Home Gaming Server Build

[JBuzzman69]

I want to build a home gaming server.I have a Lian-Li PC 70b and a PC Power & Cooling 1000watt ps for a start.

What would be my best approach to this build? Dual Xeons, Duo-Core? Oh yes, I would like to go Intel and onboard video is acceptable, as this will be a dedicated server only. 8mb or more ram? ECC or non is ok? I plan on ArcaSimRacing,Lock-On and Teamspeak or Ventrilo as only loaded games and comms in server.

I have 1.5Mb upload and 5Mb down cable connection.I will share this with 3 computers.1-Gaming Server 1-My Gaming rig and 1-Wifes surfing and eBay.
Is this going to be acceptable?

I am completly new at this server build.Any suggestions are welcome.

[James]

For an initial home build I would suggest something like the following:

Intel Q35 chipset (workstation boards)
Dual or Quad Core 2.2GHz or higher Intel CPU
4-8GB of RAM (2x2GB or 4x2GB), non-ECC is fine
2 SATA hdd's in RAID1 You may be tempted to use a different RAID to get more performance, but for starters, try RAID1, as it will ensure data integrity.

In all honesty, the PCP&C is way overpowered for a basic server. 100-200w will more than likely be your operating power envelope. A 380 or 430w PSU might serve you better, as it will be closer to working at peak efficiency than the 1000w PSU will.

VENTILATION!!!

You will want a good aftermarket CPU HSF unit, and you'll want to look into upgrading the fans in your case. Since you are working with 80mm fans, you may have to sacrafice quiet for cool, as something that runs 24/7 needs to be kept cool at all times.

Finally, your bandwidth should in theory be enough, depending on how many players you have on the server, etc. However, the first thing to do is check with your ISP to see what their policy is on hosting servers on a "residential" service. You may find that they do not allow it.

[ChaosEnsues]

Also, you'll want a Static IP address, so people can easily find your server. You can do some minor server work without your ISP getting suspicious, but running a game server may be against the rules and they might notice, so you might want to check for that as well as the static IP.

I'm using my roommate's old P4 Shuttle system as a TF2 server and the CPU never goes above 10-20%, so you don't need a whole lot. It's mostly about your bandwidth and ping. If anyone wants to play it's "[UCLA] Team Fortress 2 - Rotation" at 169.232.92.85

Luckily I'm on the school's network so it's practically an unlimited connection speed and the ping is almost nonexistent (<15ms to any server in CA), and the network admins have no problem with it (hooray for being the birthplace of the internet).