Looking for improvements on new build

[Dice]

Such designs are nowhere near adequate to isolate to behemoth hive noise an angry SM 846 or 847 case is capable of generating...

 

[theEmbark]

Good point :/ you're probably going to need layers of foam and air.

 

[theEmbark]

Dang that is high. Just a empty chassis should run you ~200 (if you include the 3.5" trays):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PowerE...854830?hash=item3a9475daae:g:sxsAAOSwnDZT0rUy

From there you need the CPU(s), RAM, Drives and HBA.

This one is pretty much "Turn Key" for $415.00 (Just flash the HBA to IT Mode and add your drives):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-FS12-T...700629?hash=item1eaba474d5:g:9QEAAOSwJMhXEQaN

Oh, one other thing if you do go this route make sure they include the screws for the trays that attach the drives. They are kinda "specialized" and not just any will do. I usually just use two (instead of four) in a diagonal pattern to save on them.

Thank you @Mirfster I may just pick that guy up.

 

[Mirfster]

Thank you @Mirfster I may just pick that guy up.

While not a bad system, I prefer the hex core CPUs (like the Xeon X5650). The X5600 and L5600 families are my preferred; not the E5600 (they seem to run hotter..). Xeon L5639 is a decent hex core that is not even listed on Intel's ARK site; have two of those in a test machine that I am going to upgrade when I find a nice deal.

This is a list of the CPUs that should be compatible with the C2100/FS12-TY Servers (notice there is Not a L5639 listed):
http://ark.intel.com/products/series/47915/Intel-Xeon-Processor-5600-Series#@All

 

[theEmbark]

Okay there are quite a few of these guys on ebay so I will take a look around and see what I can find. Is there anything else I should look out for in these particular builds? or are they all pretty standard otherwise?

There are literally hundreds: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=C2100/FS12-TY&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xpoweredge+C2100.TRS0&_nkw=poweredge+C2100&_sacat=0

It seems the differences in price are due to CPU and RAM what other differences am I missing? If it's just CPU and RAM is there a preffered CPU you'd pick? RAM is always upgradeable so I am not to worried about that.

Thanks again,
Kevin

EDIT: here's an older one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PowerE...245255?hash=item2eeed225c7:g:-XIAAOSwbPxXP6JT - alternative could be to buy one with all the trays and RAM I need and upgrade the CPUs. You can get a pair of 5650s for like $80-120

Trying to make some sort of short list based off your CPU guidelines:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252041596944?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&fromMakeTrack=true
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PowerE...538570?hash=item2a643ff14a:g:HY0AAOSw~oFXGO8U
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PowerE...567472?hash=item28149da4b0:g:AWIAAOSw1DtXGOcc
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PowerE...523772?hash=item58d8267fbc:g:hK4AAOSw1DtXGOr~


So basically what I see is the difference in CPU and RAM as well as some of those come with HDDs installed.
To get a hex core processor built in they are starting in the $1000 range.

So if I buy a low end CPU model with a high amount of RAM.

Either way you slice it here's what I see:
48gb ram = $60
12 trays = $60
hex core CPU = $80-120

based on that if I can get the trays or most of them and I can get a decent amount of RAM then the biggest deal is the CPU.

Your wisdom is appreciated!
Kevin

 

[Mirfster]

It seems the differences in price are due to CPU and RAM what other differences am I missing?

Pretty much that is it. Would want a HBA and ensure the it comes with trays (w/screws) and that the backplane has the two mini-sas connectors (should if it is advertised with a H200 or even H700).

EDIT: here's an older one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PowerE...245255?hash=item2eeed225c7:g:-XIAAOSwbPxXP6JT -

That is a C1100, which is a 1U. I would avoid it since that does get loud due to the compact size. I have one of those and two of the AMD models. They are just sitting in my office unused due to how loud they get.

 

[theEmbark]

So what about the following:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12x-Caddy-D...849100?hash=item210f5fac8c:g:yMIAAOSw9ZdXJ9Vf
+ http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hynix-32GB-...374719?hash=item51e50fe37f:g:eegAAOSwQ15XOWUU
+http://www.ebay.com/itm/TWO-Intel-X...606866?hash=item41aaee2092:g:aZYAAOSwcvdXOnEw

So total is:
$260 (chassis)
~$120 (CPU Upgrade)
$30 (RAM upgrade)

Total: $420

Good way to spend the money? Or should I look at a different approach?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Mirfster]

Good way to spend the money? Or should I look at a different approach?

