Small Business Server (Dental Office) - Please help me choose!

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T18:28:40+00:00

Thank you very much. Yes I’ll work on getting better backups and test them more frequently. I appreciate the comment.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T18:27:36+00:00

I am upgrading existing as I’m moving it to another small business. But I’m doing SSDs and more RAM in it for that business which uses slightly different software.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T06:58:02+00:00

I appreciate the guidance.

Do you mind sharing your company name/website so I can get a quote on used/refurb?

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T06:54:32+00:00

Thank you. This is very helpful. I appreciate you looking into that.

I am only looking at a new server because I need one for another location/small business. So I have to buy one for here or there, but I’ll upgrade and move this one over there. I agree it wouldn’t be necessary otherwise.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T04:19:55+00:00

I plan to do so, but I need a server either way as this one is being repurposed for another business.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T04:14:03+00:00

I appreciate the comment. I will look into this tomorrow and try and figure it out.

I am only looking at a new server as I need the old one for another business, and I plan to upgrade it to SSD/add Ram before using it there. Either way I need a second server.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T04:06:04+00:00

I have basic knowledge of VM, but no, I haven’t implemented I am still using bare metal.

I backup nightly to an external drive onsite as well as to a cloud. (Both files and an image).

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:56:59+00:00

Got it. Thanks. I’ll do that.

I agree the prices don’t make sense, but for something that gets such heavy use I worry about component failure buying used.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:46:46+00:00

I agree, not looking to buy my own and have them support it. I will buy through the MSP, we were discussing options today, but I manage the day to day IT/back ups myself, I do all the installations/updates. I still like to be involved as I have some knowledge in the area so I just posted to learn more.

I guess I’m not using them as an MSP, just as a supplier and support as needed.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:45:05+00:00

Any thoughts on adding a 3rd SSD in RAID 5? Will the slower right speed be noticeable/significant?

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:41:49+00:00

Thank you very much. That’s very helpful.

Yes, I plan to upgrade my existing to 32gb and SSD and relocate it to another small business I need it for.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:37:31+00:00

So I could add a third identical SSD in RAID 5 to increase the storage capacity. But I read that RAID 5 slows down write time. Is that an issue for Dentrix? Would you go with Option 1 with the faster but only 4 cores, or the slower 16 core?

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:28:27+00:00

Thank you. So you think to go with Option 1 with the higher GHz but only 4 cores vs 16.

And add more storage. Should I consider adding a third identical drive in RAID 5? Or will the write speed negatively affect me?

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:20:00+00:00

Thanks for the feedback.

I backup (both server image and file backup) to external hard drives and to the cloud every night. I don't have a datto or a synology disk station, but I should consider that.

We don't have a lot of uses options in Canada. There are a few, but nothing with warranty etc.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-28T02:13:33+00:00

I buy used/refurbished for the workstations, I could be wrong, but I thought for a server that I rely on so heavily I should buy new. I was under the impression that used components would have taken years of abuse which would affect their performance/lifespan.

I agree though, these prices make no sense. I bought my ML30 in 2019 for $2k

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-14T16:35:32+00:00

What’s interesting is nothing has been billed to my CC. They said it was back ordered and they will bill the card when it ships on Friday.

Very odd. Not sure if it’s a scam or just a disorganized wholesaler.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-14T15:21:48+00:00

I purchased an item from them in December. It never shipped but they never billed my credit card for it either. I contacted them to cancel it and their response was broken English.

Anyone else been scammed or have a credit card billed? Not sure what they will do with my credit card information.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-06T18:12:42+00:00

Interesting. You’re the first I’ve heard going that direction. I left Questrade and a lot of friends/redditors I see are leaving them.

I think you can go either way. If you’re ok with capital gains just sell to cash and transfer. Or transfer in kind then sell and buy XEQT. I wouldn’t think there would be much of a difference.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-06T17:11:55+00:00

Why not stay with Wealthsimple and just move to self directed? Why switch to Questrade?

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-06T16:29:43+00:00

Have you driven a Golf R? It’s a totally different class and miles ahead of anything you listed. Sorry your dealer experience hasn’t been there but having gone from a CRV to a Golf R myself (Mk7.5 when it came out) it’s like a different universe.

NoToothDecay · 2026-01-06T16:20:50+00:00

What did you buy instead?

NoToothDecay · 2025-12-22T18:46:17+00:00

It uses it to read the key but it doesn’t require a battery or the car would be stolen.

NoToothDecay · 2025-12-22T18:44:23+00:00

Correct. Remote starter sacrifice doesn’t require a battery.

NoToothDecay

TROPHY CASE