HDbaseT Gaming Server

xhivo97 · March 15, 2017

Hi, I bought a used server (HP SE316M1) it is a dual lga1366 that is currently running L5630s which will be upgraded soon . The gpu will be a XFX RX460 slim ( later two of them).

My problem is the 1u case that is awkward for any placement other than a rack unit, and not to mention LOUD.

My prefered solution for the moment is to put the server in the garage, run a CAT7 cable to the floor above it and use 5play HDBaseT as a remote KVM console . That would result in an awesome silent pc, later I want to add another gpu and run two gaming VMs one for my main pc and one for a steam link or another HDbaseT extender that is attached to the tv.

But I have a few questions :

Am I better off just buying a big case and mod the motherboard in, which weirdly would cost me more?

Has anyone ever done this, I know it can be done but?

Should I run pci riser cables outside of the case so that I can use normal sized gpus ? - I'm afraid that would not be so safe for the gpu as someone might knock it over or dust may collect faster.

If I have 12 cores, leave one to the vm host, probably unraid, can I use two VMs with 11 virtualised cores each ? Or do I passthrough physical cpu cores (6,5 or 5,5) to the VMs ?

honor · March 16, 2017

First of all, sounds like an awesome project, I am somewhat jealous (I am no expert btw, just have made some experiences on my own).
Second, If you run them (the VM`s) simultaneously, I wouldn't recommend running 11 cores each. You likely want to keep 1 or 2 cores available for the base OS, unraid. A known problem in virtualization is over-provisioning; there is a sweet spot for provisioning CPU cores to a VM, too many and it works against you resulting in poor performance, the rule is to start off with one and add more as you go, and test them along the way, but unless the VM is doing CPU intensive stuff, your two cpu's should be more than enough to alocate 4-6 cores to each and leave the rest for the OS. Then again, basically assigning CPU cores with the VM manager doesn't prevent unraid or even other VM's from using those cores. In case of gaming VM's, keep the OS's on seperate HDD's. Also keep in mind to use the x16 PCI-e slots for your gpus. Passthrough should work without problems, (though you might experience performance issues nevertheless. Had my own issues with gaming VM's, and sometimes, also audio issues, but who knows, software is improving constantly, so i am sure there are far less problems you encounter these days).
Just get a large case, though then again, it is important to know how high your budget is. protocase has some nice custom stuff, but pricey. maybe there are some taller cases, but I don't know the prices though. Imho it is better to get one decent case, used maybe even, to fit fullsized graphics cards. Around 3u at least. (throw in some decent cpu coolers into the mix and you're set. Good luck!!!