• You would still need a HBA
• Would pretty much end up spending money on two CPUs that you are going to toss (the E5620s)
• Forgot to include shipping cost (MrRackables is an additional $60.00)
• RAM may work, but doesn't have the heatsinks either

I would suggest asking the sellers to provide a quote/estimate for a C2100/FS12TY with the following:

• Two Xeon X5650 CPUs
  • You want them to ensure the CPU Heatsinks are the ones that have the copper contact to the CPU
    • It is better and will "future proof" if you decide to up the CPUs to ones that run in the 130W range
    • Not a "have to have", but is a nice bonus
• Perc H200
  • Might even think about getting this separate, if you can find it cheaper on its own (would just want the cables too)
    • They run ~$60.00 without cables on average
  • If you do decide to exclude this, then make sure the backplane included is the model with the two Mini-SAS connectors
  • If you can get the "mezzanine" model, that would free up a PCIe slot, but is like $130.00 more so maybe not for you
• 32 GB of RAM (or more depending on your desire - think it maxes out at ~192 or 288 GB but haven't tried it yet)
  • DDR3 / PC3-10600 / 1333Mhz
    
  • Would want the RAM with the Heat Spreaders (which is pretty standard)
    • One of my servers has RAM without it and to me it runs a tad bit hotter
  • Would be a bonus if they did it using 4x8GB sticks instead of 8x4GB sticks
• 12 HD Trays w/screws
  • FYI, these 3.5" trays can also accept 2.5" drives without any extra parts or mods
  • Don't forget the screws otherwise you are looking for something like this
• Dual Power Supply (should be standard)
• Rails are optional, but if they offer it for free wouldn't hurt otherwise maybe you can get a discount to not include them
• Free Shipping
  • Watch out for this otherwise it may be an extra $70.00 or so...

Think that about covers it.

I have bought from just about all the major sellers on eBay, I would recommend checking with (my order of preference):

• DeepDiscountServers
  • There stuff is usually a tiny bit more; but totally top notch
• Esisoinc
• DFW Computers
• MrRackables
  • Never purchased from them, but appear to have good pricing at times

I have not purchased from "IT Creations", they want way too much and were not at all helpful when I tried to contact them in the past.

 

[theEmbark]

Thanks again @mrfster

I thought that one included the HBA. Kind of confusing listing. Looks like it just has a list of HBAs that are compatible.

Thank you for the detailed specs and suppliers! I went ahead and typed an email to all of them and will see what they get back to me with this week.

Thanks again for all your help!
Kevin

 

[Dice]

Forgot to include shipping cost (MrRackables is an additional $60.00)

not too bad :P

 

[theEmbark]

Quotes are coming in around $600!!

Am I just better off to buy one of the cheap ones and use the board and chassis?

RAM is like $60
Caddies $60
CPU $140
HBA $45-60

The cheapest ones I see are $119 + $30 for shipping.

So let's call it $150 and $220 in parts which is $470. Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Kevin

Edit: here are two that are close. Just need trays. I may go the 5630 route and upgrade the CPU if/when I need too.

 

[Mirfster]

Well, let's see here:

• Caddies, do they come with the screws?
  • If not, that is an extra ~$10.00
• CPU is that for just one?
  • Thinking it is not the Xeon X5650, cuz if so post the link so I can buy a couple myself
• HBA, does that come with the cables?
  • If not, thats like an extra $20.00 for each cable
• Does the chassis come with one or two PSUs?
  • Lowest cost I could find right now is ~$25.00 each
• Does the chassis come with one or two CPU Heatsinks (would want two for future expansion)
  • Lowest cost I could find right now is ~33.00 each
  • Which is a steal, I have paid a lot more in the past
  • I may buy a couple of these myself to have on hand.. ;)

In all honesty that doesn't so bad. I just looked at one system I purchased last year. If the quotes they provided are based on the items I listed, then I would say that is correct.

This system (if I recall) is being used for my MS Hyper-V Server, but I increased the RAM to 64 GB.

If you did not feel like spending that much now, you could always get one that has less CPU like the one I posted earlier for $415.00 and then watch and wait for a deal on better CPUs (if you wanted to upgrade them).

 

[theEmbark]

Thanks again mrfster sorry I meant provide a link to this http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=142000724157&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Long story short - I do need to save some money upfront right now. I had forgot about the one at $415. That's a better deal by the time you buy the caddies etc.

 

[Mirfster]

No worries, if you go this route feel free to PM me if there are any questions. Always happy to help.

 

[theEmbark]

Thanks again!

Best regards,
Kevin

 

[Mirfster]

FYI, I did make a posting called "Ode to the Dell C2100/FS12-TY" which has a pretty good amount of info which you may find useful.

 

[theEmbark]

Thank you! Definitely going to be helpful!