[SOLVED] Suggestions for a server

[ianpico]

Hi

I've just got a machine up and running Zimbra at home I originally just did this to for learning purposes but I have decided to keep it running permanently as I like it so much. Unfortunately the PC it is on is a thirsty beast.
Any suggestions for a machine thats wont brake the bank on electricity costs that can be left on 24/7.

Its only going to be used by max 15 users so it wont need the processing power of deep blue

[uxbod]

For that number of users a mini-itx server should hopefully fit the bill. I have a couple of rackmount servers using Jetway JNC-92-330 ATOM motherboards and 2GB RAM serving 5 users. There are some mini-itx boards that will support 4GB now as-well.

[ianpico]

mini-itx looks the way to go - probably use a SSD as well to keep it nice and quite as it will be in the front room.

Thanks for suggestion and quick reply uxbod.

[uxbod]

Just be careful when using a SSD for both the O/S and Zimbra store. A mail server makes a huge number of reads/writes. There are plenty of whisper quite drives available; and you should look at mirroring them as-well. I have found the most noise comes from the PSU fan so make sure you get a really nice quiet one

[LMStone]

Just did a bunch of SSD research in preparation for using one as a replacement in my trusty IBM R52 laptop.

I too would be leery of an SSD and would favor hardware RAID1 with quiet drives over an SSD that will get fragged under Zimbra fairly quickly.

Zalman makes some very nice, good quality quiet PC power supplies, CPU coolers, etc. Standard fans nowadays are much noisier than disks.

Hope that helps,
Mark

[uxbod]

Completely agree Mark. For reference I use the following setup and have been very happy indeed:

mini-itx.com - store - Intel Atom C2-RACK 1U Rackmount Server Bundle with Super Quiet 80 PLUS PSU

Plenty of other places sell the same type of hardware; I have just been happy with this company and their help.

[ianpico]

Good points - Will give the SSD drives a miss. Reckon I can build a suitable machine for just under £200