Intel Server Motherboard

The motherboard is the single most expensive component when building a budget 64-bit server. In any environment in which a server is being deployed to manage production responsibilities, don’t skimp and purchase a desktop board. Server-specific motherboards help maximize performance and redundancy (via integrated RAID support).n

nFor this sub-$800 64-bit platform build, I chose an Intel Server Board model S3200SHV. This board supports 800/1066/1333MHz bus speeds, very fast CPU performance (up to a multi-core Intel Xeon 3000 sequence processor), four DIMM slots for DDR2 667/800MHz RAM, gigabit Ethernet, Intel System Management Software 2.0 management support, six SATA ports at 3.0/Gbps with embedded RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10, four PCI buses, PCI Express compatibility and integrated graphics.n

nI paid $239 for this motherboard.

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Dual-Core Pentium CPU

The budget server being built here needs to support a Windows Small Business Server 2008 installation supporting a half-dozen users. In addition to Exchange e-mail service, the server will fulfill print- and file-sharing responsibilities.n

nWith that in mind, a simple 2.5GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core CPU is more than adequate for meeting those needs. Users requiring more horsepower can invest an extra $150 or so for an Intel Xeon processor.n

nI paid $89 for this CPU. I could have obtained it for less via mail-order, but was stuck purchasing locally as I needed to build this server in a hurry over a single weekend.

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Server RAM

Many 64-bit server platforms (Small Business Server 2008, in particular) require a minimum of 8GB of RAM. I purchased two 4GB DDR2 PC2-6400 RAM kits from Crucial to power this box.n

nI paid $116 for this memory.

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Hard Disks

Storage has become quite inexpensive. This 64-bit platform will be built using a pair of 80GB SATA drives (to be deployed in a RAID 1 disk mirroring configuration). An extra 500GB 3.0/Gbps drive will hold user data, which will be automatically backed up off site.n

nAll told, these three hard disks cost less than $200, total.

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Server Case #1

When I first began building this budget server, I cut costs by purchasing this cheap scratch-and-dent case. The box included a low-cost power supply.n

nAlthough the original case and power supply, shown here, cost just $39, it did not work. I only discovered this to be the case after completing the entire install. I later exchanged the case (and power supply) for a better model that cost $99 (more on that in a moment).

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Close Up View Of Original PSU

This power supply was rated for 400 watts. Ultimately, it failed to even turn the motherboard’s cooling fans.

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Motherboard Preparation

Before you can install the server motherboard in the machine’s case, you need to install these server bolts, known as standoffs. These threaded standoffs receive the screws used to secure the motherboard to the server’s chassis.

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The Intel Server Motherboard

Here is the Intel server motherboard, model S3200SHV, in all its glory.

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Motherboard I/O Shield Removal

One more step must be completed before installing the motherboard. The initial metal blank, shown here partially pealed back, must first be removed to accommodate the motherboard’s I/O shield.n

nIf any reader’s know of an easy method for removing these blanks, please share it by posting a comment below. The only method I’ve found to work is to patiently pry the blank away using needle-nose pliers.

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Motherboard I/O Shield Installed

The new I/O shield, included in the Intel server motherboard box, installs from inside the case. Here you can see the I/O shield is installed and the motherboard in place.

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Front Panel Header Connections

Possibly the most trying step, when installing a new motherboard, is connecting the myriad number of front panel header connectors. Here you can see connections use to enable the server’s front power and reset buttons and hard disk and power LEDs.

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Front Panel Header and Other Instructions

Intel includes this handy decal with the server motherboard. In addition to specifying proper front panel header pin locations, the schematic denotes various other critical connections.

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Memory Bays

The Intel server board accepts four RAM chips. They mount in the blue and black bays, shown here toward the top center of the image (and above the silver-finned heat sink).

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RAM Installed

Here’s a look at the RAM once installed in sets of matching pairs. Note neither the CPU nor the CPU cooling fan are yet in place.

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CPU Cooling Fan

An official Intel fan was selected to cool this 64-bit server’s microprocessor. In fact, this cooling fan assembly is included with the boxed Pentium Dual-Core CPU.

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Preparing To Install The CPU

The Intel server motherboard requires zero force to install the CPU. Just release the locking arm, open the lid, remove the black plastic spacer and drop in the new chip.

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CPU Installed

Once the CPU is in place, you need only close the lid and lock the lever in place.

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CPU Fan Installation

Removing a plastic protective (found on the heat sink located beneath the fan assembly unit), reveals a thin, pre-measured amount of thermal grease. This grease serves to encourage proper CPU cooling.n

nThe CPU cooling fan’s power lead must then be connected to the motherboard’s CPU fan port.

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Hard Drive Installation

Here is a close up view of two of the hard disks, once placed inside the original budget server case.

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Case Fan

Inexpensive case fans, such as this Turbo Cool model, help ensure internal case temperatures remain tolerable. Better yet, this model cost only $5.

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Second Server Case

After completing the entire install, the original case failed to power the motherboard. The problem was due either to a faulty power switch or bad power supply lead. I replaced the case with this $99 case.

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Cooling Vents

The new server case boasted not only a more spacious interior, but several additional cooling vents, shown here.

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New Case Rear View

The new case’s rear view shows plenty of space for expansion slots, as well as a liberal rear cooling fan vent.

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New Case With Motherboard Installed

Here’s the new and improved case with the motherboard installed.

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Front Fan Assembly

Since the new case included a large cooling fan in its rear bay, I recycled my existing cooling fan by installing it in the provided front bay location, shown here.

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Mounting The Front Fan

The Turbo Cool case fun must first be mounted within this bracket, included with the computer case, before the fan can be installed in the chassis.

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Front Fan Installed

Here’s a look at the front fan, once installed in its bay within the computer case.

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Installing The Optical Drive

Before installing the optical drive, the corresponding decorative blank must be removed.

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Optical Drive Installed

Because so many software releases are now distributed on DVDs, I chose to install a DVD drive in this server. Originally I’d planned a CD writer/DVD-ROM drive, but chose to keep it simple and proceed with just a DVD-ROM.

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Hard Drives In New Case

When migrating all the components to the new computer case, the hard disks received more space within the chassis. Note, too, the higher quality power supply cabling within the new case.

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New Front Panel Header Connections

After moving the motherboard to the new case, the front panel header wires were among those needing to be reconnected.

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The Completed Server

Here’s the budget server (the middle box), once deployed among a bank of test machines.

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Server In Action

The new budget server I built now powers Windows Small Business Server 2008.

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Total Costs Less Than $775

Here’s a breakdown of the budget server’s final costs. Not counting the OS (as many 64-bit server users may opt for Linux or other alternatives), the hardware expenses proved reasonable. At $766, there’s still plenty of room to accommodate hard disk, CPU or RAM upgrades and keep the price beneath $1,000.

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