Building a figurer is a dandy opportunity to learn about hardware and software. Amongst the many reasons to build a server, you become control and customization, and no surprises. One of the biggest reasons to DIY a server: it'due south cheaper than buying a new prebuilt machine.

While a server is like to a estimator, certain characteristics better suited for backend operation. Larn all about the best parts for building a server, from the motherboard to the case.

What Exactly Is a Server?

Y'all've probably heard the term server thrown around a lot. But what exactly is a server? Techtarget defines a server equally "...a computer program that provides services to other computer programs (and their users)." The dedicated car that such programs run on is also called a server. Like in a restaurant, the server delivers services to the clients (customers).

server farm

Whatsoever computer can act as a server. I've run servers off of laptops and netbooks. But most dedicated servers come in i of 2 class factors: a desktop or rackmount case. Additionally, hardware is typically engineered for reliability and to maximize calculating power and efficiency. As we're focusing on the all-time parts for building a server, we'll look at desktop way parts rather than rackmount cases. Rackmount servers are more than common in enterprise environments whereas desktop manner servers are suited to both enterprise and homelab uses.

The Best Parts for Building a Server: The Motherboard

MSI H110M LGA 1151 CPU

MSI-H110M

Fifty-fifty though it's non technically a server motherboard, the MSI H110M microATX motherboard makes a worthy server. Since the MSI is an LGA 1151 socket motherboard, it's compatible with i3, i5, and i7 CPUs. Therefore the H110M delivers maximum compatibility with processors.

Furthermore, MSI outfitted the H110M with ii DDR4 RAM slots with a maximum of 32 GB of RAM. You'll also notice iv SATA3 ports. But its suitability as a server motherboard depends on your needs. By using not-ECC RAM, you'll cut down on your build. However ECC RAM yields increased reliability, a major concern with server builds. Additionally, 32 GB of RAM should be sufficient for virtually homelabber uses, but information technology's defective for more than processing intensive tasks like machine learning.

msi motherboard rear ports

If you're looking for a stellar home server, especially for media, the MSI H110M is a groovy pick. Lifehacker listed it as the motherboard of option in its $600 workhorse PC build. Inclusions such as 7.ane aqueduct on-board audio and an HDMI port recoup for lack of ECC compatibility. Alternately, htpcBeginner lists an infrequent headless home server build [Broken URL Removed] powered by the GIGABYTE GA-H110N. Information technology's slightly cheaper and pairs well with an i3. Like the MSI, it's non a truthful server lath, simply delivers high performance in a small footprint.

Pros

  • Really affordable
  • Wide CPU compatibility
  • Up to 32 GB DDR4 RAM
  • Versatile, can double every bit an HTPC/gaming PC/server hybrid
  • HDMI port

Cons

  • Non ECC RAM compatible
  • Lacks "true server motherboard" features

Supermicro MBD-X10SLL-F-O

supermicro greenc new logo

The Supermicro MBD-X10SLL-F-O is a microATX server motherboard. Supermicro outfitted this server board with an LGA 1150 socket. For the CPU, the Supermicro supports Intel Xeon E3-1200 v3 and v4 processors, likewise every bit Celeron, Pentium, and i3 CPUs. Y'all can add together up to 32 GB of DDR3 ECC RAM, and in that location are two six SATA connectors Two avowal a vi Gbps transfer speed while iv are limited to 3 Gbps.

Supermicro-Server-Mobo

If y'all need video out, there'south a VGA port but no DVI or HDMI. While this is fine for a headless build or those who plan to use a screen sparingly, you'll want to add together a dedicated GPU if you wish to have a hybrid server HTPC or gaming PC build. Reviewers praised the simplicity and noted wide-ranging operating organisation compatibility. Notably the server distro FreeNAS runs very well, and virtual machines handle well with the Supermicro. All the same reviewers did note that documentation is pretty barebones. If you're familiar with computers, you lot should be fine. Just poor documentation might present a challenge for novices. Equally an culling, check out this viii-core gaming PC build. It's affordable and uses a server board. however, information technology's an older LGA 771 socket motherboard. Overall the Supermicro MBD-X10SLL-F-O offers astounding value.

