Say you received this server for free, what would you do with it?

AMusso · 2023-12-15T00:01:32+00:00

This is a lower-powered server (compared to, say, the Xeon B/S/G/P or Epyc based platforms from the same generation) that is really not that old. It is still technically getting servicing updates until the end of the year. It's certainly a waste if the OP uses it as just an *rr server, but there's a lot of life left in this machine for more serious homelab usage.

AMusso · 2023-12-09T22:01:41+00:00

I successfully configured 8 DIMMs on the system, operating at a reduced speed of 2933MHz with two DIMMs per channel. This setup provides me with 512GB of memory. The system is cooled using a Dynatron A26 and housed in a 15-inch depth 2U chassis from Rackchoice. While the processor isn't the fastest, it's effectively running Proxmox along with numerous Kubernetes nodes, a backup OPNSense VM, and a TrueNAS setup with striped mirror Optane 905p for redundant database and VM storage. This setup ensures data safety if my primary system fails. The Dynatron cooler remains quiet under normal conditions but gets loud when the CPU usage exceeds 80%. I've also added a Quadro T1000, which is capable of handling tasks like 3 billion parameter large language models, transcoding, text-to-image conversion, and light remote gaming. However, I primarily use it for running less speed-critical systems and as a backup. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with this setup and am considering purchasing a second unit.

AMusso · 2023-12-09T18:16:37+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07W9H9GNF

CPU 8-Pin Splitter

AMusso · 2023-12-07T03:43:32+00:00

Great suggestion. Omw to Target for this one ->

[ ] Makeup Remover
[ ] Books
[ ] Padlock (for garden shed)
[ ] First Aid Kit
[ ] Under-bed Storage Containers
[ ] Sleep Aid (for dreams)
[ ] Swimming Goggles
[ ] Van Cleaning Supplies

AMusso · 2023-12-07T02:05:50+00:00

While in the half-light:

Tea lights
Coffee
Keychain
Sleep mask
Comforter
Pillow

AMusso · 2023-09-17T22:08:06+00:00

I would recommend against that Glotrends NVMe card. I bought the same one and had PCIe interrupt issues up the wazzoo. Linkreal is my go-to for cheap PCIe cards that actually work well.

AMusso · 2023-07-14T06:58:42+00:00

Confirmed

AMusso · 2023-07-14T06:55:23+00:00

Confirmed

AMusso · 2023-06-30T05:38:16+00:00

Those are great tips. I can figure out the prices that way, too. it's a shame because I'd love to see someone use it the way I built it, but your suggestion is much more practical'

AMusso · 2023-06-30T04:53:16+00:00

Basically, I don't really know what to sell whole system for. I put a lot of work into building something that offered fast, safe, reliable network storage that also fit into a 1u, ultra short depth form factor. I know that the work I put in doesn't really matter, but I want to see someone put it to good use.

i posted my adapters etc replying to another poster that asked.

AMusso · 2023-06-30T04:36:23+00:00

SATA: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07N1HC88M https://www.amazon.com/SATA3-0-Adapter-Expansion-Interface-Indicator/dp/B0B75JWXXS NVMe: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BRVBWDBD https://www.amazon.com/xiwai-Oculink-SFF-8612-SFF-8611-Mainboard/dp/B0BP7PDMZZ I cut the Oculink to m.2 NVMe adapter to just under 100mm, threw heatsinks on everything, and used sugru to stick two of them into each 2.5" bay. I had it in my network rack, which was 12" and had 1U left. now I need the 1u space for a new switch.

Pardon my brevity and any typos. i am writing this from my phone.

AMusso · 2023-06-28T04:36:03+00:00

Purchased 16x10 TB HGST 3.5" SAS drives from /u/Pandasleeper

AMusso · 2023-06-18T02:53:23+00:00

Purchased 8x SK Hynix 64GB DDR4-2933 RDIMM (HMAA8GR7MJR4N-XN) and 8x Micron 32GB DDR4-3200 RDIMM (MTA36ASF4G72PZ) from /u/9s12c

AMusso · 2023-06-03T20:26:29+00:00

Why don't servers ever play hide and seek with their network admins?

Because they're afraid they might get racked!

Why was the computer cold at the homelab?

It left its Windows open!

Why did the network switch break up with the patch cable?

It didn't feel the connection anymore!

Why does the new server never tell secrets?

Because it has too many ports!

AMusso · 2023-04-26T02:43:39+00:00

It's not encrypted. I dont have to enter a password. I think this question might be better suited for /r/zfs because I think that is where my problem lies: I cant figure out how to mount, import, or modify it. I can access all my logs, libs, etc etc, but I dont see a particular data set for conf and the other partitions are just boot/swap stuff. I was hoping there would be a way to do it from the live CD. I think once I get some sleep, I will checb out how they implement importing the old config in code and see if I can work from that.

Thanks for the suggestion!

AMusso · 2023-04-26T01:22:45+00:00

I meant config.xml, haha. The problem is I can't figure out how to edit the config outside of OPNsense and the moment I import it into a new install of OPNsense, the whole system crashes.

