Hello all,
I know threads like these appear once in a while, but hardware changes constantly. I need to build/buy a server/workstation for the processing and analysis of quite large meta-omics and genomics datasets (e.g. 40+ HiSeq runs for one upcoming project). Our current server mainly lacks RAM and storage, and we want a dedicated server for these large datasets, for a limited number of people to work on (2-4).
I currently have a budget of €10-11k, incl. VAT. I know it won't be state of the art with this budget (Xean E7 ...), but will be a vast improvement.
One prerequisite is that it can be extended (CPU, RAM, storage).
Since the number of cores (24) is not the bottleneck with our current server, I reckon anywhere between 16 and 24 cores (physical + virtual) will suffice. Nevertheless, since some analyses or processing steps are per definition single-threaded, it should be powerful (fast) enough.
Sufficient memory, however, is a limiting factor. Our current server is limited to 64 GB. 128 (192) GB seems to be the bare minimum, but preferably in the 300-400 GB range, which is not that impressive to current standards I guess, but somewhat futureproof for our research group. Being able to extend this amount is thus necessary.
Sufficient local storage to not having to read/write to an external data server constantly.
I am not sure if having RAID configurations for OS/data disks is really necessary, since the budget needed for this might be more useful to increase the effective storage capacities ...
I have composed and built several desktops in the past, and this was always cheaper than buying a branded PC (HP, Dell, ...). In other words, for the same amount of money, you could have better components. Can I assume this holds true for a server, or are servers of e.g. Dell more competitively priced?
Anyway, my current configuration is:
CPU: Xeon E5-2640 v4, 10 cores (20 virtual), 2.4 GHz (3.6 turboboost), 25 MB L3 (€1129)
Motherboard: Intel Server Board S2600CW2R (€649)
OS SSD: Samsung 850 EVO pro 512 GB (€259)
Data HDD: WD gold 3*8 TB local storage + 3*8 TB permanent storage/back-up in separate NAS (€2514)
RAM: 8*32 GB (256 GB) (~ €3312)
CPU cooler (± €50)
tower case (± €200)
PSU 700 W (± €150)
UPS (± €200)
DVD/CD ROM drive (± €30)
(raid controller (± €50))
current total ~€10400
What do you think of the current set-up? With this motherboard, 1 additional processor can be added (= 20 threads), RAM and storage can be extended. Although I have not really looked into alternatives.
No definite brands/types of the 'smaller' components yet. Suggestions welcome
Am I forgetting something? (network controller, GPU?)
Other suggestions or alternatives are also welcome.
Does the case really matter? I came across much more expensive server cases.
Would a RAID 0 or 5 vastly improve speed? (Then I would need either 2 or 3 SSDs). If not, I'd rather use this money for an additional HDD or other component.
An alternative is to effectively look at e.g. Dell servers, but propositions by our IT guy did not impress.
Is Supermicro any good/reliable? Suggestions welcome.
Thanks for any input/heads-up, ...!
I know threads like these appear once in a while, but hardware changes constantly. I need to build/buy a server/workstation for the processing and analysis of quite large meta-omics and genomics datasets (e.g. 40+ HiSeq runs for one upcoming project). Our current server mainly lacks RAM and storage, and we want a dedicated server for these large datasets, for a limited number of people to work on (2-4).
I currently have a budget of €10-11k, incl. VAT. I know it won't be state of the art with this budget (Xean E7 ...), but will be a vast improvement.
One prerequisite is that it can be extended (CPU, RAM, storage).
Since the number of cores (24) is not the bottleneck with our current server, I reckon anywhere between 16 and 24 cores (physical + virtual) will suffice. Nevertheless, since some analyses or processing steps are per definition single-threaded, it should be powerful (fast) enough.
Sufficient memory, however, is a limiting factor. Our current server is limited to 64 GB. 128 (192) GB seems to be the bare minimum, but preferably in the 300-400 GB range, which is not that impressive to current standards I guess, but somewhat futureproof for our research group. Being able to extend this amount is thus necessary.
Sufficient local storage to not having to read/write to an external data server constantly.
I am not sure if having RAID configurations for OS/data disks is really necessary, since the budget needed for this might be more useful to increase the effective storage capacities ...
I have composed and built several desktops in the past, and this was always cheaper than buying a branded PC (HP, Dell, ...). In other words, for the same amount of money, you could have better components. Can I assume this holds true for a server, or are servers of e.g. Dell more competitively priced?
Anyway, my current configuration is:
CPU: Xeon E5-2640 v4, 10 cores (20 virtual), 2.4 GHz (3.6 turboboost), 25 MB L3 (€1129)
Motherboard: Intel Server Board S2600CW2R (€649)
OS SSD: Samsung 850 EVO pro 512 GB (€259)
Data HDD: WD gold 3*8 TB local storage + 3*8 TB permanent storage/back-up in separate NAS (€2514)
RAM: 8*32 GB (256 GB) (~ €3312)
CPU cooler (± €50)
tower case (± €200)
PSU 700 W (± €150)
UPS (± €200)
DVD/CD ROM drive (± €30)
(raid controller (± €50))
current total ~€10400
What do you think of the current set-up? With this motherboard, 1 additional processor can be added (= 20 threads), RAM and storage can be extended. Although I have not really looked into alternatives.
No definite brands/types of the 'smaller' components yet. Suggestions welcome
Am I forgetting something? (network controller, GPU?)
Other suggestions or alternatives are also welcome.
Does the case really matter? I came across much more expensive server cases.
Would a RAID 0 or 5 vastly improve speed? (Then I would need either 2 or 3 SSDs). If not, I'd rather use this money for an additional HDD or other component.
An alternative is to effectively look at e.g. Dell servers, but propositions by our IT guy did not impress.
Is Supermicro any good/reliable? Suggestions welcome.
Thanks for any input/heads-up, ...!
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