Suggestions for a new server?

[GRoston]

I would like to replace my server with a low (electrical power consumption) server. The server does not do much more than serve files, so I am not concerned about processing capabilities, etc.; but the case in which the server is housed must be large enough to hold two 2.5 inch SATA solid state drives. Since I am posting here, the server must also be capable of running Windows 7.

Can anyone recommend a machine at which I should look?

 

[siliconbeaver]

usually people take HP 800 G3 DM 35W to do the job running linux.

HP 800 G3 DM is very inexpensive, as low as 0.99.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=hp+800+&_sacat=0&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_sop=15


Other HP 800 DM Gx (x = 1 to 6) is fine. I prefer HP 800 DM G4, can hold upto two M2 SSD and one SATA SSD.

I also run Dell 7070. Dell is tiny, easy to maintain. but feel plastic "cheap". worry about its dying off any time.
HP has better performance. more USB ports (USB3.0/3.1/3.2). more graphics ports (three), more SSD slots (two M2 NVMe).


If DM is too compact, or need more SATA slots. HP 800 G3 SFF, it will meed all of your present requests.
HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini vs. HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF Comparison

 

[GRoston]

siliconbeaver - Thanks for the prompt reply. I looked at the HP 800 DM G4 and it appears that it will hold everything I need held. BUT - can Windows 7 be installed on it?

 

[siliconbeaver]

sure,

I did, with SIW2's help.

Install Windows 7 on HP 800 DM G4


its graphics driver

[url]https://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/415754-update-your-win-7-installation-media-145.html#post3530823
[/URL]

 

[SIW2]

sure,

I did, with SIW2's help.

Install Windows 7 on HP 800 DM G4


its graphics driver

[url]https://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/415754-update-your-win-7-installation-media-145.html#post3530823
[/URL]

The link to the biostar graphics driver is broken, perhaps you could upload it somewhere.

 

[dave99]

The link to the biostar graphics driver is broken, perhaps you could upload it somewhere.

I think this topic links 2-3 alternative downloads?

Way to make Intel UHD 620 graphics driver to works in windows 7 (no crash) - VideoHelp Forum

 

[SIW2]

Thanks, I am aware of alleged alternatives but if siliconbeaver has the original (which is for uhd610 and uhd630 ), perhaps he could upload it.

 

[siliconbeaver]

True,

alternative is available for Intel CPUs.

What I posted for OP is a sure and specific solution (for HP 800 G4). I have run the driver version 21.20.16.5068 for HP 800 G3/G4
8500/8600 --- Coffee Lake architecture, UHD630
7500 --- Kaby Lake architecture, HD630

It's confirmed that the driver works well.

but for other motherboards, for Dell, have to debug case-by-case. (for example, it's confirmed the driver NOT working for Dell 7060/70).

 

[SIW2]

sdi installs the 21.20.16.5077 igpu driver which works on most 300 series motherboards.

- - - Updated - - -

cant get any igpu drivers to work so far on gigabyte h310m s2h. It doesnt show Display Adapters in devmgmt, completely absent.



yet nothing showing under problem devices



vga drivers are working

SDI offered the 5077 drivers and installed them. On restart just a black screen with no way out except hard shutdown.

I have never come across that before.

 

[siliconbeaver]

in my debugging, one method I often try is to install Windows 8.1,
If Windows 8.1 install no problem, then install its graphics driver, either canonkong or SDI method, if successful, Windows 7 install is likely to go through. (just need a right way)

Dell 7060/7070 failed to pass above test. on Windows 8.1, whatever I tried, couldn't get graphics driver install. all failed. hence my sentence is no way to install Windows 7 (as Windows 8.1 install failure).

my Dell 7070 I5-9500 summary
https://www.sevenforums.com/install...-optiplex-7070-sff-i5-9500-a.html#post3532943

you may try Windows 8.1 install first.

 

[SIW2]

Updated bios using qflash "Intact" mode

The original was bios version was FL. Now it is FN



presumably the FL bios it came with was corrupted in some way

The msdm table is retained.

now Display adapters are shown in devmgmt



add igpu driver with sdi



reboot and there it is



success

win7 running perfectly so far. on gigabyte h310m s2h ( not the 2.0 version ). Everything works, no missing drivers.

H310M S2H (rev. 1.1) Key Features | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

 

[siliconbeaver]

Its specs says, the board supports i7/i9 9th gen CPUs. Amazing.
Those i7/i9, equivalent to i5 11th/12th gen CPUs, per bench test.

In my practice, I tried to avoid i7/i9 Windows 7 install.
i3 too weak. hence often took i5 hi-end CPUs. 6600/7600/8600/9600.

So, you didn't install external graphics, still use built-in UHD630. that's changeling, given i7/i9 9th gen CPUs.

H310M S2H (rev. 1.1) Key Features | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

 

[SIW2]

I would rather avoid external graphics. I dont play games so a graphics card is a waste of space, money and electricity

Pleased win 7 runs on the s2h ( non 2.0 ) because they claim it doesn't. Supposedly the special 2.0 is for win7.

The drivers from 2.0 can be used on non 2.0. They don't supply igpu driver but that can be done easily with sdi

h310m s2h ( non 2.0 ) allegedly only win10/11




h310m s2h 2.0 has drivers for win7/8.1




H310M S2H 2.0 (rev. 1.0) Support | Motherboard - GIGABYTE Global

 

[siliconbeaver]

cannot agree more.

prior to G4, my windows 7 install often involved external graphics card, since HP 800 G4 8600/8600T, decided to stick with UHD 630. hence the OS install gets much easier.

I would rather avoid external graphics. I dont play games so a graphics card is a waste of space, money and electricity

 

[tcsenter]

Intel H310 chipset was introduced specifically to support Windows 7 on Coffee Lake with official drivers for all (Intel) devices except graphics, expecting system integrators/designers to use a discrete graphics solution?

Intel Preps New H310 Chipset Revision With Windows 7 Support For Coffee Lake

 

[SIW2]

Intel H310 chipset was introduced specifically to support Windows 7

No

Only the boards with special revision 2.0 at the end of the name are supposed to support win7.

I have just shown that the non 2.0 also works fine with win7