I'm currently thinking of upgrading from my current unRAID server to a Ryzen based system.

 

Current System:

HP Gen8 Microserver

Intel E3-1230 V2 @ 3.30GHz

16GB ECC RAM

4 x 10TB HDD

2 x 2TB HDD (via PCI-E SATA card)

1 x 256GB SSD (for VMs via onboard SATA 2 port)

 

Most 'server grade' ebay options are impractical due to size and/or cost, so I'm thinking of making a Ryzen rig since that supports ECC RAM and I happen to have a case, PSU and GPU lying around and could use the 3700x in my gaming desktop (upgrading the desktop to a 5000 on release).

 

The potential spec:

To purchase:

32GB ECC RAM (2x Kingston KSM26ED8/16ME, which is listed on the QVL) Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07BGDG5ZP

ASUS Prime X570-PRO ATX Motherboard Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TNMC2R4

 

I chose this specific motherboard due to it's PCI-E slots, since I'd like to potentially expand in the future.

 

Currently owned hardware:

Ryzen 3700x (already own) Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AMD-Ryzen-3700X-Processor-Cache/dp/B07SXMZLPK

Corsair CX750 (already own) Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008RJZR40

AMD 5450 (basic video) Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036DD4CY

Tacky looking Case (already own) Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0071KZNUY

Cooling TBD as I may have something lying around but need to check if it will fit

Storage (from existing rig, including existing PCI-E SATA card)

For VMs:

Intel Ethernet (for PfSense VM)

GTX 1080ti (for Windows VM, when I upgrade gaming desktop)

 

Overall the only parts I'm looking to buy specifically for this system if possible is the RAM and PSU if possible, which for me will cost around £386 at most I'd like to go £400 for these parts. 

 

My plans for this rig:

1) Storage (the case offers more 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" slots and the Mobo more PCI-E slots for SATA cards).

2) Docker (e.g. Crashplan)

3) Windows VM (may install a 1080ti when I upgrade my gaming desktop in the future and passthrough to VM for transcoding)

4) PfSense VM (pasthrough an Intel Ethernet PCI-E card)

 

AFAIK the only downside to this approach is the lack of lights out management, but this shouldn't be too big of an issue for me.

 

Is there anything else I should consider, are there problems I haven't considered or would this work ok?

 

Thank you.

Edited October 29, 20205 yr by tech3475

So it turns out the CPU cooler I had in mind (Noctua NH-D14) is too tall, are there any recommended AM4 Fan coolers?