server build help

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 09:15 PM

Hi guys im wanting to do a server build rack at my house.

it will be used to backup 2 small businesses. does anyone suggest where i start? never had a dedicated server before

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 09:37 PM

Can you give us a little more information?

If it's just to store files for backup it doesn't matter what you have as long as there is sufficient disk space. You could use a couple of USB hard drives for that.

Wrigleyvillain · Nov 18, 2012, 09:43 PM

Well, first of all, I would point out that's it's impossible to realize/appreciate just how loud a rackmount server is until you get one in your house. Secondly, you don't need all that for such. You could build an Atom combo rig with a NAS or just a ton of storage or buy something like an HP Microserver.

Though if you really wanna go rackmount maybe can find one used or buy a Super Micro case w/ PSU and board.

Solaris17 · Nov 18, 2012, 09:46 PM

at least dual core 4 gb ram good network

4 2tb drives

acronis from newegg

decent skill at making directory trees

bam server

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreij

Can you give us a little more information?

If it's just to store files for backup it doesn't matter what you have as long as there is sufficient disk space. You could use a couple of USB hard drives for that.

i want to do an all in one thing, i don't think it will take up that much storage maybe 10tb+, the problem is i want this to be located at my house and the 2 business locations will backup to it.

business 1: 3 desktop computers that need backed up daily, plus 12 ip cameras

business 2: 2 desktops computers that need backed up daily, plus 10 ip cameras

home use: 1,000 dvd isos plus backing up all the computers too.

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solaris17

4 2tb drives

All the data from the last 15 years of our small business (about 50 employees) fits in under 200GB and I back it up on pocket sized 500GB USB hard drives.

Oh ... 1000 dvds lol nevermind

Assuming you are going to be backing up data and not everything (executables, OS, etc) the computers should not use much.
I would also think that the camera data is going to be for a current period and not forever kind of thing?

MxPhenom 216 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrigleyvillain

Well, first of all, I would point out that's it's impossible to realize/appreciate just how loud a rackmount server is until you get one in your house. Secondly, you don't need all that for such. You could build an Atom combo rig with a NAS or just a ton of storage or buy something like an HP Microserver.

Though if you really wanna go rackmount maybe can find one used or buy a Super Micro case w/ PSU and board.

I can second this. Being a lab engineer at Microsoft and in labs every day. We wear ear plugs while in them haha! When you don't its almost unbearable. Given theres over 50 machines per lab, but still.

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreij

All the data from the last 15 years of our small business (about 50 employees) fits in under 200GB and I back it up on pocket sized 500GB USB hard drives.

Oh ... 1000 dvds lol nevermind

Assuming you are going to be backing up data and not everything (executables, OS, etc) the computers should not use much.
I would also think that the camera data is going to be for a current period and not forever kind of thing?

yea the cameras will store for 30 days. The cameras will take up alot since they're HD. The movies are around 7gb

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 10:06 PM

Is the camera data stored and then transferred or will it be streamed directly to the server?

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreij

Is the camera data stored and then transferred or will it be streamed directly to the server?

id want to have it stored directly.

i have all the cameras being delivered this week and will install them as i have time to

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 10:12 PM

Will the cameras be sending data over the internet to the server?

Sorry for all the questions but it's the only way to get a good idea of what you are trying to accomplish.

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreij

Will the cameras be sending data over the internet to the server?

Sorry for all the questions but it's the only way to get a good idea of what you are trying to accomplish.

no worries im overwhelmed anyway lol.

i want the cameras to backup to the server over the internet as they record. I want to place the server at my house, to backup both business locations and my house stuff, i want it centralized pretty much.

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 10:22 PM

Well to backup all the data all you need is lots of HDD space.
What is the bandwidth requirement for the cameras? Will your internet connection handle all those cameras (24/7 I assume) AND the backup data transfers at the same time?

For storage I would make 3 RAID1 arrays.
One for the computer data, one for the DVDs and one for the camera data.
If you lose a HDD RAID1 will hold it up while you replace a disk.

If the camera data is more than a single large HDD can hold, go with RAID5 or 10 as needed.

Interesting project !!

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreij

Well to backup all the data all you need is lots of HDD space.
What is the bandwidth requirement for the cameras? Will your internet connection handle all those cameras (24/7 I assume) AND the backup data transfers at the same time?

For storage I would make 3 RAID1 arrays.
One for the computer data, one for the DVDs and one for the camera data.
If you lose a HDD RAID1 will hold it up while you replace a disk.

If the camera data is more than a single large HDD can hold, go with RAID5 or 10 as needed.

Interesting project !!

will be awesome when its done, my problem is i've never had a server before or built one. That is one thing that I need major with help. If you could point me in a direction to get going on that.

I'm assuming just use whs? pick out parts like im building a computer but use server parts is that it or am i way off?

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 10:39 PM

If it's going to be a stand-alone machine you don't need a server OS, you just need somewhere to send the data.
The hardware, other than redundancy, is not real critical either as even low-end, low power components will easily manage backups.
My only concern is do you have the bandwidth at home to handle the incoming data?

