HP MicroServer Gen8 Build - E3-1230V2, 16GB RAM, M1015 HBA, SSD, ESXi

[vhymetoo]

Speccing out a HP MicroServer Gen 8 Build for ESXi

 

HP MicroServer Gen 8: $400

CPU: Intel E3-1230 v2 - $235

RAM: 16GB RAM - 2 @ $96 - $192

HBA: IBM M1015 in IT Mode - ~$100

 

ESXi Boot stick: - ADATA DashDrive Elite UE700 32GB USB 3.0 - $40

Datastore SSD: Intel 520 Cherryville 2.5" 240GB - $260

Disks: Will Reuse

 

Total: ~$1227

 

QUESTION: How to get the SSD to work at SATA III speeds? Since I am using a HBA the onboard controller is free'ed up, would/should I use a SFF-8087 break out cable to get the SSD drive to SATA 6.0gbps? The ODD SATA port on mobo is SATA 3.0gbps I believe. 

 

QUESTION: Power for the SSD in the ODD slot? How have you folks solved this scenario?

 

Any other suggestions?

-

v

[adster01]

This should sort you out for power http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/400298253923?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[schoondoggy]

Speccing out a HP MicroServer Gen 8 Build for ESXi

 

HP MicroServer Gen 8: $400

CPU: Intel E3-1230 v2 - $235

RAM: 16GB RAM - 2 @ $96 - $192

HBA: IBM M1015 in IT Mode - ~$100

 

ESXi Boot stick: - ADATA DashDrive Elite UE700 32GB USB 3.0 - $40

Datastore SSD: Intel 520 Cherryville 2.5" 240GB - $260

Disks: Will Reuse

 

Total: ~$1227

 

QUESTION: How to get the SSD to work at SATA III speeds? Since I am using a HBA the onboard controller is free'ed up, would/should I use a SFF-8087 break out cable to get the SSD drive to SATA 6.0gbps? The ODD SATA port on mobo is SATA 3.0gbps I believe. 

 

QUESTION: Power for the SSD in the ODD slot? How have you folks solved this scenario?

 

Any other suggestions?

-

v

1. You are correct. You can plug a SFF8087 fan out into the onboard port and use sata connection 1 or 2 to get a SATA III connection.

 

This is the memory I used, $80.60 each;

http://www.memoryamerica.com/hmt41gu7mfr8c-pb.html

 

Intel makes great SSD's, but I have been using these, 256GB for $200;

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820329001

[vhymetoo]

Thanks schoondoggy,

 

Ordered:

 

HP MicroServer Gen 8: $400

CPU: Intel E3-1230 v2 - $235

RAM: Kingston 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1333 Server Memory Model KVR1333D3E9SK2/16G
- $158

 

ESXi Boot stick: - ADATA DashDrive Elite UE700 32GB USB 3.0 - $40

Datastore SSD: Intel 520 Cherryville 2.5" 240GB - $260

SFF-8087 Breakout Cable: 3ware (SFF-8087) Serial ATA Breakout Cable - $20
Disks: (2) Seagate HDD.15 ST4000DM000 4TB 64MB Cache @ $180 - $360

 

Total: ~$1475

 

Need to order:

=============

HBA: IBM M1015 in IT Mode - ~$100

Power converter: (thanks adster) Dell Floppy FDD to Sata Power Converter Cable - ~$7

 

weird cant edit first post....

[vhymetoo]

Ordered:

HBA: IBM M1015 in IT Mode - ~$100

Power converter: (thanks adster) Dell Floppy FDD to Sata Power Converter Cable - ~$7

 

All parts ordered. Total came in around $1600

 

Hopefully having the SSD on port 1 of the B120i controller will keep fan noise levels down.

 

After almost a decade in this space this project is set to be my last hurrah before i fire sale/give away/toss any remaining computer components, tools, and random electonric knick nacks I am tired of moving. This is replacing a top of the line silent NAS server with 24 bays.

 

~v

[Big Worm]

Nice upgrades, but that kind of price I would have skipped getting the Gen 8 and gone DIY.  Just me.

 

 

What are you going to run of the M1015?

[vhymetoo]

For the M1015 that will be just passthrough to a NAS VM. The 4 front bays will be hooked up to the M1015 HBA. Will provide nice abstraction...

 

I've tried DIY and it works but here the form factor (pretty big deal for me), fit, and finish are crux of the situation. I looked at the Synology DSx3612? ($3,000) and was ready to buy except for bloody CPU couldnt handle my needs (almost but not all the way there)

[vhymetoo]

hardware is in.

[vhymetoo]

Waiting for M1015 HBA and Floppy power->SATA adapter to arrive.

 

Painless installation..... CPU swap was smooth. RAM install was made ridiculously easy.

 

ODD drive bay is perfect for SSD - Literally just bend the left bracket down a little bit and wedge the SSD in between the front and left brackets (with data/power out to the right) and it fits perfectly, snuggly, and cords can get in to.

 

Finish on this unit is very very nice. Horribly impressed. A bit spendy thus far but liking what I see so far.

 

-v

[adster01]

Got some pics?