Server Build for Small Business

[Huang Ray]

My family is planning on opening a dental, and I will be responsible for setting up a server system.

I have almost zero experience in creating a server with some knowledge in regular pc building.

The server will be using software like Eagle (http://patterson.eaglesoft.net/) or OpenDental (http://www.opendental.com/) with around 3+ computers as the number of connections.

Preferably, the build should be within $1000 including monitor, case, operating systems, etc.

My main concerns is to pick an appropriate cpu for the build as I am not sure how strong or expensive it should be for this type of small business. Also, please leave any question, tip, or experience below.

Thank You

 

[Dan_97]

MOBO https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157612&ignorebbr=1


3TB HDD https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178994&cm_re=3tb_hdd-_-22-178-994-_-Product

600 watt PSU https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817338110&ignorebbr=1

Chassis/Case https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811165213&ignorebbr=1

CPU https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G3RH5238&ignorebbr=1

RAM(I'd recommend 4 of these) https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7S65727978&ignorebbr=1

Monitor https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5HA59D5785

That all comes out to $750(not including shipping). Since it is a server I would recommend running a distro of Linux on it, Cent OS, Fedora, Ubuntu Server (all free).
Or if you want to run windows 10 server edition getting a product key usually is inexpensive.

 

[Huang Ray]

MOBO https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157612&ignorebbr=1


3TB HDD https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178994&cm_re=3tb_hdd-_-22-178-994-_-Product

600 watt PSU https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817338110&ignorebbr=1

Chassis/Case https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811165213&ignorebbr=1

CPU https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G3RH5238&ignorebbr=1

RAM(I'd recommend 4 of these) https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7S65727978&ignorebbr=1

Monitor https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5HA59D5785

That all comes out to $750(not including shipping). Since it is a server I would recommend running a distro of Linux on it, Cent OS, Fedora, Ubuntu Server (all free).
Or if you want to run windows 10 server edition getting a product key usually is inexpensive.

Hi, thanks so replying.

Anyway, will different operating system affects the overall usability of the server? Also, what makes your memory so cheap? I found some memory but they are all 100+ dollar. For example, a 32gb costs like $340. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA98C5DB6117&cm_re=server_memory-_-20-239-846-_-Product

Will it affect the system negativity? Also, do you think stock cooler/ fan should be enough for the system?

Thank You

 

[Lucky_SLS]

MOBO https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157612&ignorebbr=1


3TB HDD https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178994&cm_re=3tb_hdd-_-22-178-994-_-Product

600 watt PSU https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817338110&ignorebbr=1

Chassis/Case https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811165213&ignorebbr=1

CPU https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G3RH5238&ignorebbr=1

RAM(I'd recommend 4 of these) https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7S65727978&ignorebbr=1

Monitor https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5HA59D5785

That all comes out to $750(not including shipping). Since it is a server I would recommend running a distro of Linux on it, Cent OS, Fedora, Ubuntu Server (all free).
Or if you want to run windows 10 server edition getting a product key usually is inexpensive.

the problem i see is those software run on windows. no linux support. i am guessing that all the surveillance footage too goes to the server machine? if so, something like this should do :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($195.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock - A320M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2800 Memory ($107.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SK hynix - SL308 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($144.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Hitachi - Ultrastar 7K4000 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GT 1030 2GB Low Profile Video Card ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair - Carbide Series 88R MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($125.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $841.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-15 01:10 EDT-0400

 

[okcnaline]

My family is planning on opening a dental, and I will be responsible for setting up a server system.

I have almost zero experience in creating a server with some knowledge in regular pc building.

The server will be using software like Eagle (http://patterson.eaglesoft.net/) or OpenDental (http://www.opendental.com/) with around 3+ computers as the number of connections.

Preferably, the build should be within $1000 including monitor, case, operating systems, etc.

My main concerns is to pick an appropriate cpu for the build as I am not sure how strong or expensive it should be for this type of small business. Also, please leave any question, tip, or experience below.

Thank You

I'm guessing 3-4 clients (the "workstations" where the doctors access data for their patients)? Will the computers be using Active Domain (the server hosts accounts on the network which the computers are at)?

Or you know what, can you tell us how the computers will be set up and whether the doctors' computers are included in $250?

 

[Dan_97]

Hi, thanks so replying.

Anyway, will different operating system affects the overall usability of the server? Also, what makes your memory so cheap? I found some memory but they are all 100+ dollar. For example, a 32gb costs like $340. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA98C5DB6117&cm_re=server_memory-_-20-239-846-_-Product

Will it affect the system negativity? Also, do you think stock cooler/ fan should be enough for the system?

Thank You[/quotemsg]

A different Operating system will not affect usability. It was cheap because the memory is sold per stick, the 340 dollar 32gb is overpriced. Standard ECC server memory is usually about $40 for an 8GB stick. The stock cooler should be fine yes.