Delta6326 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:39 PM

You won't need a "server", but a computer with many sata plugs and a case with many slots. I would get many of these drives.
Computers 2TBx2
Cameras 2TBx4
ISOs 2TBx4
something like this should work, will want a raid
Western Digital Red WD20EFRX 2TB IntelliPower 64MB...

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreij

If it's going to be a stand-alone machine you don't need a server OS, you just need somewhere to send the data.
The hardware, other than redundancy, is not real critical either as even low-end, low power components will easily manage backups.
My only concern is do you have the bandwidth at home to handle the incoming data?

we have comcast business at each location at home i get 24 download 4 upload

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 10:43 PM

Do you have any download limitations? Like a data cap?

Sean8 · Nov 18, 2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kreij

Do you have any download limitations? Like a data cap?

i think 250gb, i will have to upgrade to comcast business at home which i believe is 0 data cap

Kreij · Nov 18, 2012, 10:48 PM

250GB/month is not a lot if you are going to do daily backups, but that can be mitigated if you manage the backups right (only backup what's new or has been changed).
The cameras are a different story. Do you have any idea on what kind of data size you would be looking at on a daily basis?

Gotta go, Sean. Be back later to check to see what's up with this thread.

TRWOV · Nov 19, 2012, 12:07 AM

I have a PC setup as a CCTV server and the 5 work PCs backup to it (in a separate HDD). Every weekend I take an external HDD and copy the backup and then I copy that to my home server. The backup takes about 10GB and we have been operating for 4 years. Heck, most of those 10GB are catalog photos, our main work database weights 15MB and the accounting DB takes about 150MB. Also each PC has a 16GB USB stick that serves as a secondary backup (I have an xcopy batch file set to copy all the work directories at logon).

I'd say taking back and fort a large USB stick might be a better option.

EDIT: NVM, didn't read that you need to backup the camera data. I think that bandwidth and infrastructure might be your biggest problems. A trip to the store will get you a server (which is just a PC after all) but it won't solve the issue about setting a VPN and the setup needed to backup automatically (it'd be a PITA to do that manually I'd say).

stinger608 · Nov 19, 2012, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRWOV

A trip to the store will get you a server (which is just a PC after all) but it won't solve the issue about setting a VPN and the setup needed to backup automatically (it'd be a PITA to do that manually I'd say).

Agree 100% Your probably going to want to set up a company domain and have the systems back up automatically.

_Zod_ · Nov 19, 2012, 03:23 AM

Something like this: http://www.dailycupoftech.com/window...nc-and-freenas should be right up your alley.

Hardware wise, cheap Quad Core, 8 gig of ram, Raid 5 and Gigabit network.

Nov 18, 2012, 09:15 PM	#1
Sean8 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 270 (0.18/day) Thanks: 2 Thanked 12 Times in 12 Posts System Specs	server build help Hi guys im wanting to do a server build rack at my house. it will be used to backup 2 small businesses. does anyone suggest where i start? never had a dedicated server before

Nov 18, 2012, 09:37 PM	#2
Kreij Hardcore Monkey Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA) Posts: 12,113 (5.28/day) Thanks: 591 Thanked 5,492 Times in 2,936 Posts System Specs	Can you give us a little more information? If it's just to store files for backup it doesn't matter what you have as long as there is sufficient disk space. You could use a couple of USB hard drives for that. __________________ Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other. Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp

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Nov 18, 2012, 09:43 PM	#3
Wrigleyvillain Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 4,499 (2.20/day) Thanks: 1,524 Thanked 1,574 Times in 1,117 Posts System Specs	Well, first of all, I would point out that's it's impossible to realize/appreciate just how loud a rackmount server is until you get one in your house. Secondly, you don't need all that for such. You could build an Atom combo rig with a NAS or just a ton of storage or buy something like an HP Microserver. Though if you really wanna go rackmount maybe can find one used or buy a Super Micro case w/ PSU and board. __________________ “i dont care what consoles have they dont have mouse and keyboard” -crazyeyesreaper

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Nov 18, 2012, 09:46 PM	#4
Solaris17 Creator Solaris Utility DVD Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Reinacting scenes from platoon with Charlie Sheen Posts: 13,708 (4.84/day) Thanks: 4,365 Thanked 3,295 Times in 2,311 Posts System Specs	at least dual core 4 gb ram good network 4 2tb drives acronis from newegg decent skill at making directory trees bam server __________________ I Made the Millionth post! \| "Please come to WI now so I can beat you over the head with a bratwurst."-Kreij PS3 mod 8500/8600GT Mod Guide Rebuild a Copperhead Heat Ware NF4 Ultra SLI Mod Solaris Utility DVD 4.0 Broken CPU pin guide Vista Mark

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Nov 18, 2012, 10:06 PM	#9
Kreij Hardcore Monkey Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA) Posts: 12,113 (5.28/day) Thanks: 591 Thanked 5,492 Times in 2,936 Posts System Specs	Is the camera data stored and then transferred or will it be streamed directly to the server? __________________ Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other. Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp

