ᐅ Intel/Windows applications – NUC, mini PC, or server. What do you recommend?
Created on: 7 May 2021 11:15
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HarvSpec
Hi everyone,
I’m currently considering the idea of a central computer.
The computer should run the following applications so that I can remote access them from my Mac (M1 & Intel):
- ETS Professional
- Gira Project Assistant
- Unifi Controller
- Possibly VirtualBox to experiment with Home Assistant
In other words, I want to have all the programs that don’t run natively on Macs or require an Intel chipset (or both, I’m not sure which work on Windows for ARM) on a central computer that I can access remotely.
Since none of these are “classic” server applications, I was thinking of using a mini PC or NUC with Windows 10 running 24/7 in a 19" rack.
Does it make sense to switch to server hardware designed for 24/7 operation, like a DELL PowerEdge or similar? Those usually run only server versions of Windows, and the rest feels like a workaround again.
Regards,
Harv
I’m currently considering the idea of a central computer.
The computer should run the following applications so that I can remote access them from my Mac (M1 & Intel):
- ETS Professional
- Gira Project Assistant
- Unifi Controller
- Possibly VirtualBox to experiment with Home Assistant
In other words, I want to have all the programs that don’t run natively on Macs or require an Intel chipset (or both, I’m not sure which work on Windows for ARM) on a central computer that I can access remotely.
Since none of these are “classic” server applications, I was thinking of using a mini PC or NUC with Windows 10 running 24/7 in a 19" rack.
Does it make sense to switch to server hardware designed for 24/7 operation, like a DELL PowerEdge or similar? Those usually run only server versions of Windows, and the rest feels like a workaround again.
Regards,
Harv
I would argue that any solid hardware can be used without problems. I am an experienced gamer, hardware, and overclocking enthusiast and always choose my components based on price/performance/noise/tuning.
A few years ago, I completely replaced my computers at that time. An i5 3570k on an Asrock Z77 Extreme 4 motherboard, powered by a Bequiet Dark Pro 10.
This setup has now been running as a server for 5 years. I have locked the CPU clock to the minimum, reduced the voltage accordingly, and done the same with the RAM. The server has two SSDs and three HDDs connected. The HDDs serve as data storage.
The system runs Windows Server 2016. Applications include Active Directory, file server, media server, Windows Deployment, the Unifi Controller, PRTG Network Monitor, and VMware for experimenting.
It runs continuously, 24/7/365, consuming about 40 watts.
Of course, a NUC uses significantly less power, but you first have to invest in the purchase cost.
A few years ago, I completely replaced my computers at that time. An i5 3570k on an Asrock Z77 Extreme 4 motherboard, powered by a Bequiet Dark Pro 10.
This setup has now been running as a server for 5 years. I have locked the CPU clock to the minimum, reduced the voltage accordingly, and done the same with the RAM. The server has two SSDs and three HDDs connected. The HDDs serve as data storage.
The system runs Windows Server 2016. Applications include Active Directory, file server, media server, Windows Deployment, the Unifi Controller, PRTG Network Monitor, and VMware for experimenting.
It runs continuously, 24/7/365, consuming about 40 watts.
Of course, a NUC uses significantly less power, but you first have to invest in the purchase cost.
untergasse438 May 2021 10:56I’m using two Dell R210 II units... one as a pfSense router and the other as a server for everything. Quiet, energy-efficient, 1 U in the rack. Runs great with Proxmox.
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Markus25414 May 2021 19:12You don’t need any extra server hardware for that. As long as you have a proper backup, I don’t see any issues.
Most likely, the hard drive will fail first; everything else should run fine for years.
Running Home Assistant via VirtualBox is tricky. It’s fine as long as you don’t need to pass through USB sticks or similar devices.
An Intel NUC (possibly used) with Windows installed would work. I’m not sure if Gira Project Assistant and ETS Professional are available for Unix systems!?
Most likely, the hard drive will fail first; everything else should run fine for years.
Running Home Assistant via VirtualBox is tricky. It’s fine as long as you don’t need to pass through USB sticks or similar devices.
An Intel NUC (possibly used) with Windows installed would work. I’m not sure if Gira Project Assistant and ETS Professional are available for Unix systems!?