PC Build for Server - Advice Please!

[nickeh1]

Hi, Here’s a quick overview of what we are trying to achieve…

I am looking for a PC build which will act as our server for a new bidding system to be used at fundraising events.

We run auctions at fundraising events which are held at hotels. We are looking to display up to 100 tablets for guests to view our website (pre-loaded on the devices by us).
The website contains live bidding information, which continually changes and should be updated across all devices in real-time.

We are looking for a PC built that will be the server that runs this system.

It needs to be reliable since it is powering a server that will have 100 devices connected at once. Real-time speed is important.

Couple of guys have given me slight guidance on a pc build - here it is:



BUILD 1 PROVIDED BY DEVELOPER

• CPU: Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-BX80684I78700-Core-i7-8700-Processor/dp/B07598HLB4/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1537207135&sr=1-2&keywords=i7-8700+Processor 325

• CASE: Cooler Master Elite 110 Computer Case 'Mini-ITX, USB 3.0, Mesh Side Panel' RC-110-KKN2
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-Computer-Mini-ITX-RC-110-KKN2/dp/B00ID2FBU6/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1537206972&sr=1-6&keywords=compact+computer+cases 35

• MOTHERBOARD : ASUS Intel 1151 Socket Z370 Chipset Prime A D4 ATX Motherboard - Black
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Intel-Socket-Chipset-Motherboard/dp/B0764H6HC8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537207082&sr=8-1&keywords=Socket+Z370+processor 147

• SSD: Samsung 250 GB 860 EVO Sata III 64L V NAND Solid State Drive,MZ-76E250B/EU
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Solid-State-MZ-76E250B-EU/dp/B078WQJXNF/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1537207278&sr=1-4&keywords=ssd+samsung+evo 58

• RAM : Corsair CMK8GX4M2B3000C15 Vengeance LPX 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4 3000 MHz C15 XMP 2.0 High Performance Desktop Memory Kit, Black
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMK8GX4M2B3000C15-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B0123ZBPDA/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1537207489&sr=1-4&keywords=ddr4 95

• PSU : Corsair CP-9020131-UK TXM Series 750 W TX750M ATX/EPS Semi-Modular 80 PLUS Gold Power Supply Unit - Black
PSU : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP-9020131-UK-TX750M-Semi-Modular-Supply/dp/B06X9K8TK6/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1537207592&sr=1-1&keywords=corsair+psu 90

Total £750




BUILD 2 PROVIDED BY FRIEND

• CPU Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-BX80684I78700-Core-i7-8700-Processor/dp/B07598HLB4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537298434&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=i7+8700&dpPl=1&dpID=51nnFWEpmpL&ref=plSrch

• CASE: UNDECIDED – Not yet included

• MOTHERBOARD : ASRock H310M-HDV/M.2 - mATX Motherboard for Intel Socket 1151 CPUs
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASRock-H310M-HDV-M-2-Motherboard-Socket/dp/B07BMVV9TY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537298208&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=motherboard+h310m&dpPl=1&dpID=5132WDFj8YL&ref=plSrch

• SSD: Crucial MX500 CT500MX500SSD1(Z) 500 GB Internal SSD (3D NAND, SATA, 2.5 Inch)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-MX500-CT500MX500SSD1-Internal-NAND/dp/B0784SLQM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1537524580&sr=1-1&keywords=mx500



• RAM : HyperX HX426C16FB2/8 8 GB 2666 MHz DDR4 CL16 DIMM 1.2 V 288-Pin Memory Kit, Black
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HyperX-HX426C16FB2-288-Pin-Memory-Black/dp/B06XNRXCV6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537298627&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ram+ddr4+8gb+2666mhz



• PSU : Corsair CP-9020101-UK CX450M 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply Unit
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP-9020101-UK-CX450M-Bronze-Certified/dp/B01C3FFOHS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537298069&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=400+watt+psu+modular&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZF9nXla%2BL&ref=plSrch


Total £584
(not including cost of SSD Crucial MX500 as I already have one)




Thank you in advance for your time and help with this.

I look forward to hearing from anyone that can help!

