What Rack Mounted Server for Home Rack

Hello all
I am beginning to prepare for the MS Server 2008 exams and would to setup a decent lab.
I will either be using VMware or Hyper-V.
I would like to use a rack mounted server for everything since it would go nicely with my CCNA equipment and rack and perform better. Preferably 1U.
I've been looking at some Dell PowerEdge servers like the 1950s, C1100s, etc. But I honestly dont know what I should be looking for.

Anyone have any good recommendations? I was hoping to spend under $600 for the hardware.

Also does anyone have any advice on setting up a lab for the MCSA Server 2008 specifically?
Thanks

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Comments

Ivanjam

I bought one of these babies: Dell PowerEdge C1100 1U 2X Xeon QC L5520 2 26GHz 250GB 72GB DDR3 Tested Warranty | eBay

Dell PowerEdge C1100 (CS24-TY) Boot - YouTube

olaHalo

Ivanjam wrote: »

I bought one of these babies: Dell PowerEdge C1100 1U 2X Xeon QC L5520 2 26GHz 250GB 72GB DDR3 Tested Warranty | eBay

Dell PowerEdge C1100 (CS24-TY) Boot - YouTube

What made you choose that one over any others? Ive seen the same model with lower RAM for example.
Thanks for the input.

paul78

Coincidentally, I was going to suggest the same thing.

I personally have a few 3U cases that I custom build AMD systems. My only reason is because I can put in fans which are less noisy. But the Cisco gear makes up for all the noise.

In retrospect, I would have also bought a bunch of the C1100's. At the price off eBay, it really can't be beat.

I do have collegues that have got a bunch of them and they are quite satisfied with them.

jonny72

olaHalo wrote: »

I am beginning to prepare for the MS Server 2008 exams and would to setup a decent lab.

I will either be using VMware or Hyper-V.

Also does anyone have any advice on setting up a lab for the MCSA Server 2008 specifically?
Thanks

I just don't get why anyone going for MS certs would even consider VMware, stick to Hyper-V.

olaHalo

jonny72 wrote: »

I just don't get why anyone going for MS certs would even consider VMware, stick to Hyper-V.

We use VMware at work at it would be good practice.
In reality I would probably use both.

Thanks for the info paul78. They do seem like a steal at that price.

paul78

One other to consider - I'm actually thinking of buying a couple of these servers.

dell cs24-sc | eBay

You will see them for sale sometimes on eBay from Dell as well.

olaHalo

What racks are you guys using for those Dell servers?

Santa_

Considering it's a home lab I personally was looking at Dell Poweredge R200/300 series .. almost got each one for under $35

Ivanjam

paul78 wrote: »

dell cs24-sc | eBay

@Paul78 - That's a great price for a pretty decent server

olaHalo wrote: »

What racks are you guys using for those Dell servers?

Dantrak Net - New and Used Networking Equipment and Peripherals. Skeletek Racks and Accessories. with Dantrak Net - New and Used Networking Equipment and Peripherals. Skeletek Racks and Accessories.

olaHalo

Ivanjam wrote: »

@Paul78 - That's a great price for a pretty decent server

Dantrak Net *- New and Used Networking Equipment and Peripherals. Skeletek Racks and Accessories. with Dantrak Net *- New and Used Networking Equipment and Peripherals. Skeletek Racks and Accessories.

Seems like sturdy equipment thanks.
But aren't the servers longer than that? Do you just let the end hang?

paul78

olaHalo wrote: »

But aren't the servers longer than that? Do you just let the end hang?

Skeletek makes 4 post racks too. This is the one that I have - Dantrak Net - New and Used Networking Equipment and Peripherals. Skeletek Racks and Accessories.

olaHalo

paul78 wrote: »

Skeletek makes 4 post racks too. This is the one that I have - Dantrak Net *- New and Used Networking Equipment and Peripherals. Skeletek Racks and Accessories.

I think that rack is perfect thanks!

datgirl

I like the Super Micro product line for home and SOHO / SMB usage.

santaowns

In the same line of the dell servers look up the dell f1d similar specs to the cs24 and c1100 but usually hundred +less in cost. I just got a HP dl380 g4 for $119 shipped.

jibbajabba

datgirl wrote: »

I like the Super Micro product line for home and SOHO / SMB usage.

They are brilliant ... Plus most motherboards have now IPMI embedded ... none of that licensed ILO nonsense

olaHalo

santaowns wrote: »

In the same line of the dell servers look up the dell f1d similar specs to the cs24 and c1100 but usually hundred +less in cost. I just got a HP dl380 g4 for $119 shipped.

That sounds like a good deal.

datgirl wrote: »

I like the Super Micro product line for home and SOHO / SMB usage.

Ill check it out thanks

izatt82

Dell 6100 used on ebay good deals out there.