Server Specs

I'm thinking about building my own server, but not sure yet. I am looking for opinions on the hardware I should use. Here is some beneficial information for you to go by:

Server OS: Windows Server 2003
Processor: I'm an AMD guy, but if you can convince me to get Intel, I'm open to suggestions.
Clients: Server will support approx. 5 clients, most of which will run Windows XP Professional and one that will have multiple OS's installed.
Price Range: I'm looking at spending between $4-900.

Thanks!

JMH

For a recent linux server I got a Dell poweredge sc430 that for a bit over $300.00 delivered (no OS) had a Pentium 4, 1gb ddr ecc RAM, 160gb sata, no display, works quite well. The Dell website offered W2003 server but I didn't pay attention to the OS pricing.

I already have the OS, so that is not an issue. Thanks for your input!

I have a few Dell low-end servers and I'm quite pleased with them. Do take a look at what devices you need to connect, the sc430 didn't come with a parallel port, for example, and I had to buy an add-on for a few bucks to connect a parallel printer.

The only devices I'm thinking about sharing over the network is most likely just a printer, or maybe a combo of scanner/printer etc. I'm going to check out the sc430, because $300ish is pretty good. Do you do anything for data redundancy?

I have lots of hardware, and I keep backups over the network but I don't have anything that's critical enough to warrant some kind of replication. I use linux servers for file servers, backups, php development web servers, db servers, and a lone windows domain server. Most of my servers are "headless", i.e., only a power cable and ethernet cable is connected and I do everything via remote control software.

But I've been very happy with Dell over the last few years, I have maybe 6 or 8 Dells, including a couple laptops, and I've recommended them to many clients with good results all around. I got all mine from www.dell.com in the small business section of their website.

I own a couple Dell pc's, (a desktop and a notebook), and I've never had a problem with the computer, it was always the people at Dell. Anyway, I checked out the web site, and they don't have the SC430 anymore, they have a SC440. The worst part is, every time I customize it, the price goes way up. I'm looking for a lot of storage space. I'm thinking about getting it hard driveless and possibly getting a cheaper hard drive from newegg or something.

go with a Intel Core 2 Duo proc.

It really pays if you build your own computer. Often new hardwares are produced. The strategy of most of the companies/stores is they lessen the price of the old ones so that they could get rid of them from the shelves. New products on the shelves are more pleasing to the eyes rather than old ones thus attracting customers into the stores. But you could always find the old ones in stock even though they are not displayed. With the exception of course of "sale" items which is a must for them to display it. There is nothing wrong with buying old hardware, given that it is upgradeable. This where your sense of getting the best buy comes in.

My following statement is based from what you have told that it will support approx 5 clients. This means that there is nothing wrong if you will be buying not so state of the art or cutting edge technology. Consider hardwares that are upgradeable, in the long term.

Motherboard:
In the time of this writing, the newest, I think, socket of AMD is AM2. Getting a motherboard with an AM2 or the latest socket ensures you that your processor can be upgraded even after a couple of years. By getting the motherboard with the latest socket also ensures you that it is upgradeable. Lets say that the motherboard that you have bought broke. You could still buy a new motherboard that supports you current processor.

Processor:
For your processor, getting the cheapest is the only option for a budget conscious consumer. Try AM2 Sempron. Even after a couple of years you could still upgrade you processor to what your budget can afford because the socket is still commercially available.

Secondary Storage (a.k.a. hard drives):
Try to buy at least two hard drives. This is for the purpose of mirroring. Ensuring you that data on your server will last for a very long period of time. When the time comes that you have extra money to spend, you could upgrade to a RAID-5 storage system. I suggest doing it on a hardware level and not on a software level.

Primary Storage (a.k.a memory):
This will depend on the role of your server. If you are planning to use it as a gateway then forget all that what I have said and just buy a router. Cheaper and does the job plus security. If you are planning to use it as a SQL and IIS server, then with 5 clients the minimum requirements is enough.

Summary:
You may get your hands on to hardwares with steroids but don't forget that overkill is not a solution. Always think of your return of investment. Always think of your goal. If cheaper hardwares could do the job for you with no problems, then why buy expensive ones.

@abednegoyulo - This post is about 2 months old, I'm sure Jmurrayhead already got his server.