Lab Server Builds and Parts Lists (Dec-2015)

http://www.expta.com/2015/07/expta-gen6-home-lab-server-builds-and.html


Build your own blistering fast Windows Hyper-V lab server starting at $900!

I'm very pleased to provide you my latest EXPTA Gen6 home lab server builds. Advances in hardware and virtualization technology have made it possible for IT Pros to build sophisticated systems that host more VMs than ever before. My Home Lab Server Survey results show that while there's still tremendous interest in 32GB entry-level servers at around $1,000, there's also a lot of interest in 64GB servers at the $1,700 price point.

Based on these survey results and for the fist time ever, I'm providing three different server builds:

• Intel Core i5 quad-core, 32GB RAM, SSD, small form-factor for $900. I can finally break the $1,000 barrier without sacrificing quality! This makes it super-easy for IT Pros to build a blistering fast Windows Hyper-V server that can run many VMs.
• Intel Core i7 hex-core, 64GB RAM, SSD, ATX form-factor for $1,725. This build is geared toward those who want double the VM density and outstanding performance.
• Intel Xeon E5 hex-core, 64GB RAM, SSD, ATX form-factor for $1,835. This build uses true server hardware for the ultimate in reliability and scalability.

Each of the three server builds use components from the vendors' hardware compatibility lists to ensure the utmost in reliability. They will all run Windows Server 2012 R2 and should be "future-proof" to run the upcoming Windows Server 2016 release.

Each build uses the same storage format -- a 256GB SSD for the OS, a 500GB or 1TB SSD for regularly running high performance VMs, and a 1TB traditional hard drive for storing ISOs, software applications, and base images. Each server utilizes SATA III 6Gb/s drives and USB 3.0 ports for the fastest I/O performance.

Most survey respondents indicated that they did not need step-by-step installation guides. If you do need help, look back at my previous Gen4 and Gen5 server build articles for assistance.

As usual, I link to Amazon for components and prices. Amazon does a very good job of maintaining stock, has an excellent return policy, and most of these items are eligible for free two-day shipping via Amazon Prime. If you don't have Prime, you can sign up for a free trial here and cancel after you order the equipment if you want. Please note that it's normal for Amazon prices to fluctuate (usually down) over time.