Hello OC - my first actual post here, and I'm proud to present a project that is a few years in the making. It's an ongoing project.
A few years ago, I hosted / backed up all my major stuff on a Thecus 4-bay NAS. I soon migrated to Windows Server 2003 so that I could host files and run applications at the same time. I work as a tech provider mostly for dental offices so I understand the need for a server, but one problem I always had was the 'extras' that come bundled with a server OS that I wouldn't really need...
I moved up to Windows 7 for my server OS - and I realize that it's not a true 'server' without a server OS, but I'll refer to it as such based on it's function.
SO!
I've built these machines mostly out of second hand parts to keep the costs down. I'm pretty proud of the outcome so far, with more plans for changes, stuff to learn and some true custom stuff.
I therefore present, version 1 of the 'Evil Twin Command Center'.
So let's break it down - part list and responsibilities:
FileServer
-Windows 7 Ultimate
-i5 2320 @ 3ghz
-8GB RAM - Kingston
-Asus P8H77M-Pro Mobo
-4 2TB WD Green @ RAID 5
-2 500GB WD Black @ RAID 1
-HAF 912
SecureServer
-Windows 7 Pro
-AMD Phenom 9950 Quad Core @ 2.61
-4GB RAM - Kingston
-MSI MS7390 Mobo
-2 1TB WD @ RAID 1
-2 500GB WD Black @ RAID 1
-Nvidia GTS 250
-HAF 912
---
Both servers house a BitFenix 120mm Spectre fans (red) and 3 CoolerMaster 80mm fans, one red, on the bottom. They're set up so that the air is pulled past the hard drives and exhausted out the back and top.
Both servers have the BitFenix recon fan/temp controller with remote control enabled. Both have monitoring software for RAID and temperature with email notification enabled.
The FileServer hosts Team Speak for my clan (with a toggle-able combat radio, I might add), Plex and Minecraft. It also keeps all of my media and personal files kept secure.
The SecureServer houses all sensitive data on a TrueCrypt volume. It runs FTP with lots of room to start looking at home automation software. Thinking about running VM's to set up a little local hack lab.
There's a toaster attached to the FileServer.
---
So the future of the evil twin project...
Here's what needs done:
-Cable management; needs completely redone.
-Quad monitor. 2 19" and 2 22". Both computers running dual display. On the 19" monitors (positioned on the outside) there will be constant resource and hardware monitoring. On the 22" monitors, the desktop, in between the two 19" monitors. Hopefully wall mounted.
-New keys and mouse on a KVM between the two.
-Improved infrastructure; as soon as we move to the new house - wall rack mounted switch. Pico for wifi.
-Need a UPS for surge protection.
-Eventually, all drives replaced with NAS-grade drives.
Does anyone know where I can get custom badges made to replace the ones on the front of the cases?
A few years ago, I hosted / backed up all my major stuff on a Thecus 4-bay NAS. I soon migrated to Windows Server 2003 so that I could host files and run applications at the same time. I work as a tech provider mostly for dental offices so I understand the need for a server, but one problem I always had was the 'extras' that come bundled with a server OS that I wouldn't really need...
I moved up to Windows 7 for my server OS - and I realize that it's not a true 'server' without a server OS, but I'll refer to it as such based on it's function.
SO!
I've built these machines mostly out of second hand parts to keep the costs down. I'm pretty proud of the outcome so far, with more plans for changes, stuff to learn and some true custom stuff.
I therefore present, version 1 of the 'Evil Twin Command Center'.
So let's break it down - part list and responsibilities:
FileServer
-Windows 7 Ultimate
-i5 2320 @ 3ghz
-8GB RAM - Kingston
-Asus P8H77M-Pro Mobo
-4 2TB WD Green @ RAID 5
-2 500GB WD Black @ RAID 1
-HAF 912
SecureServer
-Windows 7 Pro
-AMD Phenom 9950 Quad Core @ 2.61
-4GB RAM - Kingston
-MSI MS7390 Mobo
-2 1TB WD @ RAID 1
-2 500GB WD Black @ RAID 1
-Nvidia GTS 250
-HAF 912
---
Both servers house a BitFenix 120mm Spectre fans (red) and 3 CoolerMaster 80mm fans, one red, on the bottom. They're set up so that the air is pulled past the hard drives and exhausted out the back and top.
Both servers have the BitFenix recon fan/temp controller with remote control enabled. Both have monitoring software for RAID and temperature with email notification enabled.
The FileServer hosts Team Speak for my clan (with a toggle-able combat radio, I might add), Plex and Minecraft. It also keeps all of my media and personal files kept secure.
The SecureServer houses all sensitive data on a TrueCrypt volume. It runs FTP with lots of room to start looking at home automation software. Thinking about running VM's to set up a little local hack lab.
There's a toaster attached to the FileServer.
---
So the future of the evil twin project...
Here's what needs done:
-Cable management; needs completely redone.
-Quad monitor. 2 19" and 2 22". Both computers running dual display. On the 19" monitors (positioned on the outside) there will be constant resource and hardware monitoring. On the 22" monitors, the desktop, in between the two 19" monitors. Hopefully wall mounted.
-New keys and mouse on a KVM between the two.
-Improved infrastructure; as soon as we move to the new house - wall rack mounted switch. Pico for wifi.
-Need a UPS for surge protection.
-Eventually, all drives replaced with NAS-grade drives.
Does anyone know where I can get custom badges made to replace the ones on the front of the cases?
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