Check my 1U server build?

pr0xy · **Check my 1U server build? -** 06-01-2012, 08:04 | posts: 6

I'm making a cheap, Virtualization 1U server and I'd like some insight if you guys could. ATM, this is what I have.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3450S Ivy Bridge 2.8GHz (3.5GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 65W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637I53450S

MOBO:ASRock H61M/U3S3 LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

RAM:Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model 997018

CASE/PSU:Athena Power RM-1U1004M40 Black 1.2mm Steel 1U Rackmount Server Case - OEM

HDDs: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Just curious if I'm missing anything? All I can think of is a heatsink/fan, I can't seem to find a lga 1155 fan/heatsink that will work any possibilities? If possible I'd like a heatsink only solution, I doubt that would happen though. I'd LOVE for it all to fit in that small 1U case so I can keep it at home, or throw it at a colocation one day for fun.

grunger · 06-01-2012, 18:32 | posts: 1,830 | Location: London

You'll need to check with the chassis as to what 1U passive heatsinks it takes, and the check that those heatsinks will physically fit your board.

160Gb would be a bit small for a virtualization box imho, and SATA in servers is something I hate, but if its just for you to test with I guess thats OK.

If its a production VM server, SAS and RAIDed SAS at that!

The 1U/2U machines I build are Supermicro units, I've never done a fully custom rack build, but the CSE-823TQ-650LPB is a favorite.

Colo wise, you'll need to look at power as most places charge per 0.1 amps, and they measure at boot, when the draw is at max.

You'll also need to consider a IP KVM or IMPI for remote management, unless you like driving to colos...

pr0xy · 06-01-2012, 18:42 | posts: 6

Thanks for the review! I've been waiting for someone to reply for a while. Yes theres plenty of heatsinks/fans that will work for a build like this but I cannot find one that supports lga 1155 :/
For the HDD(s), that was the model I'm buying. I plan on having a lot for raid. Aren't SAS a little loud, I'd like to keep the noise level down. Ya the system shouldn't draw too much, I actually feel like the 400W power supply is a little too much, maybe 350W is good. Also I'll look into a IPKVM. Thanks!

Now I just need help finding a fan that will work for this small giant.

grunger · 06-01-2012, 19:37 | posts: 1,830 | Location: London

This might be of help?

http://www.supermicro.com/support/resources/thermal/

But again I am a Supermicro builder really, that or prebuilt Dell/HP rackmounts

You'd be suprised how much power machines can draw.

I've got some Dell and HP 1U's that will pull 1.4 amps, that can get expensive when you get 0.5 free and then they charge per 0.1

SAS drives are a little chattery, but a quiet 1U is unlikely as most use 4x40mm fans to pull air over the components - hence the passive heatsinks

You can pickup older Quad 1U (look for 1950 II/III) units on ebay for sub £400 btw, most will have 2x PSUs, IPMIs....

pr0xy · 06-01-2012, 20:01 | posts: 6

Wow thanks a lot man I suspect I can fit two of these Micro ATXs in a big enough chassis if I wanted to. Making use of a 1U slot as 2! I really appreciate you finding the link thanks!

grunger · *Last edited by grunger; 06-01-2012 at 21:42.*

No probs, but beware - 1U coolers can be case specific.

Supermicro 2U chassis have 4 80mm fans sucking air over the drive cage, and then through a shroud over the passive HS.

If you put a passive 1155 HS in a chassis where there is no fast flowing air you may have heat issus...

I used this chassis for my latest IB 2U.

http://www.supermicro.com/products/c...23tq-650lp.cfm

Housing 4x15K SAS, and 2 quad E5 chips and 32GB of RAM.

You'll find that 1 and 2U HS are wide and can be low to the board, so anything around the cpu socket, caps, vrms etc may get in the way, so check and check again.

pr0xy · 06-01-2012, 20:45 | posts: 6

I see, I'd love to build this at home, but I'm realizing now I don't think it'll work for home usage :/ Is there any Server config out there that are more powerful than ATOM? I'd love to keep the 1u chassis. But I'd hate for my little room to sound like a runway.

grunger · 06-01-2012, 21:39 | posts: 1,830 | Location: London

Yeah building for Colo/Comms rooms is a different job to home....
1 and 2U's are noisy due to their size and nature.

I build them, but at home I have a 4U server as get away with less cooling.
If I have a basement one day then I'll get a rack.