So, for a server, what gpu would you recommend? And what if the small business wanted a big monitor? And you are sure a 430 can handle all of the server's needs?
1. If they want a big monitor, that means they probably want to use the machine for more than administration. Which means they don't quite get the idea of a server.
3. Run RAID for data security. That means at least 2 hard drives, I suggest a RAID 1 setup. If they can afford it, get two smaller, faster (10k RPM) hard drives in Raid 1 to load the OS and programs on, and then get 3+ of the 1TB drives to run in RAID 5 for the data files.
4. Onboard graphics are fine. Our SMB server (with 8 HDDs) has a 16MB onboard graphics controller. Works great.
5. Get a full size case. Not a mid tower. There is more room for fans and cooling. Heat kills, and you need this machine to be reliable! If you like Antec, look at the 1200:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129043
6. Definitely go quad core. PSU is good quality. You don't need that many watts, but having something with high reliability is key.
7. Can't say it enough, RELIABILTY is key. Therefore, get a very stable motherboard. The gigabyte Ultra Durable 3 line is nice....this should work, but you will need a basic (32-64MB) video card...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128371
They don't know what a server is, and I don't have a grasp either. So your help is much appreciated.
And I should have mentioned this:
They have a budget of 950 absolute max, and they don't really want to reach that max.
Also, the server is for a small water business with clothes washing places, and multiple water processing/filter sites. The server is meant to connect 3-4 different sites which will hit it whenever they need to access/store their data onto the central server. The server is mainly for accounting/logging purposes and not video editting.
Message edited by JaceX on 05-31-2009 at 04:19:46 AM
Generally speaking, when you say "server" these days you mean "file server." It's not something that is used by someone sitting in front of it, but a box tucked away in a closet or a back room that is a central repository for data used by a number of workstations over a network.
Things that are important for a small business server such as you describe would be:
1. Reliable storage. Dependable long lasting drive(s). It sounds as if a single internal drive would work fine.
2. Back ups. Probably in this case a nightly back up to a simple external drive located in a different building is ideal.
Your server should not be used for running programs. It has a server operating system that allows multiple connections. It just serves files up for other computers.
Tell them they should never compromise the security of the company by surfing the internet with the same machine that is storing confidential accounting information.
You could probably build a budget server and a budget workstation for around $1200. Maybe hit the budget if you make some big compromises: