JackBauer Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 Hey folks. My application: 1) Overall virtualization lab - hope to run multiple hosts. Windows, OS X, Ubuntu, etc. 2) Ideally will replace my desktop - using a zero client where my PC currently is. 3) Unraid! 4) Host a DVR for my IP video camera(s) 5) I haven't use PC gaming in years - however I plan to buy a higher end video card to enable it should I chose - but in reality I'm getting a higher end video card to make sure nothing I do will be video limited. 6) Maybe eventually host XBMC on it or something - I could run a 50' cable to my receiver without too much trouble. I plan to get a Xeon E5-1650, 64gb of ram, and ideally a Samsung 950 Pro M.2 to host ESXi and the VM's. I'll install a 4TB drive for other data should it replace my desktop, and of course can backup critical stuff to my unraid server. However I can't even really resolve the MB. I've been looking at the Supermicro boards: X10SRA-F Pros:Plenty of PCIe slots, onboard audio (future use?) Cons: No native M.2 slot, Intel i210 dual gigabit ethernet only X10SRM-TF Pros: Dual 10GBase-T, Native M.2 slot, 7 year lifespan Cons: Only 3 PCIe's. One x16, two x8. No Audio. X10SRi-F Pros: Plenty of PCie slots, Intel i350 dual gigabit ethernet Cons: No native M.2 slot, No Audio. To be honest, I don't really need audio - but it's a nice to have thing, without having to add extra cards later. I realize the two different Intel Gigabit Ethernet options shouldn't make that much of a difference - but the i350 has some benefits for virtualization and consumes less power - which is good as I do want to keep this machine as quiet as reasonably possible (plus it will of course be on, forever) Since I currently have 10 HD's in my Unraid array - it is likely I will have to keep my AOC SAS expander board in the new system. I guess I'm just looking for people's perspectives. Or maybe they have recommendations on other boards I should consider. For high quality server boards, it is hard to beat SM, but I'm open to other options. Thanks Quote Link to comment
dertbv Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 I just finished my new esxi box and went with a 10srh-cf from SM. It has a built in sas chip that supports 10 drives as well as another 10 sata drives. Took my two servers and condensed them into a neat little package. Currently running Unraid on the sas controller in pass through Win 10 Vista IP Cameras a few installs of linux 2012. Very happy with my current setup.. Quote Link to comment
JackBauer Posted July 31, 2016 Author Share Posted July 31, 2016 I looked at that server - actually more interested in the -CLN4F... Unfortunately both of them lack an x16 slot which I want for a video card... It's a darn shame, as I would have gone for the CLN4F in a heartbeat. Quote Link to comment
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