Nov 18, 2012, 10:12 PM	#11
Kreij Hardcore Monkey Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA) Posts: 12,113 (5.28/day) Thanks: 591 Thanked 5,492 Times in 2,936 Posts System Specs	Will the cameras be sending data over the internet to the server? Sorry for all the questions but it's the only way to get a good idea of what you are trying to accomplish. __________________ Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other. Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp

Nov 18, 2012, 10:22 PM	#13
Kreij Hardcore Monkey Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA) Posts: 12,113 (5.28/day) Thanks: 591 Thanked 5,492 Times in 2,936 Posts System Specs	Well to backup all the data all you need is lots of HDD space. What is the bandwidth requirement for the cameras? Will your internet connection handle all those cameras (24/7 I assume) AND the backup data transfers at the same time? For storage I would make 3 RAID1 arrays. One for the computer data, one for the DVDs and one for the camera data. If you lose a HDD RAID1 will hold it up while you replace a disk. If the camera data is more than a single large HDD can hold, go with RAID5 or 10 as needed. Interesting project !! __________________ Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other. Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp

Nov 18, 2012, 10:39 PM	#15
Kreij Hardcore Monkey Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA) Posts: 12,113 (5.28/day) Thanks: 591 Thanked 5,492 Times in 2,936 Posts System Specs	If it's going to be a stand-alone machine you don't need a server OS, you just need somewhere to send the data. The hardware, other than redundancy, is not real critical either as even low-end, low power components will easily manage backups. My only concern is do you have the bandwidth at home to handle the incoming data? __________________ Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other. Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp

Nov 18, 2012, 10:39 PM	#16
Delta6326 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Iowa, USA Posts: 3,287 (1.80/day) Thanks: 557 Thanked 597 Times in 437 Posts System Specs	You won't need a "server", but a computer with many sata plugs and a case with many slots. I would get many of these drives. Computers 2TBx2 Cameras 2TBx4 ISOs 2TBx4 something like this should work, will want a raid Western Digital Red WD20EFRX 2TB IntelliPower 64MB... __________________ Diablo III- Delta6326#1894 TechPowerUp WCG Forum Skyrim Skill Perks By Delta6326

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Nov 18, 2012, 10:43 PM	#18
Kreij Hardcore Monkey Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA) Posts: 12,113 (5.28/day) Thanks: 591 Thanked 5,492 Times in 2,936 Posts System Specs	Do you have any download limitations? Like a data cap? __________________ Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other. Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp

Nov 18, 2012, 10:48 PM	#20
Kreij Hardcore Monkey Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA) Posts: 12,113 (5.28/day) Thanks: 591 Thanked 5,492 Times in 2,936 Posts System Specs	250GB/month is not a lot if you are going to do daily backups, but that can be mitigated if you manage the backups right (only backup what's new or has been changed). The cameras are a different story. Do you have any idea on what kind of data size you would be looking at on a daily basis? Gotta go, Sean. Be back later to check to see what's up with this thread. __________________ Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other. Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp

Nov 19, 2012, 12:07 AM	#21
TRWOV Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Mexico Posts: 2,051 (3.16/day) Thanks: 791 Thanked 1,064 Times in 552 Posts System Specs	I have a PC setup as a CCTV server and the 5 work PCs backup to it (in a separate HDD). Every weekend I take an external HDD and copy the backup and then I copy that to my home server. The backup takes about 10GB and we have been operating for 4 years. Heck, most of those 10GB are catalog photos, our main work database weights 15MB and the accounting DB takes about 150MB. Also each PC has a 16GB USB stick that serves as a secondary backup (I have an xcopy batch file set to copy all the work directories at logon). I'd say taking back and fort a large USB stick might be a better option. EDIT: NVM, didn't read that you need to backup the camera data. I think that bandwidth and infrastructure might be your biggest problems. A trip to the store will get you a server (which is just a PC after all) but it won't solve the issue about setting a VPN and the setup needed to backup automatically (it'd be a PITA to do that manually I'd say). __________________ My other rigs: OCTANUX - Conroe865PE - QX6800 - 4GB OCZ Platinum EL - HIS HD4670 AGP - SB Audigy 2 ZS - BFG PPU phenomenal - AM2NF3-VSTA - 965BE - 8GB OCZ Platinum LV - HIS HD3850 AGP - SB X-Fi - Asus PPU - WIP Green Tea - 939A8X-M - FX60 - 4GB OCZ Platinum EL - 7950GT AGP Re-build - CT-6VTA2 - PIII 600E - 384MB PC133 - Voodoo 5500 AGP - SB16 ISA BLUELINE - H61M-GE - PDC G645 - 8GB DDR3-1333 - Powercolor HD7750 - 2xTV Wonder 650 Last edited by TRWOV; Nov 19, 2012 at 12:12 AM.

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Nov 19, 2012, 03:23 AM	#23
_Zod_ Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 159 (0.12/day) Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 25 Posts System Specs	Something like this: http://www.dailycupoftech.com/window...nc-and-freenas should be right up your alley. Hardware wise, cheap Quad Core, 8 gig of ram, Raid 5 and Gigabit network. __________________ Recommended software: Windows 7 Classic Shell Open Hardware Monitor Truecrypt

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