 

[okcnaline]

Hi, thanks so replying.

Anyway, will different operating system affects the overall usability of the server? Also, what makes your memory so cheap? I found some memory but they are all 100+ dollar. For example, a 32gb costs like $340. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA98C5DB6117&cm_re=server_memory-_-20-239-846-_-Product

Will it affect the system negativity? Also, do you think stock cooler/ fan should be enough for the system?

Thank You

A different Operating system will not affect usability. It was cheap because the memory is sold per stick, the 340 dollar 32gb is overpriced. Standard ECC server memory is usually about $40 for an 8GB stick. The stock cooler should be fine yes.[/quotemsg]

He doesn't need ECC RAM at all. Dental offices usually just use database and office software like Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Word, and Excel.

 

[Dan_97]

Hi, thanks so replying.

Anyway, will different operating system affects the overall usability of the server? Also, what makes your memory so cheap? I found some memory but they are all 100+ dollar. For example, a 32gb costs like $340. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA98C5DB6117&cm_re=server_memory-_-20-239-846-_-Product

Will it affect the system negativity? Also, do you think stock cooler/ fan should be enough for the system?

Thank You

A different Operating system will not affect usability. It was cheap because the memory is sold per stick, the 340 dollar 32gb is overpriced. Standard ECC server memory is usually about $40 for an 8GB stick. The stock cooler should be fine yes.

He doesn't need ECC RAM at all. Dental offices usually just use database and office software like Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Word, and Excel.[/quotemsg]

Yes you're correct, but ECC ram is cheaper. It won't make any performance difference to get non-ecc.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

^ yeah, 1 PC and others like surface tablets or ipads can also do.

 

[FahdK]

I would highly recommend going with an off the shelf server from Dell or IBM/Lenovo in the best interests of the business.

Unless you will be on-site to support the business 24/7.

 

[Huang Ray]

Sorry for the late response. I have some questions overall.

What is the difference between EEC and non-EEC memory?
Is the new AMD ryzen better for the build now than intel xenon?
Is a graphic card needed for the build? (even a low-end one?)

As for the operating system, is buying from Kinguin or Reddit safe? I know there are risks buying keys from those website, but I sometimes see good reviews from some sellers and they look reputable. It is possible for those reviews to be fake, but I think it may possibly save ~ 60 dollar. What are your opinions on this?

Thank You

 

[Huang Ray]

I would highly recommend going with an off the shelf server from Dell or IBM/Lenovo in the best interests of the business.

Unless you will be on-site to support the business 24/7.

Can you find any good server that is currently on sell? Also, any suggestion on the websites that sell server pc? It will be really helpful since I can use them as a base/ example for the build or possibly buying them instead.

 

[okcnaline]

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G55Y3584

Do you also need SQL Server or Microsoft Access to be controlled by client PCs?

 

[Dan_97]

This Explains the difference between ECC and Non-ECC well.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Advantages-of-ECC-Memory-520/
Ryzen is theoretically better as a cpu, but isn't really designed to be a server cpu like Xeon. Ryzen was made more for avid PC gamers.
Also Graphics cards are usually unnecessary for most server builds as long as they have an onboard video connection. It still can't hurt to have a cheap card though.

 

[Huang Ray]

This Explains the difference between ECC and Non-ECC well.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Advantages-of-ECC-Memory-520/
Ryzen is theoretically better as a cpu, but isn't really designed to be a server cpu like Xeon. Ryzen was made more for avid PC gamers.
Also Graphics cards are usually unnecessary for most server builds as long as they have an onboard video connection. It still can't hurt to have a cheap card though.

Thanks for the explanation. I will buy ECC ram now with no graphic card. As for the operating system, do you have any experience on those websites?

 

[Huang Ray]

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G55Y3584

Do you also need SQL Server or Microsoft Access to be controlled by client PCs?

I am not sure to be honest. However, in the requirement of the dental software it didn't say they are needed. So, I assume that they are not going to be needed for the build/ system/ server.

 

[Dan_97]

This Explains the difference between ECC and Non-ECC well.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Advantages-of-ECC-Memory-520/
Ryzen is theoretically better as a cpu, but isn't really designed to be a server cpu like Xeon. Ryzen was made more for avid PC gamers.
Also Graphics cards are usually unnecessary for most server builds as long as they have an onboard video connection. It still can't hurt to have a cheap card though.

Thanks for the explanation. I will buy ECC ram now with no graphic card. As for the operating system, do you have any experience on those websites?

You're welcome. From what I can tell those sites require a windows operating system so I would go with Windows 10.

 

[Huang Ray]

This Explains the difference between ECC and Non-ECC well.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Advantages-of-ECC-Memory-520/
Ryzen is theoretically better as a cpu, but isn't really designed to be a server cpu like Xeon. Ryzen was made more for avid PC gamers.
Also Graphics cards are usually unnecessary for most server builds as long as they have an onboard video connection. It still can't hurt to have a cheap card though.

