Hi everyone, The names Tim.

i am trying to decide on the specs of the server for my workplace.

please do not mention DELL (not very good hardware from personal experience, servers, laptops & definitely desktops)

The server needs to have the following capability.

Upgradeability/expandability

Hot Swap Hdd's is a must

minimum 2TB in raid 1 (mirror)

Dual Gigabit Network card.

4Gb Ram

at least 15 cals. Windos server 2008 enterprise if possible... otherwise small buissness VPN or VNC into server for 5 remote users. (work from home somedays)

3 Year Warranty Minimum

Budget as little as possible but say $4000-$10000.

I was thinking of building a server using Intel Core I7 parts.

But i want to know what your thoughts are?

I im not biased towards amd or intel. whoever offers the best features vs price is what i am after.

This has to be a tower server not a rackmount.

Re Server Specs

Hi Tim,

HP make a range of Entry level servers that suit your requirements. There are major differences between enterprise and Small business editions of 2008 server software. You can save bucks going with 2003 server, unless you have specific need of 2008.

I would suggest you consider SATA drives with your budget. 2008 srv will eat 4gb if you go for SBS version of 2008 you will be better off with 6 to 8GB. Exchange 2007 likes ram.Some entry level servers have limited ram support, so check on what capacity the server can accomodate if at a later point you want to add more.

If you looking for just files storage why not consider a NAS?

If you looking to expand your network at a later point.

Consult a professional company to access your needs and plan a solution that can grow with you. It's not as expensive as you might think.We are friendly and don't bite:)

Regards

Jason

The server will be running alot of automotive industry specific software.

i will have a NAS down the track as another backup system.

i Have already ripped out the old 10/100 switch and replaced it with a gigabit switch which has already made a difference for some of the users (the others cant utillise as of old computers (progressive rollout happening).

my budget is pretty tight. I only want to use SATA drives as SAS is too expensive.

i want to go server 2008 as of i do not know if windows 7 will be compatible with server 2003 R2 or not. As we plan to move to windows 7 after sp1 and do not want to fork out for a server upgrade.

We have tried alot of IT Firms around and no one is able to provide the service we require when we need it even with a SLA. and if things couldnt get worse i need to at least order this and pay for it so i can get a invoice before the 30th of june for the proposed 30% rebate. (we are not elligable for the 50% rebate

Current Server specs: cpu: Amd Athlon 3500+ Hdd: single 160GB HDD (with a seagate repaired drive logo on it!!) (lucky i have a backup server for imediate switch over if it fails)

ram: 512Mb! single 10/100mb onboard nic! video: onboard S3 or similar. Dvd burner running server 2000!

This is my the problem that i have been handed to upgrade and fix!

So one of my questions is this: If i build a I7 gaming system with 6Gb of ram, a 920, a rampage II extreme. would that be a decent server? and what about quality? as that would have solid state capacitors and most server boards have limited solid state capacitors.

regards Tim