Old Server vs Newer Desktop

[emiljt]

I'm looking into getting a machine to use for my first FreeNAS box, but wanted to get your opinions on this since you're more knowledgeable on the topic.

I found a Dell PowerEdge 1800 server for pretty cheap, but I can't decide if just buying a used desktop with good hardware would be better.

Dell PowerEdge 1800 Specs:
Processor: Xeon 2.8
RAM: 2GB (I know I would need more. It goes up to 12)
HD: 4+ (I haven't nailed that down yet) SATA with hardware RAID. Currently has 4 250GB drives
It has dual power supplies which is nice, but the hardware RAID controller on these servers is dated and doesn't handle drives larger than 1TB very well.
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/servicetag/GG69771/configuration

Should I go for this or buy a more modern desktop to use? I'm on a tight budget, which is why I'm restricting myself to cheaper hardware.

 

[Darren Myers]

That 1800 is very old....even if you throw a new HBA card in there like a M1015 the backplane it connects to may still have a harddrive size limitation....And it will suck power. And even if its modern desktop hardware, desktop hardware wouldnt be the best choice...i understand tight budgets but some things simply cant be the bottom of the barrel, lowest bidder....Maybe another user will have some input, a big user favorite is the TS140 http://www.ebay.com/itm/381043316061?rmvSB=true that might be a better option

 

[cyberjock]

I'd recommend you look at alternative OSes for a Poweredge 1800. In fact, for hardware like that, it's probably better to throw it away and look at new hardware. And if your new hardware isn't going to closely resemble what is already recommended, then I'd recommend you look at alternative OSes and what hardware is recommended for those...

Taking excessively old (or inapporopriate) hardware and using it with FreeNAS is often a bigger risk than just using some other OS with that OSes appropriate hardware.

 

[marbus90]

ROI for shiny new hardware just from power savings in ~2 years.

Case closed.