Pros

  • Peachy value
  • LGA 1150 socket
  • Compatible with Xeon E3-1200 v3/v4, i3, Pentium, Celeron CPUs
  • Up to 32 GB ECC DDR3 1600 RAM
  • Six SATA connectors
  • Excellent compatibility

Cons

  • VGA simply (no HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort)
  • Poor documentation

ASRock EP2C612D16C-4L

ASRock-Server-Mobo

ASRock is known for its quality components similar motherboards. Although ASRock dominates with gaming quotient motherboards, its server motherboards are exceptional as well. The EP2C612D16C-4L is an first-class server motherboard. The ASRock features xvi DDR4 DIMMs, 12 SATA3 ports, and an Thou.2 PCIe slot.

For the motherboard, it'south a socket LGA 2011. Therefore the ASRock is compatible with Xeon E5 processors. It's a dual socket motherboard. As a dual socket motherboard, the ASRock EP2C612D16C-4L volition require a slightly more expensive build. That's because yous'll need not one just 2 CPUs. The Intel Xeon E5-2603v3 ranks among the cheapest at $262. But you'll take to multiply that by two. So while the ASRock motherboard clocks in at a minor $320, expect to pay more than that for the CPUs.

xeon e5 processor

Nevertheless, the ASRock board offers a solid combination of reliability, expandability, and cost. Although it's an enterprise-level motherboard, it's also bachelor for homelabbers. You tin can skimp in some areas like RAM, example, and difficult drive to make this a slightly more affordable build.

Pros

  • 16x DDR4 RAM slots
  • Dual LGA 2011 R3 sockets
  • 12 SATA3 ports
  • Thou.ii PCIe slot
  • Three PCIe x16 slots

Cons

  • LGA CPUs are pricey
  • Requires two CPUs
  • Only includes VGA outputs

The Best Parts for Building a Server: The CPU

CPUs are motherboard dependent. Y'all'll need to match the CPU to your motherboard socket (for example, an LGA 2011 socket requires an LGA 2011 CPU). Yous don't necessarily need to have the latest CPU as it's typically easy to upgrade. But, if possible, endeavor to snag a motherboard and CPU that are fairly new so that your socket doesn't immediately become obsolete. That fashion you accept a articulate upgrade path.

Intel i3-4150

intel core i3-4150

The Intel i3-4150 is an LGA 1150 socket CPU. It's compatible with Z87 and Z97 motherboards. Although the 4150 is an LGA 1150, not an 1151 or 1155, it's a rock solid processor. The i3 is suitable for entry-level servers. If you're running an LGA 1151 socket like the H110M, the Kaby Lake i3-7100 is a slap-up value at $120. The LGA 1155 Intel i5-3350P is a bang-up CPU with a current gen socket. It's Sandy Span, but you can ever upgrade to a Kaby Lake i5 or i7 in the time to come.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • 4902 PassMark
  • Great price to performance ratio

Cons

  • 1150 socket is a few generations back
  • Merely suitable for home servers, not enterprise environments
  • Not a true server CPU

Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3

xeon processor e3

The Xeon E3-1226 v3 is a beast of a processor. It's a Haswell chip that's uniform with LGA 1150 sockets. The Xeon server CPU has a 3.3 GHz operating frequency with a 3.seven GHz turbo. There are an 8 MB enshroud and Intel HD P4600 graphics.

Thermal Design Power is 84W and the PassMark is just shy of 8000. However, as powerful as the Xeon is, information technology'southward only on socket LGA 1150. The newer SkyLake LGA 1151 Ex-1225 v5 is slightly more powerful and efficient. If you lot're running an LGA socket 2011 motherboard, the 6-core E5-2603v3 is a nifty mid-range selection.

Pros

  • Powerful
  • About 8000 PassMark
  • Dedicated server CPU

Cons

  • Only LGA 1150
  • Requires ECC RAM

Intel Xeon E3-1270

If you can afford information technology, the Intel Xeon E3-1270 sports stellar specifications. The Intel LGA 1155 Sandy Bridge CPU has a 4 x 256 KB L2 enshroud, 8 MB L3 cache, and iii.four GHz operating frequency. It'due south amid the latest processors as a Sandy Bridge. The E3-1270 features viii threads and keeps power consumption depression. Since information technology's a dedicated server CPU, many motherboards that support the Xeon volition require ECC unbuffered RAM. ECC RAM clocks in at a higher price than normal not-ECC RAM. But the actress cost yields additional information reliability.

intel xeon e3-1270

Yet the E3-1270 is pretty expensive. Additionally, it requires ECC RAM which is pricier and may be a deterrent to those trying to keep the price depression.

