Seeking Advice on Building a Home Server

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jafarardebili

New Member
Aug 5, 2023
10
0
1
Dear friends,
I hope this message finds you well!
I need your advice and expertise as I plan to build a home server. My vision is to use a case similar to the JONSBO N5 (or any other case you might recommend) paired with a powerful CPU and motherboard.
This server will be the heart of my home setup. While I understand that HPE or Supermicro servers are excellent options, they are not practical for me as I’ll be placing this server in my bedroom. (I’m a poor teacher living in a small apartment, so space and noise are critical factors for me.)
Here’s what I’m looking for:
  1. Case and Motherboard: Compact yet capable of housing a powerful configuration.
  2. CPU: An insanely powerful processor to handle virtualization, network emulation, storage server and other intensive tasks.
  3. RAM: Support for up to 256GB (or more) with the flexibility to upgrade over time. I plan to start with one 64GB module and expand gradually.
  4. Storage: Plenty of SATA ports to connect SSDs and HDDs, as I’ll start small and scale up as needed.
  5. Power Consumption: This isn’t a significant concern. A slight increase in my electricity bill is acceptable for the performance I need.
Planned uses for this server:
  • Running multiple x86-based virtual machines.
  • Serving as a NAS with the ability to manage large storage.
  • Acting as a network emulator (e.g., GNS3 or EVE-NG).
Given these requirements, I feel that a case like the JONSBO N5 might be a good fit, but I’m open to better suggestions.
I would greatly appreciate your recommendations for:
  • Motherboards
  • CPUs
  • Cases
  • Power supplies
Money is not a problem. But to keep everything within budget, I will start with a minimum RAM and SSD. For example, if the motherboard and CPU support 256 GB of RAM with four slots, I will start with one slot of 64GB, and I will gradually add three more slots later when I have the money—the same thing for storage. I will start with one, and I will add more in the future.


Thank you all in advance for your help and suggestions. I truly value your input in helping me build this dream server!
 
erock

erock

Active Member
Jul 19, 2023
199
47
28
jafarardebili said:
Dear friends,
I hope this message finds you well!
I need your advice and expertise as I plan to build a home server. My vision is to use a case similar to the JONSBO N5 (or any other case you might recommend) paired with a powerful CPU and motherboard.
This server will be the heart of my home setup. While I understand that HPE or Supermicro servers are excellent options, they are not practical for me as I’ll be placing this server in my bedroom. (I’m a poor teacher living in a small apartment, so space and noise are critical factors for me.)
Here’s what I’m looking for:
  1. Case and Motherboard: Compact yet capable of housing a powerful configuration.
  2. CPU: An insanely powerful processor to handle virtualization, network emulation, storage server and other intensive tasks.
  3. RAM: Support for up to 256GB (or more) with the flexibility to upgrade over time. I plan to start with one 64GB module and expand gradually.
  4. Storage: Plenty of SATA ports to connect SSDs and HDDs, as I’ll start small and scale up as needed.
  5. Power Consumption: This isn’t a significant concern. A slight increase in my electricity bill is acceptable for the performance I need.
Planned uses for this server:
  • Running multiple x86-based virtual machines.
  • Serving as a NAS with the ability to manage large storage.
  • Acting as a network emulator (e.g., GNS3 or EVE-NG).
Given these requirements, I feel that a case like the JONSBO N5 might be a good fit, but I’m open to better suggestions.
I would greatly appreciate your recommendations for:
  • Motherboards
  • CPUs
  • Cases
  • Power supplies
Money is not a problem. But to keep everything within budget, I will start with a minimum RAM and SSD. For example, if the motherboard and CPU support 256 GB of RAM with four slots, I will start with one slot of 64GB, and I will gradually add three more slots later when I have the money—the same thing for storage. I will start with one, and I will add more in the future.


Thank you all in advance for your help and suggestions. I truly value your input in helping me build this dream server!
Click to expand...
I wouldn't classify Supermicro motherboards as impracticable for home office use. I have built around 8 servers/compute nodes for my office using Supermicro H11DSi dual socket mobos ($350-450 from reputable ebay sellers), with Epyc Rome CPUs (16 core high freq 7f52x2 @ $300/cpu; 16 core 7302x2 at $120/cpu and 48 core 7k62 at $300/cpu). The key to low noise coupled with adequate cooling is Notcua tower coolers, Noctua fans and the Panteks Enthoo Pro 2 case (server edition is even better). This case accomadates the H11DSi without modification. I had great success with 16 GB 3200 RDIMM RAM sticks from NEMIX for this board at ~$30 per stick (there is around a 5% dud rate with NEMIX so you may have to exercise the return policy). You can also get name-brand better tested RAM for these boards for $20-$30 more per stick. I was able to reach 256GB on all 8 servers in my cluster with good performance and stability with NEMIX but did have to return several non-functional sticks. If interested, I would be happy to share more details on my builds, info on reputable sellers on EBAY and performance of EPYC Rome processors based on your specific use case.
 
Last edited:
B

bugacha

Active Member
Sep 21, 2024
520
161
43
jafarardebili said:
Dear friends,
I hope this message finds you well!
I need your advice and expertise as I plan to build a home server. My vision is to use a case similar to the JONSBO N5 (or any other case you might recommend) paired with a powerful CPU and motherboard.
This server will be the heart of my home setup. While I understand that HPE or Supermicro servers are excellent options, they are not practical for me as I’ll be placing this server in my bedroom. (I’m a poor teacher living in a small apartment, so space and noise are critical factors for me.)
Here’s what I’m looking for:
  1. Case and Motherboard: Compact yet capable of housing a powerful configuration.
  2. CPU: An insanely powerful processor to handle virtualization, network emulation, storage server and other intensive tasks.
  3. RAM: Support for up to 256GB (or more) with the flexibility to upgrade over time. I plan to start with one 64GB module and expand gradually.
  4. Storage: Plenty of SATA ports to connect SSDs and HDDs, as I’ll start small and scale up as needed.
  5. Power Consumption: This isn’t a significant concern. A slight increase in my electricity bill is acceptable for the performance I need.
Planned uses for this server:
  • Running multiple x86-based virtual machines.
  • Serving as a NAS with the ability to manage large storage.
  • Acting as a network emulator (e.g., GNS3 or EVE-NG).
Given these requirements, I feel that a case like the JONSBO N5 might be a good fit, but I’m open to better suggestions.
I would greatly appreciate your recommendations for:
  • Motherboards
  • CPUs
  • Cases
  • Power supplies
Money is not a problem. But to keep everything within budget, I will start with a minimum RAM and SSD. For example, if the motherboard and CPU support 256 GB of RAM with four slots, I will start with one slot of 64GB, and I will gradually add three more slots later when I have the money—the same thing for storage. I will start with one, and I will add more in the future.


Thank you all in advance for your help and suggestions. I truly value your input in helping me build this dream server!
Click to expand...

i7 14700 or 13700
W680D4U-2L2T/G5
Jonsbo N5 seems okay
 
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