Thanks for the explanation. I will buy ECC ram now with no graphic card. As for the operating system, do you have any experience on those websites?

You're welcome. From what I can tell those sites require a windows operating system so I would go with Windows 10.

Do you have any experience on buying windows in reddit or kinguin? It will be nice to save few bucks on windows.

 

[okcnaline]

Don't do that. You're in a legitimate business.

 

[Dan_97]

This Explains the difference between ECC and Non-ECC well.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Advantages-of-ECC-Memory-520/
Ryzen is theoretically better as a cpu, but isn't really designed to be a server cpu like Xeon. Ryzen was made more for avid PC gamers.
Also Graphics cards are usually unnecessary for most server builds as long as they have an onboard video connection. It still can't hurt to have a cheap card though.

Thanks for the explanation. I will buy ECC ram now with no graphic card. As for the operating system, do you have any experience on those websites?

You're welcome. From what I can tell those sites require a windows operating system so I would go with Windows 10.

Do you have any experience on buying windows in reddit or kinguin? It will be nice to save few bucks on windows.

The product key for my personal system was from Kinguin, they're usually pretty good. Sometimes you might need to call microsoft to reactivate the product key(not always), but it does save a lot of money, I think mine was $35.

 

[Huang Ray]

This Explains the difference between ECC and Non-ECC well.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Advantages-of-ECC-Memory-520/
Ryzen is theoretically better as a cpu, but isn't really designed to be a server cpu like Xeon. Ryzen was made more for avid PC gamers.
Also Graphics cards are usually unnecessary for most server builds as long as they have an onboard video connection. It still can't hurt to have a cheap card though.

Thanks for the explanation. I will buy ECC ram now with no graphic card. As for the operating system, do you have any experience on those websites?

You're welcome. From what I can tell those sites require a windows operating system so I would go with Windows 10.

Do you have any experience on buying windows in reddit or kinguin? It will be nice to save few bucks on windows.

The product key for my personal system was from Kinguin, they're usually pretty good. Sometimes you might need to call microsoft to reactivate the product key(not always), but it does save a lot of money, I think mine was $35.

Did you buy windows 8.1 or windows 10? If you bought windows 8 or 7 or 8.1, can you upgrade to windows 10 successfully?

 

[Dan_97]

This Explains the difference between ECC and Non-ECC well.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Advantages-of-ECC-Memory-520/
Ryzen is theoretically better as a cpu, but isn't really designed to be a server cpu like Xeon. Ryzen was made more for avid PC gamers.
Also Graphics cards are usually unnecessary for most server builds as long as they have an onboard video connection. It still can't hurt to have a cheap card though.

Thanks for the explanation. I will buy ECC ram now with no graphic card. As for the operating system, do you have any experience on those websites?

You're welcome. From what I can tell those sites require a windows operating system so I would go with Windows 10.

Do you have any experience on buying windows in reddit or kinguin? It will be nice to save few bucks on windows.

The product key for my personal system was from Kinguin, they're usually pretty good. Sometimes you might need to call microsoft to reactivate the product key(not always), but it does save a lot of money, I think mine was $35.

Did you buy windows 8.1 or windows 10? If you bought windows 8 or 7 or 8.1, can you upgrade to windows 10 successfully?

I bought the Windows 10 key. I don't believe you can upgrade 7 or 8/8.1 to Windows 10 for free anymore sadly.

 

[Huang Ray]

I found a website
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade?tduid=(14c348e893a91089cb2980533c6ee123)(256380)(2459594)(TnL5HPStwNw-0FBZfNm6YPFXNhiu3o52rA)()
and I think (not 100% sure) it will work?

Also, on reddit the price is a little bit cheaper ($20 for windows 8.1). https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/comments/6hibcc/h_microsoft_windows_108817_office_2016/

It will be really nice if I can spend $20 and get windows 10 afterward, but it will be a bit risky. Do you think it will be worth it?

 

[Dan_97]

I found a website
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade?tduid=(14c348e893a91089cb2980533c6ee123)(256380)(2459594)(TnL5HPStwNw-0FBZfNm6YPFXNhiu3o52rA)()
and I think (not 100% sure) it will work?

Also, on reddit the price is a little bit cheaper ($20 for windows 8.1). https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/comments/6hibcc/h_microsoft_windows_108817_office_2016/

It will be really nice if I can spend $20 and get windows 10 afterward, but it will be a bit risky. Do you think it will be worth it?

As long as you apply for the Assistive Technology user part it should be fine.(Remember this offer will end at some point too.)
The reddit key is just fine if your planning on getting windows 7.

 

[Huang Ray]

okay, Thank You