Pros

  • LGA 1155
  • Over 8000 PassMark
  • Defended server CPU

Cons

  • Likely requires ECC RAM
  • Expensive

The Best Parts for Building a Server: The RAM

What RAM you employ is dictated by your motherboard. If you've got an ECC RAM capable motherboard, you lot'll snag ECC RAM. If non, your car won't post with ECC RAM in it. Additionally, specifications similar DDR3 and DDR4 further narrow the pool of potential RAM sticks. TechTarget outlines the nuts of server retentiveness selection in an excellent post. Every bit this varies a based on motherboard specifics, I'll give a few suggested sticks that are both ECC and not-ECC. Unremarkably, with RAM information technology's all-time to avoid off-brand retentiveness. While you might exist tempted to max out your RAM, here's how much RAM y'all really need.

Crucial 16 GB DDR3 ECC Unbuffered RAM CT2KIT102472BD160B

Crucial-16GB

Crucial'due south CT2KIT102472BD160B offers ECC buffered RAM. It's DDR3 and 1600 PC3L-12800. Reviewers noted that the Crucial kit uses slightly less power than traditional DDR3. This is a major plus for servers. When you lot're running an always-on system, decreasing power draw maintains an energy efficient server. Users commented on wide-ranging software and hardware compatibility. The Crucial works fine on servers such every bit the Lenovo ThinkServer TS140 and with operating systems such as FreeNAS.

However, notation that the CT2KIT102472BD160B is unbuffered. It works on systems that don't support Registered ECC. Like all ECC RAM, it's more than expensive than non-ECC counterparts. Additionally, as often holds true you'll pay a slight premium for a name make in Crucial as opposed to an off brand. Simply this Crucial ECC 16 GB kit ranks amidst the about reliable memory available. It's an first-class part for building a server.

Pros

  • Name brand
  • ECC
  • Unbuffered
  • DDR3
  • Uses less power than similar RAM
  • Lots of hardware and software compatibility

Cons

  • More expensive than non-ECC RAM
  • Pricier than off brand RAM

Kingston sixteen GB DDR3 ECC RAM

Kingston-16GB

Kingston is one of the nearly recognized names in figurer components. The KVR1333D3E9SK2 16 GB ECC RAM kit offers DDR3 supports and PC3-10600 1333MHz speed. Reviewers found the Kingston ECC RAM reliable and uniform with an array of hardware and software. Users reported the Kingston ECC 16 GB memory playing well with Oracle Enterprise Linux 6.five, and operation across a bevy of servers such as the HP Microserver N54L.

Again, you lot'll pay actress for both ECC and a proper name brand. However, the slight cost spring is worth the premium for the reliability.

Pros

  • Reliable
  • DDR3
  • PC3-10600 1333MHz
  • 16 GB
  • ECC
  • Lots of hardware and software compatibility

Cons

  • More expensive than non-ECC RAM
  • Pricier than off make RAM

Team Group Nighttime Hawk sixteen GB DDR4

T-Force-Night-Hawk-RAM

Team Group makes an excellent RAM kit in its 16 GB DDR4 serial. At a mere $115, the Team Group memory clocks in an excellent cost to performance ratio. You can get the T-Force Nighthawk serial in 2666, 2800, 3000, and 3200 MHz rates. Tom'south Hardware praised the Night Militarist value and XMP performance. All the same, the Night Hawk faltered with overclocking. Additionally, Team Grouping's Night Hawk RAM is LED-lit. This may be a plus for more flashy servers, a minus for those seeking a muted server, or a non-issue depending on your instance.

Pros

  • DDR4
  • Variety of MHz data rates
  • 16 GB dual channel
  • LED-lit
  • Excellent price to functioning ratio
  • Great XMP operation

Cons

  • Poor overclocking
  • Non-ECC
  • LED-lit may not exist suitable for some servers depending on environment and case

Overall, whichever RAM you select for your server depends on motherboard compatibility. Factors like DDR type and ECC or not-ECC will make up one's mind which options you accept. While these are best picks for both ECC and non-ECC RAM servers, at that place's a lot of choices and what you pick remains hardware dependent.

The Best Parts for Building a Server: The Case

Selecting a case for your server requires a lot of idea. Many metrics narrow down which cases are the all-time parts for edifice a server. Specifications, such as the number of hard drive trophy, motherboard form cistron, and optical drives all shape the case.

