Refurb Server

[MatthewL]

I am after a refurb server for home to replace a number of SFF PC's currently in use.

After installing Promox and hosting a mix of Linux and Windows server, will need 128GB RAM, 1 or 2 TB storage for the VM's in a raid, will be looking at running maybe 12 boxes mainly Linux so nothing too tasking.

 

One thing I am looking for if possible is USB ports that I can pass through to the VM's from the host.

Anyone got anything out there for a good price?

[willtech]

Bargain hardware is a good place: Homelab Servers - Dell, HPE | Configure Online Now

 

And you can customise. 

Edited October 10, 2025 by willtech

[Davit2005]

Dell or Fujitsu would be my go to. I'd personally steer clear of HP although they are pretty solid but due to the downloading of firmware without a support contract.

 

Look at a minimum max RAM of 64GB depending on the VMs you are using, currently have 15VMs spread across 3 nodes in ProxMox but capacity for more.

 

I've got 3 TX1320's in my setup 1 x M1 and 2 x M3's. The M3's have a non-Xeon CPU with options for Xeon (but watch for CPUs without onboard graphics) and quite power savvy. The M3's are very hard to get hold of sometimes. You can be stuck with 2.5" drives and the SFF M3 only normally has 4 bays attached via a single mini SAS although there are 2 SATA ports on the m'board. You can get a SATA card if you need more then jus either 3d print some drive caddies if you cannot source the originals (which I have found expensive).

Edited October 10, 2025 by Davit2005

[LeMarchand]

Calling @ICTDirect_Dave.

[MatthewL]

What is the noise like on the TX1320's?

[timbo343]

Intelligent Servers https://intelligentservers.co.uk/ might be able help

[ICTDirect_Dave]

On 10/10/2025 at 13:45, willtech said:

Bargain hardware is a good place: Homelab Servers - Dell, HPE | Configure Online Now

 

And you can customise. 

It is, they're me, just another one of our brands!  Use the BH site to configure something then come to me with the link and I'll see if I can't do it cheaper!

 

On 10/10/2025 at 15:05, LeMarchand said:

Calling @ICTDirect_Dave.

Thank you!

[Davit2005]

On 10/10/2025 at 23:48, MatthewL said:

What is the noise like on the TX1320's?

Very quite with SSDs. One is in my bedroom and I don't notice it at all and a light sleeper 🙂

[BKGarry]

I have been running @ICTDirect_Dave's servers for at least 6 years so far, never had an issue, and the service from ICT Direct is just excellent. This current batch, I just extended the warranty on them, because they have been that solid