New Server Build Suggestions?

Technology Buy Curious
1

All,

I’m not so much of hardware guy. I was wondering if someone could suggest or share their build with me (pcpartpicker would be nice, not necessary) I’m looking to spend somewhere between $800 - $2000 (to include hard drives). My plan is to use unRAID as the core operating system. I’m on the road quite a bit, so I use OpenVPN (via Pfsense) to connect to my home network.

Some of my desired software requirements:

  • 3-4 Virtual Machines (like LInux, Windows 10)
  • 12 or so Docker Containers
  • 6-8 camera CCTV managed by zoneminder (VM or docker)
  • Emby Server
  • NAS
  • OS X Time Machine Backup
  • PBX system
  • Maybe some re-encoding capability via Handbrake

Some of my desired hardware Requirements:

  • 10 - 12 TB red hard drives
  • Mid to Full Tower Case
  • DVD/CDROM drive
  • 2-4 Gigabyte NIC card
  • intel processor with quicksync to help with Emby

I’m currently running the following hardware:

  • Synology DS 716+ with two 3TB drives (raid 1 configuration).
  • Old Sony Vaio laptop for testing unRAID and running a few docker containers
  • Pfsense currently running on a Netgate RCC-VE 2440

Lastly, I like having VM snapshots. So does it make sense to install a VM operating system (“Proxmox” onto my negate hardware) then reinstall Pfsense?

I really appreciate suggestions.

-Rodney

2

Welcome! Have you taken a look at the latest OTIS guide?
Let me know what you think about that, and I can provide feedback accordingly.

3

Thanks I will check it out. I’ll put something together using your guide and take some feedback. - Rodney

4

Ok, here’s what I put together:

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/L7F4Qq

CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($499.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z390-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Memory: OLOy 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.97 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Gold 12 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($363.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Gold 12 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($363.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Gold 12 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($363.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Gold 12 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($363.00 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Design Define R6 USB-C Blackout ATX Mid Tower Case ($149.92 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $2455.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-05-28 11:16 EDT-0400

These showed up in the compatibility notes:
Compatibility Notes

Note:Fractal Design Design Define R6 USB-C Blackout ATX Mid Tower Case has a front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port that can connect to the MSI Z390-A PRO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard USB 3.2 Gen 1 header. A separate USB 3.2 Gen 1 to USB 3.2 Gen 2 header adapter will be required.
Note:The motherboard M.2 slot #1 shares bandwidth with a SATA 6.0 Gb/s port. When the M.2 slot is populated, one SATA 6.0 Gb/s port is disabled.
Note:Some physical dimension restrictions cannot (yet) be automatically checked, such as cpu cooler / RAM clearance with modules using tall heat spreaders.

How does this system look and do you have any feedback?
Thanks,
Rodney

5

I would highly recommend not using PCPP, as it does not help with server or used parts.

Use google sheets and just copy/paste the table into the forums.