How to build a server computer?

Question

I want to build a server from scratch. I will get any parts needed.

I have been told a server computer has pretty much the same hardware as a regular computer, but it is the software that is different. I am looking for step by step instructions, but searching for it didn't help. Any reference(s) will be appreciated. Thanks. :-)

Answer 1

From scratch do you mean making your own motherboard and other electronic components?
I assume you mean assembling the standard computer components to make your own custom machine as opposed to buying a "server."
Essentially any computer can be a server. It just depends on what you intend to use it for. If you already know what services the server will provide then look into what the hardware requirements are for the software you intend to use. Primary hardware considerations for machines designated as servers involve reliability of the components, typically include a RAID array for Hard drive performance/reliabiliity, more RAM than the average machine, and a fast good quality network card or cards.

As to software the concerns include performance, reliability, security, and of course cost can be a factor.
I recommend Linux personally and there are several linux distributions which are packaged specifically for setting up as servers, though most can be configured as such regardless.
With windows you would be looking at a server version of the operating system at a higher cost which depends on the varying licensing required based on how it will be used.
Personally, I have found windows servers to require more maintenance and configuration (particularly in keeping secure), much harder to get optimal performance from the hardware available to it (especially since you are stuck with running the GUI), and tend to be less reliable or suffer from shorter consecutive uptimes, YMMV.

A google search for "build your own server" will give you several links with more step by step type info.

Answer 2

No no no. whoever told you that is sorta correct, but is way off. Every PC/Computer can be and is a server. But a Dedicated Server, or a machine that is Designed to Serve Data has a vastly improved hardware assembly.
Like stacks or rows, multi CPUs, a lot of fans, much more power supply to the boards and stuff.
The reason you cannot or rather it will be difficult to get a schematic for a server is kinda anti Learning, but that is what Microsoft wants. Certain Corporations do not want individuals to learn certain aspects of anything because then they encourage competition. That is anti Freedom and Anti American, but that's also US Law.
Look at the Benchmarks, see one CPU is very popular, for a home gamer, but is lousy for a server. A server CPU is about $750-$3000, now you want a Motherboard also. A good Mobo with Dual or Quad CPU slots is gonna cost alot also.
And all that needs a case, a CD-RW or Tape Drive I/O slot, and alot of Cooling.
But rather than discourage, I encourage you to build one, have a nice air conditioned and very clean area to set it up in. Best advice or tip that I can give is get Ubuntu Linux 6.10 and with that you can and are encouraged to learn. You are not encouraged to learn on Microsoft Products, that is why they Hide the Code. Or make it against the law to look at it and use it. Maybe that's why they bough a Company that uses Linux. Get a copy while they are still unpolluted by the Corporate DRM and Trademark garbage that discourages learning.

Answer 3

Hi,
The hardware is all the same but the only thing that is different is that the specs need to be much higher. E.g. an average pc has 512mb of ram wheras a server would have 3Gb or more.

As for the software, if ur running windows server 2003 then u wont need any additional software.

Secondly, u didnt tell us what server ur gonna build. A hosting server or a gaming server etc.

Comment back if u have any more questions.
Hasnain Mir Mohammed

Answer 4

Any computer can be a server, but a server is usually more decked out in terms of memory and possibly disk space, and it doesn't bother with niceties like paint programs and word processing (assuming it's a dedicated server - not dual-use, like you use it for other stuff too).

I think what you're looking for is server software. Many people like to use Apache Tomcat (www.apache.org). Microsoft makes its own server software, and I think XP comes with it.

If you're just doing simply little stuff, it might be easiest to use the Microsoft one, but if you want a serious server consider Tomcat.

Answer 5

We have a server and it's a normal computer with tons of memory and a faster processor. No need for an uber graphics card as it's just for storage. Sorry I can't be of more help, my husband is the IS geek in the house.