A lot of this comes down to use. If yous're building a server for enterprise or pocket-sized business use, that likely differs from home utilise. Homelabbers might create a server that's essentially a Network Attached Storage (NAS), whereas other homelabbers may opt for an HTPC media server combo or even gaming PC/server hybrid. Consider these specs when ownership a server case:

  • Number of hard drive bays
  • Optical bulldoze bays
  • GPUs
  • Motherboard course gene

SilverStone Grandia

SilverStone-Grandia

While it's marketed as a dwelling theater PC (HTPC) case, the SilverStone Grandia makes for a spectacular server case. The form factor is conducive to stacking and so you tin can make your own makeshift server rack. If you lot plan to create a media server or gaming PC server build, the Grandia looks at dwelling house in an entertainment center. SilverStone's Grandia supports ATX motherboards and includes quick access filters. Drive cages feature mounts that do away with the need for adapters.

It provides superb cooling and dust-prevention and supports cards up to 12.two inches long. If yous need a GPU for graphics, processing, or both, the Grandia is a solid choice. Moreover, you can pack in 10 difficult drives.

Pros

  • ATX support
  • Cheap
  • Peachy cooling
  • Dust-prevention
  • Easy to install hard drives
  • Stackable
  • Supports cards up to 12.2 inches long
  • Optical bulldoze bay

Cons

  • No PSU included

Fractal Design Node 804

Fractal-Design-Node-804

The Fractal Blueprint Node 804 is a superb server case. Since it'due south a microATX cube case, the Node 804 offers a space saving blueprint. It's compatible with both microATX and mini-ITX motherboards. On the front I/O panel you lot'll find two USB 3.0 ports besides as audio in and out inputs. Lifehacker praised the Fractal Design Node 804'due south small yet not also cramped dimensions. Additionally, Lifehacker found the Node 804 similar but much cheaper than comparative server cases. Plus, the cube mode case appears just as comfortable under a media center as a server/HTPC, and as a defended server in an role environment.

AnandTech added that thermal operation is spectacular, particularly for a case of this size. But the Fractal Design Node 804 lacks hot swappable features like "true" server cases. Hard drives are admittedly difficult to access when compared to dedicated server cases. Additionally, there'south no optical drive bay. Yous tin can easily add a USB external DVD or Blu-ray drive, but if you lot need an optical drive on a regular ground with your server you might consider the Cooler Master HAF XB EVO. Information technology'due south a similar size and shape but adds optical drive bays. Additionally, the HAF XB features upwards to four hard bulldoze or SSD bulldoze bays, ease of access, and stellar cable management.

Pros

  • MicroATX and Mini-ITX support
  • Ten hard bulldoze bays
  • Cube-style instance
  • Corking pricing
  • Solid thermal functioning

Cons

  • No hot-swappable difficult bulldoze bays
  • Lacks optical drive bay
  • PSU non included

Lian Li PC-V1000LB

Lian-Li-Server-Case

Lian-Li makes some of the well-nigh cute PC cases available. The PC-V1000LB is a sleek ATX mid-tower. You'll detect a whopping nine difficult bulldoze bays, an optical drive, and four front USB iii.0 ports. Underneath, the PC-V1000LB is outfitted with wheels. This is a groovy touch which helps particularly when you've got your server on a carpeted surface.

Tweaktown appreciated the aluminum which lends the PC-V1000LB a premium experience. Additionally, the plentiful hard bulldoze bays and ample room for components makes the Lian Li an excellent server case. I saw the Lian Li in activity with a dual Xeon setup, 3 GPUs, and a liquid cooler. If you need a serious server for intensive tasks that require GPU processing, the PC-V1000LB is a cracking pick. But it'southward non inexpensive.

Pros

  • Premium aluminum chassis
  • ATX compatibility
  • 9 hard drive trophy
  • Lots of room for expansion
  • Wheeled

Cons

  • Pricey

The Best Parts for Edifice a Server: The PSU

Which Ability Supply Unit (PSU) is right for your server again depends on your example, and therefore motherboard. It'south best to stick with well-known brands. When selecting a server PSU, get a depression wattage power supply unless you're using running a bulky GPU. If you're running a headless server, a GPU is overkill. Moreover, you tin can upgrade the PSU in the future should you need a GPU for display, GPU processing, or both.

