First server build for SCALE

[buswedg]

I've been running SCALE on some leftover gaming PC parts for some time. And I've finally decided to bite the bullet and get some proper server equipment.

I've got a max budget of $1k for the CPU+MB+RAM.

Have taken a look at the TrueNAS recommended hardware guides, and the best match I can find to my budget includes:
1x INTEL INTEL XEON E-2126G
1x Supermicro MBD-X11SCH-F-O
2x Crucial 16GB DDR4 DIMM 288-pin - 2666 MHz / PC4-21300 - CL19-1.2 V - unbuffered - ECC CT16G4WFD8266

I'm already running a 9208-8i, flashed in IT mode, which I'll probably continue to use. And have 6x 16tb WD gold drives on it at the moment.

Not overly familiar with server equipment, so any suggestions on better trade-offs. Or most importantly, any cautions on compatibility/supportability would be great.

 

[buswedg]

Actually just read that the i5-12500 supports ECC.

Doesn't seem to be a common recommendation here. But I could probably get a 12500 + MBD-X13SAE within budget. Not sure if I'd have enough left over for around 32gig of DDR5 ECC ram. I can't seem to find DDR5 ECC ram for sale at all actually.

 

[buswedg]

After a bit of umm'ing and ahh'ing, I think I've landed on the below. Happy with ATX for the addl. PCI slots compared to the MBD-X11SCH, and should have better supportability than the MBD-X13SAE. Also looks like I can get all this for just a hair over my budget. Doesn't seem to conform to the recommended hardware guide at all though.

1x SuperMicro X11SRL-F
1x Intel CPU BX80695W2223 Xeon W-2223 3.6GHZ
2x Timetec Hynix IC 32GB KIT (2x16GB) DDR4 2666MHz PC4-21300 Unbuffered ECC 1.2V CL19 2Rx8 Dual Rank 288 Pin UDIMM Server Memory RAM Module Upgrade (32GB KIT (2x16GB))

 

[Etorix]

PCI slots compared to the MBD-X11SCH, and should have better supportability than the MBD-X13SAE. Also looks like I can get all this for just a hair over my budget.

Fair summary. If full ATX size is no issue and it fits your budget, go for it!

Doesn't seem to conform to the recommended hardware guide at all though.

That's probably because, contrary to their Xeon E5 predecessors, LGA 2066 Xeons W-2000 are marketed for workstations, not servers. Workstation boards have unneeded features, and may lack a useful BMC for server duty; X11SRL-F is a happy exception.

1x SuperMicro X11SRL-F
1x Intel CPU BX80695W2223 Xeon W-2223 3.6GHZ
2x Timetec Hynix IC 32GB KIT (2x16GB) DDR4 2666MHz PC4-21300 Unbuffered ECC 1.2V CL19 2Rx8 Dual Rank 288 Pin UDIMM Server Memory RAM Module Upgrade (32GB KIT (2x16GB))

DDR4-2666 RDIMM should be hitting the second-hand market. Look if you can find bargains and get even more memory for your budget, it never hurts. Leave expensive UDIMM to desktops.

 

[NugentS]

Seems not bad.
4/8 Cores/Threads 3.6Ghz
48 Lanes
Nice useful board plenty of slots and IPMI and even an M.2
Definately get 2nd hand memory from a reputable supplier

But overall I think thats a good build with plenty of expansion should / when you need it