ᐅ Intel/Windows applications – NUC, mini PC, or server. What do you recommend?
Created on: 7 May 2021 11:15
H
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
It runs with only one CPU 😉. The advantage is the possibility to install a lot of cheap memory.
Single-socket servers usually run on E3 Xeons and support only relatively expensive unbuffered ECC RAM. This is typically limited to 32GB (with DDR3) or very costly 128GB (with unbuffered DDR4 ECC).
Current components for HP, Dell, and FTS single-socket servers are very expensive. They all share special power supplies (non-redundant) that are energy-efficient (12V) but hardly replaceable. Most also have only software RAID (onboard) with all its disadvantages and poor performance.
Otherwise, simply take a new Dell MFF 3080 with an i3 10th Gen. Quiet, fast, affordable. Currently about 400€, but it has also been available for around 320€ including Windows 10 Pro (which also supports Hyper-V). Comes with 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, 1 PCIe slot, and 1 SATA 2.5" drive bay. Gigabit Ethernet. Affordable under-desk/VESA mounts available.
Single-socket servers usually run on E3 Xeons and support only relatively expensive unbuffered ECC RAM. This is typically limited to 32GB (with DDR3) or very costly 128GB (with unbuffered DDR4 ECC).
Current components for HP, Dell, and FTS single-socket servers are very expensive. They all share special power supplies (non-redundant) that are energy-efficient (12V) but hardly replaceable. Most also have only software RAID (onboard) with all its disadvantages and poor performance.
Otherwise, simply take a new Dell MFF 3080 with an i3 10th Gen. Quiet, fast, affordable. Currently about 400€, but it has also been available for around 320€ including Windows 10 Pro (which also supports Hyper-V). Comes with 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, 1 PCIe slot, and 1 SATA 2.5" drive bay. Gigabit Ethernet. Affordable under-desk/VESA mounts available.
Windows Server Datacenter is already available. Actually, there is no need to replace the server with Essentials. The only concern I have is that the hardware has been in use for over 10 years. It was originally a gaming rig, and now it has been running as a 24/7 server for 4 years. Eventually, such equipment will fail because it wasn't designed for continuous operation. I will never need 128GB RAM or redundant power supplies. And if I want to stay compliant with the license, I am only allowed to virtualize freely on Windows Datacenter.