New servers

[nicholab]

I am looking for two new servers for running server 2012. On top of this I want to run hyper-v I got to run full server as I need to use bitlocker. I am them running an Sbs 2008 and another 2008 server holding a sql database. I then want run hyper-v replicate to given falt tolerance. I am looking for two severs with 16gb ram and 1tb to 2tb of storage. What do people suggest?

[TheScarfedOne]

I would look for more than 16gb ram if you are going to use hyper v to host sql etc. My hosts have 128gb, but they are hosting lots of servers. Check the requirements on the Microsoft website

[featured_spectre]

1tb-2tb...a few VMs would eat that in seconds. As for the RAM, too low.

 

48-64GB RAM

10tb space

 

Then look at Dual Quad/Dual Hex (or better) CPU so you can dedicate a few cores to each machine

[nicholab]

I think that is over kill for a network of 15 users.

[kmount]

Pretty much any Dell, HP, IBM box will do what you want to be honest.

 

If you are looking at Rack Mount you're looking at something like a HP DL360 Gen8p (avoid the E, lower warranty cover), or the Dell R610/710. If you're after pedastal the HP ML350 is quite good.

 

You'll then need to decide how many disks you want, the 300/450GB SAS disks are at a reasonable price point if you go for quantity of them (for I/O & capacity you probably want at least 4 of those in each box) or you could go for the bigger disks and have less of them but that'll deliver less iop capability.

 

You've not got a huge requirement at the moment, are you likely to grow and need more oomph in the life of these boxes? That will influence your decision on whether you go with 1 or 2 CPUs in the host boxes, you probably only need one right now, but getting hold of a second later will be more expensive.

 

I'd double the RAM to 32GB, it's cheap and cheaper to get now than it will be when you decide in 2-3 years when you want more.

 

What boxes are these replacing, that may help with the sliding scale on how much perf vs how much cost?

[nicholab]

They are to replace dell r200 quad core 8gb ram boxes with sata 250gb hdds. Both have had the motherboard replaced under warranty. I want to use hyper-v 2012 to build a redundant environment.

[featured_spectre]

Then the spec I provided will do that, one server can host all of the bits you need, the other can be used as the mirror for the environment. I think what you want for 15 users is overkill however.

[kmount]

Makes sense to me, I'd still go with 32GB (or 24GB at a push) of RAM per host for n+1 should something fail that gives you double what you're currently using so plenty of space to grow into without more costs.

 

You'll pick up a pair of small boxes to do this no problem, if you've got SATA already you might get away with NL SAS if performance isn't an issue at the moment but that's up to you, I'd go SAS for the performance gain but it might be OTT for your needs.

[clodhopper]

Have a chat with the guys at ServerSource as they sell recon Dell's at really good prices