Microsoft Student Partners

So as Microsoft was kind enough to give delegates to the Heroes Happen {2008} events a copy of Windows Server 2008 and I have been in the market to build a new server, I figured this is the perfect oppurtunity.

I’ve decided to log my progress here, including getting some feedback as the best way to go.

I have some specific requirements:

• I am after a 19″ rack mount server 1U only
• My rack is baby sized, that means the server needs to be less than 560mm deep
• I will require at least 2 gigabit NICs
• I am a poor student with a tight budget

A couple of options so far are:

• Dell PowerEdge 860 or PowerEdge R200
  Quad-core Xeon Pro X3210
  4GB ECC Main Memory
  2x 73GB SAS in RAID-1 Hardware Dell SAS5/iR
  Dual Port Intel Gigabit NIC
  ~ AUD $ 2900
• Custom built Intel Server
  Intel SR1530SH Server system
  Intel Xeon X3320
  4GB ECC Main Memory
  2x 500GB Seagate 7200.2 ES in RAID-1 Software
  Inbuilt Dual Port Gigabit NIC
  ~ AUD $ 1900

The biggest issue seems to be getting a chassis that is short enough to fit into my baby rack.

Luke
UWA (MSP)