Big Question... Instead of Renting a Server can I just...

[Silpheed2K]

Build a computer for the purpose of being used as a server and then just send it off to somewhere with access to a 100MB/s connection...
I'm curious to know if I can do that because $179/month sounds pretty steep... well renting servers in general...
I was wondering if there are any more efficient solution that renting servers with 100Mb/s connections?
I'm curious to know.

edit: and yeah I know, building an expensive computer and then sending it off somewhere doesnt sound safe... I'm really just wanting to know if there are better alternatives than renting a server.

[Firewing1]

Sure! You'll want to be looking for specific parts, since otherwise your server will really just be a glorified desktop machine. I haven't really looked into the specifics, but you'll be looking for power savings, RAM, a good CPU and of course a well-ventilated case to prolong the lifetime of your components.
Firewing1

[zackf]

It seems you're thinking more about buying the server and renting the location (co-location)? I have found that good co-lo's have plenty of redundant power and connectivity so if up time is important I think it's a really good way to go.

If you just want to host it yourself you could always use dynamic DNS solution which is free, but obviously if you need the fast connection speed a DSL or cable conneciton at home won't cut it.

As long as you do you research into a location facility I have found them to be pretty secure. Think of it this way: they have a well built (or should be well built) facilities out of flood plains with fire protection and security so actually I would say doing it that sounds safter.

[Silpheed2K]

right but what's the terminology for these places? I've only been getting places where you rent a server.. and if I build my server.. how do I make sure I get it back? I'm curious to know.

To sum it up... how do I find these places and what kind of parts am I looking for?

[Firewing1]

You'd be looking for colocation - essentially, you rent a small space for your server and pay for the Internet link and their other services. Like I said I haven't really looking into the details so I can't really offer any in-depth advice, but I'd imagine they would guarantee that you get your hardware back if you're paying them to use their data center. Wouldn't make much sense otherwise! :eek:

As for the hardware parts, you'll be looking for high-quality hard disks and lots, lots of RAM for caching data. I'd recommend 4 - 8 GB of RAM (DDR2 is dirt cheap these days anyways) from a name brand so that you have a good warranty on them. DDR2 667MHz or 800MHz should do. Remember when putting the server together to install the modules in dual channel mode as well! For the disks, I would a buy a bunch of the enterprise 500GB or 1TB drives and stick them in a RAID array (RAID 1+0 is great for redundancy and speed).

Edit: Check out this (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=8&name=Server-Barebones) page on newegg for server products to help give you an idea of what you'll need. Those are pretty expensive, but it's all relative to what your needs are... If you just need a basic webserver, the "glorified desktop" with a good PSU, enterprise hard disks, lots of RAM and a fast CPU will do. If not, then definitely look into rack servers.
Firewing1

[zackf]

This is just once place we were researching earlier this year. I don't have any business or relation with them other than I spoke with them earlier this year about their services, but it should give you an idea of what to look for.

https://www.caro.net/colocation.php

A lot of these places are by airports so they're high priority on the power grid and have redundant connections that maintain DNS so they have really high up time, and biometric security and all those fun words we like.

[neogranas]

I work for an ISP/co-location/hosting company, but each company is different. The prices can vary, but it's mostly dependent on how much traffic and power your machine uses. If you buy an actual server (a slim one that fits into a rack) it can run at about $30 USD and up for the slot plus the traffic/power usage. If you can find someone that will be able to take a glorified desktop as Firewing suggested, I've found that newegg.com can get you a very nice MSI motherboard that has a FSB of 1066, 8G of ram, an Athalon dual-core, low power and a terabyte drive for about $500. If you watch for deals, and don't need such a large drive, you can get it for under $350. If I could talk the Mrs. into letting me buy a new glorified desktop to use as a server, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[Silpheed2K]

Does anybody know the typical price and amount of bandwidth you get by default?
I keep searching but none of these sites are giving me prices up front.
anybody have a clue or suggestion (the 179 is actually looking like the best solution) http://www.esecuredata.com/Pricing/Servers.aspx (it's the 2nd plan from left to right)

edit: oh and i'm planning to use it as a chat server with thousands of people talking across the bandwidth... so that's what i plan to use it for and its going to be constantly on.

[robert-e]

You might consider hot swapable hard drives, if/when you lose a hard drive.
Bob