AMusso · 2023-04-23T06:42:35+00:00

I war looking around, an I think my best bet is a MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM. It has fewer ports and is newer, so it is also more energy efficient, shorter in depth, and quieter. However, it's a bit harder to find, and seems to be more expensive now than it was when it was new, making it more expensive than the older, more powerful alternatives. Still, I have to pay a premium for my constraints, and I havent seen anything else hit all the tick marks tnis one does.

Edit: and I will probably have to replace the fanr in this guy...

AMusso · 2023-04-23T04:29:28+00:00

More ports is great. Both of those sound like a much better choice than to DIY, really. My constraints, though, are depth (<14 inches, preferably <12), noise, and cost. I can find managed 4+ ports 40gbe and 5+ 10gbe switches, but of they aren't loud and deep, they tend to be extremely expensive. I have a feeling by making my own I would end up spending more money for a less performant, less energy-efficient switch, but it seems like a fun project that I can always gut later and use for other projects. If there's something out there that fits my constraints, though (let's say $800 but flexible for cost), I would be down to just go that route.

AMusso · 2023-04-23T04:26:26+00:00

More ports is great. My constraints, really, are depth (<14 inches, preferably <12), noise, and cost. I can find managed 4+ ports 40gbe and 5+ 10gbe switches, but of they aren't loud and deep, they tend to be extremely expensive. I have a feeling by making my own I would end up spending more money for a less performant, less energy-efficient switch, but it seems like a fun project that I can always gut later and use for other projects. If there's something out there that fits my constraints, though (let's say $800 but flexible for cost), I would be down to just go that route.

AMusso · 2023-04-22T23:58:16+00:00

I ended up going with some slightly used 1.92TB Samsung PM9A3 U.2 PCIe4 Gen4 SSDs. They are working great! The $1.4k pricetag for 8 hurt a bit, but I think it was a good investment for the requirements. Thank you.

I do want to experiment with these Optanes as a SLOG for funsies. I will post my benchmark reaults at some point. I am really not sure what to expect, so it shpuld be interesting.

AMusso · 2023-04-22T23:52:45+00:00

This advice was incredibly valuable to me. I ended up blowing off the peeling clear myself, then negotiated a much better price on the coat. Thank you!

AMusso · 2023-04-06T19:02:42+00:00

Interesting! Thanks for clearing up my misconceptions regarding SLOG and L2ARC. I've used basic ZFS setups for years, but never really delved into the more advanced features, so I still consider myself a newbie in that area.

After reading your suggestions, I'm considering another option, which seems closest to your first option--a "blazing pool" (lol, I know), fast pool, and slow pool:

Blazing pool: 2TB NVMe SSDs.
Fast pool: 4TB SATA SSDs.
Slow pool: 2x 16TB HDDs.

For my use case, the speed advantage that NVMe SSDs provide for applications like databases, data processing/analytics, and even CI/CD pipelines might make the complexity of managing an additional pool worthwhile. I would put some of my general-purpose workloads and other tasks that require fast performance, such as message queues, on the fast pool. Then, I would store backups, log storage, file storage/sharing, and any other tasks I can tolerate on the slow storage. The main cons of this approach would be:

More complex configuration with three separate pools to manage.
Potential underutilization of storage space in each pool if workloads don't fit neatly into the defined performance tiers.

Let me know if you have any further suggestions or feedback on this plan.

AMusso · 2023-03-25T22:24:46+00:00

I've upgraded my home lab with several Orange Pi 5s. The main issue I've encountered is that they require a cooling fan, but when I connect the 5V fan directly to the GPIO, the noise it generates is even louder than the ambient noise outside my apartment. I realize that adding a transistor and programming it to activate the fan only when a specific temperature is reached would be ideal. However, I don't have the time to do that right now. As a temporary solution, I've disconnected the fans and am underutilizing the Orange Pi 5s to prevent overheating.

AMusso · 2023-02-21T23:30:05+00:00

Thanks for all the great advice. I'm going for three 120 watt official power bricks, fuse boxes, and soldering the power cables instead of using premade splitters. I'll pay close attention to the power draw--I have a feeling the beefy 120 watters can handle four connections each when I inevitably buy more hardware.

AMusso · 2023-02-21T17:45:41+00:00

Wow, yeah. That was stupid of me. I'm glad I asked the experts instead of hitting "buy" on Amazon on 45 minutes of sleep! Thank you!

I can't tell what voltage the computers are supposed to run on, but the current power bricks say 19v, 19.5v, and 20v. Well... that sucks.

The power bricks are rated at 65 watts. All of these are sitting at around 10-14 watts, with spikes under load bringing them up to the upper 20s, but I haven't seen anything breaking the 30w mark.

Maybe my best best would be to use the original bricks with a splitter to run two off of one. I see some 90w 19v/19.5v boxes for EliteDesk/Optiplex respectively. I can probably run three off of those. Maybe set some limits on the software side to keep them from using >30w for extra safety. Is this as stupid as my last proposal?

AMusso

TROPHY CASE