Let's Build A Server!

[Norwood]

Kind of like a SevenForums.com custom community build.

So, I have this Supermicro board and I'd like to spec it out and build, probably, some kind of database server for home use.

I've already purchased some RAM, now I'm looking for cooling, as the chip's fan has been leeched by a friend.

 

[mckillwashere]

What cpu are you using? what kind of case (how many Units (if you have worked with a rack you will understand))? do you want active or passive?

 

[Norwood]

The link tells you my chipset.

I'll buy the case later (which will be a mid-tower), right now I was concentrating on the cooling.

This is supposed to be a fun little project...one thing at a time.

 

[pparks1]

Usually with servers and Xeon chips, they don't have CPU coolers. In every rack mount system I have seen, it's simply a heatsink on the CPU, with fan shrouds and 6-12 small fans inside of the case which spin fast and are often super loud which pull air away and across the heatsinks.

 

[mckillwashere]

The link tells you my chipset.

Which CPU are you planning on using though? I aware it will be an i7 but which one, as high clocks will require a different cooler.

I'll buy the case later (which will be a mid-tower), right now I was concentrating on the cooling.

I would go with a case made for a server, you dont have to get a rack mount as they do make tower style cases. (Like this one)
While 300 watt doesnt seem like alot of power, you have to remember the average Xeon processor dosent consume more than 90 watts. Not to mention you will not be powering a high end graphics card as in all reality you need no more than 128Mb video ram to run the graphics for any server gui(even less if it will be linux based).

Edit::

A bit of a side note,
I know the consumer 1366 line has been discontinued. They were replaced with the 2011 socket, which I can say first hand is one amazing chipset.