Seasonic SSR-360GP

Seasonic-SSR

Seasonic SSR-360GP is a high-quality 80 PLUS Gold-certified PSU. Clocking in at 360W, the SSR boasts incredibly high-efficiency and low-power draw. Tom's Hardware appreciated the efficiency and power. In their review, Tom'southward Hardware likened the Seasonic to PSU offerings from Gigabyte. Besides, the included cable ties, screws, and Velcro ties make the SSR a solid pick.

However, cable lengths are lacking. Additionally, it's a bit expensive for the wattage. Just in benchmarks, the SSR-360GP clocked in a decent concur-up time and inrush electric current. With PSUs, performance matters much more than cable lengths. The SSR-360GP scored stellar in benchmarks and balances high-performance with efficiency.

Pros

  • lxxx PLUS Gilt-certified
  • Good agree-upwardly fourth dimension
  • Great inrush current
  • Efficient
  • Powerful

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Short cablevision lengths

EVGA Supernova G2

EVGA-PSU

EVGA Supernova G2 comes in a multifariousness of wattages. There'due south everything from 550 watts to 1600 watts. It's an 80 PLUS Gilt-certified PSU, and sports a 140mm fan. Additionally, the EVGA is AMD Crossfire and NVIDIA SLI ready. TechPowerUp awarded the Supernova a 9.1 out of ten in their review. Under full load, the Supernova remained cool at 47 degrees Celsius. It's efficient, silent, and sports Japanese capacitors.

Still, the cost is a chip loftier. Additionally, 5VSB efficiency suffers slightly. Ultimately, the EVGA Supernova is reliable and efficient, albeit a scrap overpriced.

Pros

  • Absurd nether load
  • Efficient
  • Reliable
  • Semi-passive performance

Cons

  • Overpriced
  • 5VSB efficiency suffers

XFX ATX P1550GTS3X

XFX-PSU

XFX makes a stellar supply in its XFX ATX P1550GTS3X. Like the Seasonic and EVGA, it boasts 80 PLUS Gold certification and delivers at upwardly to 90 percent efficiency under normal load. It's available in a range of 550 watts to 750 watts. It's an ATX fashion PSU. While it offers excellent reliability, the 550W iteration only bears two PCI-E connectors. Step upward to the 650W or 750W version and you lot'll find four PCIe connectors. Johnny Guru scored the XFX a nine out of x in its review. Similarly, Johnny Guru establish the XFX a reliable, stable, PSU with great voltage stability and ripple suppression. Nonetheless the XFX was a chip loud and lacked modular cables.

Withal, the XFX is Crossfire and SLI-ready, besides every bit simple to install with EasyRail Plus technology. This balance of efficiency, performance, reliability, and simple installation make the XFX P1550GTS3X a phenomenal value.

Pros

  • eighty PLUS Aureate-certified
  • SLI and Crossfire ready
  • Easy to install
  • Up to 750 Watts

Cons

  • Only two PCI-East connectors on 550W iteration

The Best Parts for Building a Server: The SSD

For hard drives, you'll desire to maximize storage. Thus, skip SSDs except as a boot drive. Unless you need all SSDs for incredible speed and reliability, a traditional difficult bulldoze stack in a RAID assortment should be fine. Just now might be the best time to upgrade to an SSD, and these SSDs are your best picks.

Samsung 850 EVO

samsung 850 evo

The Samsung 850 EVO is one of the more pop SSDs and for a reason. It ranges from 250 GB to 4 TB. There's a performance-enhancing RAPID way. Unfortunately, this isn't available for macOS or Linux however. Samsung 850 EVO performance rivals that of the 850 Pro which is a tier up. CNET commented that the 850 EVO yields an excellent combination of price and performance.

Pros

  • 250 GB to 4 TB storage options
  • vi GB/s transfer speed
  • Great mix of storage, speed, and price
  • SATA

Cons

  • Samsung Sorcerer software simply Windows compatible

Crucial MX300

crucial mx500 256gb ssd

The Crucial MX300 begins with a 275 GB option and ranges to two TB. The MX300 boasts 3D NAND engineering and Dynamic Write Acceleration which boosts file transfer speed. CNET discovered that the Crucial isn't as high performing as the 850 EVO. But the MX300 lowers the price and adds 3D wink retentiveness. Thus, it's a solid budget-oriented SSD with premium specs.

