I had a desktop I could theoretically run things on as a server, but I wanted to build a smaller, GPU-less machine with server architecture / specifications so that it could be more efficient and I could turn on my more power hungry desktop off at night or when I’m not using it. I could also use my server as a backup machine for my desktop.
Steps to Building a Computer
This isn’t a complete guide, but just a simple overview of what I did to build my server.
- Choose a case size.
- Choose a memory and disk size, including number of drives / sticks.
- Choose additional PCI hardware as desired.
- Choose a motherboard that can supply everything needed for the ram and disks.
- Choose a power supply.
- Choose a case that can fit all the components.
- Assemble computer.
- Install linux.
Specifications
| Part | Name | Price Per | Count | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motherboard | ASRock Z390M-ITX/ac LGA 1151 (300 Series) Intel Z390 HDMI USB 3.1 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard | $134.99 | 1 | $134.99 |
| RAM | CORSAIR Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 DRAM DDR4 3000 (PC4 24000) Desktop Memory Model CMW16GX4M2C3000C15 | $43.99 | 2 | $87.99 |
| HDD | Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSHD 2TB SATA 6.0Gb/s 2.5“ Notebooks / Laptops Internal Hard Drive ST2000LX001 | $79.99 | 2 | $159.98 |
| CPU | Intel Core i5 8th Gen - Core i5-8600 Coffee Lake 6-Core 3.1 GHz (4.3 GHz Turbo) LGA 1151 (300 Series) 65W BX80684I58600 Desktop Processor Intel UHD Graphics 630 | $289.99 | 1 | $289.99 |
| Case | JONSBO T8 Handle Mini-ITX Computer Case Aluminum Tempered Glass Desktop Chassis with Handle for ITX 170mm*170mm Motherboards – Pink | $109.99 | 1 | $109.99 |