Difference between revisions of "Network/Mini Server Build"

Revision as of 15:15, 23 May 2016

Overview

This documents the build of a mini-PC (Intel NUC-style) "server" build for the shop. The shop has been running on donated surplus workstation-grade gear, but I've decided to go down this path for several reasons...

* A barebones mini PC is inexpensive.
* There is a low amount of power drawn and heat produced.
* The cooling is passive, so dust buildup is less of a concern.
* My workplace has been playing with using fleets of mini PCs in wiring closets as performance sensors (via the perfSONAR Toolkit), with promising results. So I have some experience in this.

Parts list

• Zotac ZBOX-CI323NANO-U 2 x 204Pin SO-DIMM Intel HD Graphics Mini / Booksize Barebone System - four core box with 2 RAM slots
• Crucial 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3L 1600 (PC3L 12800) Laptop Memory Model CT2KIT102464BF160B
• Transcend 32GB Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) Flash Card Model TS32GSDHC10 - possibly for root file system use
• KINGWIN TD-2535U3 2.5" & 3.5" Black 2.5”/3.5” SATA I/II/III Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Drive (SSD) USB 3.0, Backwards Compatible USB 2.0 2.5" /3.5" Lay-Flat SATA HDD & SSD Station w/ USB3.0 - for holding the VM storage disk
• New 2 Wire Blue DC 4.5-30V LED Panel digital display Voltage Meter Voltmeter - for monitoring the ATX power supply we run it all off of

Additionally, ATX power supplies from existing shop stock will be used to power everything. We could use the PSUs the gear ships with, but it's much less efficient and makes cabling more complex.