Pros

  • Storage options from 275 GB to 2 TB
  • 3D NAND
  • SATA

Cons

  • Budget performance with premium specs

MyDigitalSSD BPX

mydigitalssd-bpx

In the SSD realm, PCI-eastward offers tiptop-end operation. The MyDigitalSSD BPX is a PCI-east SSD that ups the operation and price antes. Still, the BPX manages to offer NVMe memory merely keeps the price depression. Tom's Guide benchmarks outed the BPX every bit an M.2 SSD that's non the fastest. Yet Tom'southward Guide functioning tests besides concluded that, well, it's not the slowest.

Pros

  • PCI-east
  • M.2 form factor
  • 120 GB to 480 GB storage options
  • Beat college-end NVMe SSDs in sure benchmarks
  • MLC flash memory

Cons

  • Not the fastest NVMe SSD

Seagate Barracuda ST3000DM001

Seagate-HDD-Server

The SSeagate Barracuda ST3000DM001 balances speed and affordability. Since you'll probable be storing a lot of data on your server, I'd suggest a pretty sizeable hard drive. The Barracuda clocks in at a mere $74 for 3 TB. Furthermore, it's a 7300 RPM spindle. Y'all won't witness an SSD-level of performance, merely the increased speed is noticeable over a slower 5400 RPM stack. There'due south a 64 MB cache, and a SATA 6 GB/s connection. Server gurus Nosotros Got Served recommend the Seagate Barracuda as a hard bulldoze of choice in their guide to server storage.

Pros

  • Excellent price-per-GB
  • 7200 RPM
  • 6 GB/due south SATA connection
  • 64 MB cache

Cons

  • Not an SSD

Since this article was published, Seagate has released a new version, the Seagate 3TB BarraCuda (ST3000DM008).

WD Blue WD10EZEX

WD-HDD-Server

Forth with Seagate, Western Digital leads in the storage space. Its WD Blueish WD10EZEX boasts a zippy (for a mechanical difficult drive) 7200 RPM speed, 64 MB cache, and half-dozen GB/s SATA connection. You've got storage options from 1 TB to 5 TB. Especially if you've got several hard drive bays, you can create a beefy stack in your server. A few several TB hard drives in RAID offers a superb base for lots of storage on the cheap.

If you lot really value a low-power build or need ample storage, check out the WD Dark-green line. Western Digital offers its Green hard drives in configurations from i TB to x TB. These reduce power consumption up to 40 percent. There's also IntelliPower that balances aspects such as caching, transfer rate, and spin speed. IntelliSeek optimizes seek speeds. However, a one TB Light-green WD hard drive retails for $75 whereas the Blueish is a mere $50. Still, if y'all need maximum performance and want to have a truly energy efficient server, opt for the WD Green.

Pros

  • 7200 RPM
  • 6 GB/s SATA connection
  • 1 TB to v TB storage options
  • 64 MB enshroud

Cons

  • Not an SSD
  • WD Green hard drives offer ameliorate efficiency

The Best Parts for Building a Server: Final Thoughts

Although these are the best picks for a server build, there's no formula. But like edifice a desktop, lots of factors impact which server build is correct for you lot. A great way to cobble together a fantastic server merely save money is using standard desktop components rather than server parts. You lot'll still take a high performing auto, just without paying a premium for a server motherboard and CPU. Certain, at that place are drawbacks, but especially for a home server this is a viable solution and y'all likely won't notice a departure. Much of what dictates a server build is its purpose. If you lot're setting up a media server, your criteria differ from a spider web server gear up. You can even use an old PC if you've got low system requirements.

I didn't cover GPUs as many servers won't even demand a GPU. If you're edifice an HTPC/habitation server combo or gaming PC/server hybrid, the GTX 1050 Ti delivers mid-range operation at a budget price. If y'all tin can afford it, the 1060 ups graphics performance ante while keeping toll pretty reasonable. However, if y'all need a GPU for data processing, the Quadro line is spectacular for applications like AutoCAD. Information technology's non cheap, but the K5000 packs four GB of GDDR5. Or if you have most 5K, you can snag a Tesla K80.

Finally, there'due south another option for building a server: The barebones build. I went with a Lenovo TS140 and use information technology primarily every bit a Plex media server. I've too had a lot of success with Shuttle XPC desktops every bit abode servers. Only many XPCs feature proprietary motherboards which limit future expansion and upgrades.

Looking for a server in your pocket? Check out our guide on turning your Android device into a web server.

At present that you have built the machine, why not check out how to prepare up your ain WAMP server?

What is your recommended server build and what are y'all using your server for?

Image Credit: Denis Rozhnovsky via Shutterstock.com

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