IBM System X 3650?

[Kevin Horton]

I'm looking for a cheap rack mount server that I can use to test FreeNAS 10, and I just stumbled across an IBM System X 3650 for sale locally. Specs known to date:

• 4GB RAM - 600GB HDD
• Hard Drives:
• 2x 75GB
• 4x 146GB
• CPU 1x Xeon 2.0GHZ
• 2x PSU (power supplies)

I'd need to find more RAM, but it can take up to 48 GB, if the online spec sheet is to be believed. I suspect I'd also need to buy an M1015, or similar.

Does this look like it might work, or should I run away as the CPU is too old a generation to be useful? What questions do I need to ask to confirm it is suitable?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[m0nkey_]

The 3650 is a 7 year old machine. They can be quite power hungry.

 

[Kevin Horton]

Thanks.

Yeah, I've pretty much came to the conclusion that this thing is too old to seriously consider. Comparing the specs in the used item listing against what I can find online, it is probably an X 3650 M2, designed to handle much smaller disks than I would want to throw at it.

I've told the buyer I am no longer interested, but I'll keep my ear to the ground for more suitable used servers.

I'm starting to ponder setting up a VM on my Desktop with FreeNAS 10. That would at least allow me to experience the new GUI and CLI, and possibly learn about its use of Docker and bhyve instead of jails.

 

[m0nkey_]

I'm starting to ponder setting up a VM on my Desktop with FreeNAS 10. That would at least allow me to experience the new GUI and CLI, and possibly learn about its use of Docker and bhyve instead of jails.

FreeNAS 10 works great in VMware Workstation Player. Just make sure you enable 'Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI' option under the Processors configuration.

 

[Kevin Horton]

FreeNAS 10 works great in VMware Workstation Player. Just make sure you enable 'Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI' option under the Processors configuration.

VMware Workstation Player seems to only run on Linux or Windows. The Linux or Windows I have available are running in VMs. A VM running in a VM on a 2012 Mac Mini does not sound like a recipe for happiness. I'll do some digging to see if this could work in VMWare Fusion, or VirtualBox.

 

[m0nkey_]

It'll work in VMware Fusion.