This is a one-off requirement for a call-recorder. The ISDN30 interfaces are designed to be mounted in a full-depth 5.25" drive bay (like a full-size CD drive) and we'll need two of them, in addition to two disks running in a RAID 1 configuration. OS will be Windows Server 2008. We only need 8GB memory and relatively modest processing power, but a reasonable amount of disk space for the recordings cache.

This would be trivial if I could spec a tower, but it needs to go in a rack and space is tight. I guess we can squeeze 4U but less is better.

As always, the budget is non-existent. Any specific recommendations? Old models off eBay will be seriously considered - as will anything with a suitable chassis I can hack something into!

Thanks

Actually, just realised I have a 3U 486DX in the garage which exactly meets the requirements, apart from every single aspect of the actual hardware

*plans a fun Sunday with a hammer and chisel - That new board will fit damn it!! *

Also found somewhere that will build it for us, which is cool: http://www.xcase.co.uk/X-Case-RM-204-Sh ... rm204s.htm

I'd still much prefer a "puka" solution from the likes of HP with proper RAID monitoring and shiz if anyone has suggestions though.

Hmm... still looking, and self-build looks like the most likely option.

Any thoughts on the RAID solution? I just read this on technet: "Even if circumstances force you to use what is an essentially desktop system, avoid using the built-in RAID on the motherboard, except as a simple SATA controller. Acceptable, uncached, stand-alone RAID controllers are reasonably priced and will provide far better performance and reliability. If your budget is so limited that even that is too much, use Windows Server 2008's built-in software RAID."

Is on-board RAID really so bad that software is a better option?

Onboard raid on PC's is a software solution anyway.
Self build may be the only option as all the newer servers either don't have a CDROM or use a laptop size drive.

Have you asked the guys over at xcase? They make reasonably priced custom servers

Yes it was xcase I'm talking to - I'm quite impressed so far, so it looks like the way to go.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-BLACK-4U-RACKMOUNT-SERVER-CASE-FRONT-USB-PORT-/350312750851?pt=UK_Computing_Networking_SM&hash=item5190445f03

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=hp+ml350+g5&_sacat=1484&_sop=16&Brand=HP&LH_PrefLoc=1&_dmpt=UK_Computing_Networking_SM&_odkw=hp+ml350+g6&_osacat=1484&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

4U servers modest C2D/C2Q processors, but the cheaper models will need investment in the form of drives and RAM, also from 'the bay'. Bonus is that the drives/RAID are SATA/SAS compatible so you might be able to get away with bog standard high capacity 5400RPM 2.5" drives.

The ML350's take up 5u I think with the rack kit on them. You'll also need the hp caddies to fit the 2.5" drives in them.

Ah, ...the rack kit d'oh. Not really, you just pull two of the 72GB SAS drives and replace the drives with higher capacity drives. Quick play about with the RAID BIOS and you're sorted. Most of the listed items had multiple drives in them.

Thanks for the links. That first one is absolutely identical to the 486 I have in the garage

I'm definitely going with the 2u from xcase now though.