 

[androbourne]

If it needs to be "reliable" and updated as fast as you state. Then you should look into a real server and not a custom built PC turned into a "server"

Servers will have Xeons which generally have better multi-threading for such applications. Also compatible with Raid configurations and ECC memory which is more stable.

While you can get this from a "normal pc" servers tend to be more stable.

Just something to keep in mind while you are shopping around.

 

[SgtScream]

What will be running on the server for the end users? Can you give more details?

 

[rgd1101]

"to view our website"
so all you need is a web server? with database backend?

 

[nickeh1]

I forgot to mention that I need it to be fit in mini pc case as we will be transporting event to event, smaller it is the better.

@androbourne I think we would prefer a pc because it can be used for other general work use when not at events

@SgtScream Here's more details about the site.
The engine will be written in php using the Phalcon MVC framework
The engine will reside on a linux box running apache
The engine will be supported by a responsive fronted html site using bootstrap
The engine will be be supported by a mysql database
The engine will have have standard responsive states as defined in bootstrap
Supply a fresh build from scratch with all code owned entirely by the client. Do not allow the system be dependent on any 3rd party API without the express written consent of the site owner in advance of developing any connections.

@rgd1101 Yes I think so, just need a good pc to support that.




What is everyones thoughts on this build?

PROVIDED BY DEVELOPER

• CPU: Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-BX80684I78700-Core-i7-87... 325

• CASE: Cooler Master Elite 110 Computer Case 'Mini-ITX, USB 3.0, Mesh Side Panel' RC-110-KKN2
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-Computer-Mini-IT... 35

• MOTHERBOARD : ASUS Intel 1151 Socket Z370 Chipset Prime A D4 ATX Motherboard - Black
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Intel-Socket-Chipset-Moth... 147

• SSD: Crucial MX500 CT500MX500SSD1(Z) 500 GB Internal SSD (3D NAND, SATA, 2.5 Inch)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-MX500-CT500MX500SSD1-Internal-NAND/dp/B0784SLQM6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1537710425&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=mx500+500gb&psc=1 80

• RAM : Corsair CMK8GX4M2B3000C15 Vengeance LPX 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4 3000 MHz C15 XMP 2.0 High Performance Desktop Memory Kit, Black
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMK8GX4M2B3000C15-Veng... 95

• PSU : Corsair CP-9020131-UK TXM Series 750 W TX750M ATX/EPS Semi-Modular 80 PLUS Gold Power Supply Unit - Black
PSU : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP-9020131-UK-TX750M-S... 90

Total £772



Questions:
1. Is it all compatible?
2. Would anyone suggest any tweaks to that??
3. How does it compare to the second build in my first post above provided by a friend?

We're in a rush to purchase so need to order tomorrow really - would appreciate prompt responses with thoughts?

Thanks!!

 

[nickeh1]

Is this board still active? Still haven't had a response:-(

I've been working with my friend on putting together a better build based on those 2 above. We have come together with the following build.

Can someone please let me know thoughts? Whether to change anything in the above or whether it is good as it is?

Also, to make sure it is all compatible. Thank you in advance for any advice anyone can offer!


CASE:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MJSV9Y2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

CPU:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07598HLB4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

MOTHERBOARD:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07BKK4N5M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AUWMZRMCN1SVB&psc=1

POWER SUPPLY:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01C3FFOHS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

SSD:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0784SLQM6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

RAM:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XNRXCV6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

 

[J_E_D_70]

Can’t help with the server but have you considered using an app so you don’t have to build and maintain a server at all?

I’ve been to a couple of events that use https://www.handbid.com and it worked great.

 

[failboat]

doing your wifi will be extremely complicated.
trying to update fields on a 100 devices on LAN instantly is complex.
if you have any issues people will see wrong prices, delayed prices, errors, etc.
I'm not sure what equipment you need for wifi multicast, but you will for sure have to lug your entire network with you to these events.
Who ever programs it for you will have to build around that.

Building it with a displayed short time delay might will likely be much less complicated. You could probably refresh everyone in 3 second intervals or so using TCP.

picking the parts will be the easy part, that's not likely going to be a heavy load. 6 core xeon /w HT on the C246 chipset is their latest workstation/server.

 

[Poofta]

add more ram and look at a xeon