It seems as though building a 1U rackmount server would be much more cheaper to colocate because I can fit twice as many servers into 1 plan. Can anyone recommend a server configuration for a 1U server that would work? I would like it to be decently priced between $400-$500(more if you must). I'm going to be selling these servers as dedicated servers so they much be cost-efficient. Just post a list of all the components you'd use in an affordable 1U server and I'll do I search to find them. Thanks.

Any suggestions?

Give ebay a search. You will find a few 500ghz processors that will suite you just fine. For 400-500 bones your not going to get the top of the line since cases are expensive but you may find an older semi used machine to your liking.

I looked at Ebay but can't find any 500Mhz computers(or anything like it). Ebay doesn't have a big selection of 1U rackmounts. Can anyone give a list of an affordable 1U server components?

Have a look at pricewatch.com and servercase.com (for rackmount chasis). A bit more than 600 together but worth it ;)

you may also check with www.bonavio.com

Can't I build a server for cheaper than $600? It's just a PC in a smaller box, right?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mas3000
Can't I build a server for cheaper than $600? It's just a PC in a smaller box, right? [/QUOTE

Yup!Its just a PC in a smaller box,it might have different memory though(not as tall) $600 is probably the bear minimum though(cost wise) But I believe you can do it for cheaper...(look on ebay,pricewatch etc.)


Chris

ebay has some good deals for cases, like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2023071038

Unless you know what your doing dont build one yourself. Its not as easy as slapping together a few parts and a few hard drives. Its key where you place ventalation and airflow as well as layout. What happens if you place a wire near something hott and it shorts out? Ugggggg! :eek:

Originally posted by netacore
ebay has some good deals for cases, like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2023071038
This case looks really ugly.

Rather get a new XServe (http://www.apple.com/xserve) :cool:

Originally posted by astra4


Rather get a new XServe (http://www.apple.com/xserve) :cool:

LOL, I think we all would....


Chris

It's not like I'm clueless. I've built 2 of my home computers already.

Remeber the most expensive parts of 1u systems are the cases (around $150-250 minimum for a case and power supply) and the stuff to fit in them (motherboards with 25 deg angled ram slots, 'miniature' (so i call it at least hehe) RAM, and low profile heatsyncs. Under $800 is a score, let alone $600 :)

Look these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2024551751

They have more than one, not the best servers, but for $525...

The only problem buiding a 1u server yourself is cooling I guess...

Are there specific 1U CPU coolers which can be used?

I see, so cooling is the issue. Is it because it's so small? How can I have good cooling if a lot of fans don't even fit in it?

Why not just purchase a 1u from a reconized vendor instead of just building one?

:confused: I thought building was much cheaper?:confused:

give your local hardware retailers a visit. Not all of them, but some of them will be able to get you 1U cases and you won't pay for the shipping.

It would be a terrible idea to get a $200 one. They usually have very poor cooling/design. A few extra bucks will save you a lots of problems and money later on. Choose one with a least 4+ case fans and you should be okay.

Then you need a good CPU cooler. They are not all the same! There is a great review on anandtech:

http://www.anandtech.com/cooling/showdoc.html?i=1571

Make sure you have some software installed in your server to monitor CPU and case temperature. If your fans fail, you'll know before it's too late.

You do not really need special RAM or angled DIMMS.. Most RAM is small enough to fit.

The biggest problem though is finding a good motherboard with onboard NIC or Video. You need both, but you have only one PCI slot, so one of the two needs to be on board. It's better to have video on board, since on board is never really good and you won't be using the video anyway.. I am on a tight budget like you and I always end up with those cheap integrated micro-atx motherboard designed for low-end PC, since they are the only boards with onboard video or NIC or sometime both I can afford. The other ones available are much more expensive.


good luck

www.acmemicro.com You can get pretty cheap supermicro servers from them. Never tried them though.

It cold be cheaper on the server, but memory, CPU, HDD, etc...

I have found that can get better price buyng the whole package at googlegear.com, even is the server itself isn't that cheap... (I am talking about $150 less). I haven't bought from them but I am in proccess...

There is always the possibility of buyng parts on different stores, but consider the extra cost of multiple shippings... also it could be complicated...