Help getting started building a home storage server

[RunsWindowsOnMac]

I have an old 2006 Mac Pro 1,1; upgraded to 2,1. I used it as a gaming computer for a couple years after being given it from a business that was upgrading their systems back in 2012.

 

it has windows 7 ultimate on it right now and sits in my closet. 

 

I'd like to put it to use again if i can track down the old OSX server os.

 

It's got 2 quad-core 3.0Ghz Xeons, 32GB of ECC ram, and 4x4TB WD Black. I have a Radeon HD 5970 in it but have the original GeForce 7300 GT still functioning. 

 

What would I need besides a server OS to get this thing back to use? 

 

I'd appreciate any help or advice you all might have.

 

that video about NAS and home media servers that went up reminded me this was in my closet.

[NelizMastr]

A word of caution, all that RAM + the quad core CPUs consume somewhere around 250W-300W IDLE, even more under load. It also outputs a lot of heat, so I hope your closet has a way to access a lot of fresh air.

While it's a great machine, I used to have a similar one which I used for VMWare ESXi, it's not really useful as a server these days as the platform is underpowered and inefficient.

 

To answer your question directly and briefly:  You're set. Put a server OS of your liking on it and go.

 

My advice however, is to look for something more efficient. Not sure if you're willing to invest, though.

[RunsWindowsOnMac]

28 minutes ago, NelizMastr said:

A word of caution, all that RAM + the quad core CPUs consume somewhere around 250W-300W IDLE, even more under load. It also outputs a lot of heat, so I hope your closet has a way to access a lot of fresh air.

While it's a great machine, I used to have a similar one which I used for VMWare ESXi, it's not really useful as a server these days as the platform is underpowered and inefficient.

 

To answer your question directly and briefly:  You're set. Put a server OS of your liking on it and go.

 

My advice however, is to look for something more efficient. Not sure if you're willing to invest, though.

I'd prefer more efficient and i can always take out one of the processors or put the original dual core back in and remove sticks. it i use it it'll go in an open area. it is a nice looking aluminum chassis. i've got tons of drives, routers, Cat 6 cables, all on hand. Budget will be tight till at least after the summer. 

Thank you for your help. I'm having issues tracking down the old server OS. any recommendations that are user friendly?

[NelizMastr]

2 hours ago, RunsWindowsOnMac said:

I'd prefer more efficient and i can always take out one of the processors or put the original dual core back in and remove sticks. it i use it it'll go in an open area. it is a nice looking aluminum chassis. i've got tons of drives, routers, Cat 6 cables, all on hand. Budget will be tight till at least after the summer. 

Thank you for your help. I'm having issues tracking down the old server OS. any recommendations that are user friendly?

Yeah, the dual cores would be more than plenty and consume 65W each, which is a bit friendlier than the 150W on the quads. Replacing the 5970 with the original 7300 would be a good move too. A file server doesn't need beefy graphics.

 

OS wise, there is a lot you can try. User friendly options include OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard Server editions (or Lion with the server addons), or even Windows Server 2008R2 or 2012.

Unix/Linux options include FreeNAS, which is a bit trickier, and Xpenology (Synology DSM basically, very user friendly). 

[RunsWindowsOnMac]

15 hours ago, NelizMastr said:

Yeah, the dual cores would be more than plenty and consume 65W each, which is a bit friendlier than the 150W on the quads. Replacing the 5970 with the original 7300 would be a good move too. A file server doesn't need beefy graphics.

 

OS wise, there is a lot you can try. User friendly options include OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard Server editions (or Lion with the server addons), or even Windows Server 2008R2 or 2012.

Unix/Linux options include FreeNAS, which is a bit trickier, and Xpenology (Synology DSM basically, very user friendly). 

Thanks again. P.S. is the quote in your signage the MythBusters one? or are you going back to Dungeon Master?

[NelizMastr]

5 hours ago, RunsWindowsOnMac said:

Thanks again. P.S. is the quote in your signage the MythBusters one? or are you going back to Dungeon Master?

Yep, MythBusters. Adam Savage to be precise. Never heard of Dungeon Master, to be honest.