Server specs for a 20-30 person environment....suggestions?

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ridergroov

I'm getting ready to either build or upgrade oru current server to host
a domain and have 20-30 users use it for a file sharing server. Can
anyone give me their recommendation for hardware specs? Thanks
 
I'm getting ready to either build or upgrade oru current server to host
a domain and have 20-30 users use it for a file sharing server. Can
anyone give me their recommendation for hardware specs? Thanks
Click to expand...

Small Business Server 2003 Standard:

Hardware:
Dual Xeon 3.2ghz, 2MB Cache
3GB RAM - Exchange and SBS tend to like about 2.4GB as a Norm.
RAID 1: Mirror for OS drive Array
RAID 5: 5xDrives for Data and users info + exchange store
DVD+/-RW drive for small backups
Tape: DAT72 or LTO2 for backups that can be taken off-site

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/features/defau
lt.mspx

We've got a few SBS2003 Standard and a few SBS2003 Premium Servers with
clients, the platform makes it easy to manage and support.
 
Hi there everyone,

I was thinking more along the lines of Frankster up there. Do you
think that would support what I need. We're tlakign basic everyday
office operations. Nothing fancy really. Just want to be able to have
quick authentication and file access. DOn't think I need dual xeons
for that.
 
ridergroov said:
Hi there everyone,

I was thinking more along the lines of Frankster up there. Do you
think that would support what I need. We're tlakign basic everyday
office operations. Nothing fancy really. Just want to be able to have
quick authentication and file access. DOn't think I need dual xeons
for that.
Click to expand...

You don't need dual xeons but you do need server quality hardware designed
for 24/7 operation, hot swapping components etc. A server will quickly
become indispensable to a business. If it is down 20 - 30 people will be
sitting doing nothing. It will go down at just the wrong time. It's way
things work. What is important is how quickly you can be back up and
running.

Kerry
 
Hi there everyone,

I was thinking more along the lines of Frankster up there. Do you
think that would support what I need. We're tlakign basic everyday
office operations. Nothing fancy really. Just want to be able to have
quick authentication and file access. DOn't think I need dual xeons
for that.
Click to expand...

Well, there is more to a server than Quick Authentication and File
access. When you look at something like SBS 2003 you have a lot going on
in the background all the time.

If you just want a cheap server for file/user then setup a cheap Linux
box.

If you want a server that won't bog down while users are hammering it
with MS Access files, doing a Server backup, defragging the drive,
copying large roaming profiles, then you want to buy something on a
Quality platform.

Generally, anything with Dual CPU's will be much better in performance
(for multiple users) and quality than a single CPU board. Don't count on
Hyper Threading for much, at best you'll see 10% in real world cases.

Since a Server board with Dual Xeon's is cheap, it's a no-brainer and is
worth the investment for any solution that is more than just a HOME
network.

I've seen a ton of SBS2003 servers with 1GB RAM and they were dog slow,
bring it to 2GB or 3GB and the server performs as it should.

Even if you're not using SBS2003, you have realtime AV software running
on the server (you should have), and 1GB is the minimum for a server,
2GB is only about $100 more, so get it and save yourself the performance
headache.
 
Alrighty. Thanks to everyone for the responses. Definitely going to
change my server specs for work here. I am running Server 03 at home
at it runs fine for my home network as a file server and such but I
haven't really had to create one from scratch for that many users yet.
Is it possible to "build" a real server instead of buying a business
class server from HP or Dell or something of that nature? I'm trying
to remember the last time I saw hot swapping bays advertised as
standalone pieces and I cant' think of any. Let me know that one last
detail. Thanks everyone.
 
Alrighty. Thanks to everyone for the responses. Definitely going to
change my server specs for work here. I am running Server 03 at home
at it runs fine for my home network as a file server and such but I
haven't really had to create one from scratch for that many users yet.
Is it possible to "build" a real server instead of buying a business
class server from HP or Dell or something of that nature? I'm trying
to remember the last time I saw hot swapping bays advertised as
standalone pieces and I cant' think of any. Let me know that one last
detail. Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

We build servers from parts all the time - and you just need a vendor
that provides Quality parts - hot swap is available, even in SATA and
IDE if you want cheap.
 
ridergroov said:
Alrighty. Thanks to everyone for the responses. Definitely going to
change my server specs for work here. I am running Server 03 at home
at it runs fine for my home network as a file server and such but I
haven't really had to create one from scratch for that many users yet.
Is it possible to "build" a real server instead of buying a business
class server from HP or Dell or something of that nature? I'm trying
to remember the last time I saw hot swapping bays advertised as
standalone pieces and I cant' think of any. Let me know that one last
detail. Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

Yes it is possible. It is not easy and if you have questions then it may not
be advisable. I build servers out of "generic components" but it takes a lot
of testing to get it right. I recommend buying from someone local who can
supply references regarding server installations and does on site service.
Get it in writing as to how long it will take to get someone on site and the
maximum downtime. If someone like that doesn't exist or can't be found then
you are better off with a brand name and a support package.

Kerry
 
Alrighty. Thanks to everyone for the responses. Definitely going to
change my server specs for work here. I am running Server 03 at home
at it runs fine for my home network as a file server and such but I
haven't really had to create one from scratch for that many users yet.
Is it possible to "build" a real server instead of buying a business
class server from HP or Dell or something of that nature? I'm trying
to remember the last time I saw hot swapping bays advertised as
standalone pieces and I cant' think of any. Let me know that one last
detail. Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

Possible? of course. Practical? not quite as much.

First you must realize that you can't simply walk in your local computer
store and walk away with a bag-o-parts for a commercial class server.

The closest thing to a white box, build-it yourself server I've seen is
from supermicro computers http://www.supermicro.com/ Their components are
first class.

One thing to keep in mind, stay away from IDE or perhaps even SATA RAID
arrays. They simply aer not fast enough.

Next thing to consider is support. It's all well and good hat every part
has a warranty, but when the server goes down, how fast can you get the
eplacement. That's part of what you pay for with the brand names like HP
and IBM.I've fried power supplies on SuperMicro servers, and it took them 3
weeks to get a replacement. Luckily, I had enough same servers in my site
to warrant keeping a spare. Even if you can get overnight, can your user
sit around for 24 hours?
 
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