.

When you say "Terabytes worth" are we talking like 40TB or 4TB? If it's as low as four, you don't really need an extreme solution. As high as 40, you'll be wanting at least ten SATA connectors.

 

For reference, an ASRock Z87 Extreme6 has 10 connectors.

Streamability would depend on the software you are using. I'm not familiar with most cloud software, so I probably can't give very good advice on that.

 

If you're wanting to hold 40TB of data, a Z87 Extreme6 would get you there (barely) with something like ten WD Blacks or Seagate Barracudas. I would say LGA 2011 + a Xeon processor is probably not really necessary in your use case. 

 

That in mind, I wouldn't recommend going overboard if you can help it. Don't need 10 SATA connectors? The Z87 Extreme4 has 8, and the PRO4 has 6.

[Xtreme Gamer]

I just want my server to be under $1000 if possible while still getting lots and lots of terabytes in there. Plus it should be able to let at least 3-4 people store and read from it. Im am willing to go a couple hundred over $1000 for what I just said but not too much. But hey, the more terabytes the better for me!

[Xtreme Gamer]

Also, since I have NEVER used home cloud storage servers. How do I get my comps to connect to it wirelessly?

[ProKoN]

heres my recommendation.

 

stick with intel for cool and quiet performance. Intel chipsets are some of the most reliable in my opinion especially when it comes to data transfer. I chose this board because it has 8 sata ports and 1 esata ports. you could always buy a cheaper board and add a sata pci card as well. Dont worry about having all sata3  6Gbps ports. Large capacity mechanical hard discs work to their full potential on the sata2 bus.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545

 

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75430&vpn=BX80637I33225&manufacture=Intel

[ProKoN]

Also, since I have NEVER used home cloud storage servers. How do I get my comps to connect to it wirelessly?

http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx to connect over the internet from anywhere

 

I would suggest using Windows Remote desktop to connect to the server on the local network ( lan or wireless)

[Xtreme Gamer]

How do I find out if a certain mobo has server capability too?

[ProKoN]

what capabilities are you looking for?

 

ECC Memory

 

RAID storage arrays?

[Xtreme Gamer]

I know little of raid arrays and from what I here on complicated bits. it's to damn expensive... so im gonna go with ecc mainly for the server to be doing backups, storage, streaming(again... if possible), and access from anywhere(if possible). Also I choose ecc so no data corruption.

[ProKoN]

your looking at spending quite a bit of cash. just on the board.

 

my 6TB server. i choose not to run raid, less problems i have found.

 

asus p67-pro ( only 1 ram dimm works) Free

1x8b kingston hyperX blu 37.50

i3-3220 103.00

2x1tb 50.00

2x2tb 145.00

2x160B raid0 OS

no vid card

 

Windows 7 Ultimate.

 

Has worked flawless for me for over 4 years. i recently upgraded the socket 775 e6550 to the i3.

[Xtreme Gamer]

I was actually planning to spend more on hdd than anything else. one other question... With 3 comps connection to it. How do I transfer files to and from it wirelessly?

[ProKoN]

wireless file transfer is slow for a\b\g\n. 1-4MB\s

if you want fast wireless the best you can do is wireless AC. I havent seen any incredible speeds 10-25 MB\s via wireless AC.

So Wireless AC router + Internal pci wireless AC cards

[ProKoN]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320136

 

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124470&Tpk=linksys%20aireless%20ac&IsVirtualParent=1

 

some of the best wireless ac performers

[Raid]

I'd recommend you buy either a Supermicro or a Tyan motherboard.

If you are only running a single program on it (for example, an ftp server) then go with an Intel cpu.

In case you are running a lot of different software on it then AMD is a better option.

16gb of ram ought to be enough for a home server, unless you know you need more.

What OS/software are you planning to use?

[Xtreme Gamer]

Windows home server either 2011 or 2012.

[Eric1024]

If you really want ECC memory, then you're either going to need something like an asus WS series board that supports ECC, or a server board. I would go with a supermicro lga 1150 board and a xeon e3. Let me see if I can pull together a parts list for you real quick just so you can get an idea.

 

And one more question, what do you mean by streaming "wirelessly?" If you plan on having this server connected only via wifi and not gigabit ethernet then you're gonna have some problems...

 

Here's just some ideas for parts, and this list assumes you're going to be using software RAID. if you want to go hardware then we're having a very different conversation:

 

board: http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C220/X10SL7-F.cfm the X10SL7-F has connectivity for 14 drives, which should be enough for a long time. If it's not then add a raid card. 

cpu: xeon e3 1230v3

memory: 4gb of ecc from whoever (kinkston probably). more if you're going to host something like a gaming server.

case: whatever you want. If you have a quiet room, get one of the cheep norco rackmount cases with 20 drive cages

psu: up to you. 600W should be good. don't under-spec it because hard drives spinning up at the same time can draw a lot of current.

 

alternatively, if you don't think you need ecc then you can just run with a cheep h67/77 and a low power i3