[SHjb]

This is my first "official" post... 

Just started collecting the components for a new audio server. This will be the first after living with a modded laptop the past 2 years.

HDPlex H5 case
SuperMicro x11SSQ mobo
Skylake Core i7 3.4Ghz
Crucial DDR4 RAM, 2 x 8GB
Samsung SSD OS drive
WD Green 2TB HD for music, but might go to an SSD later
Paul Pang USB audio card v2

I'm already using a Regen, Supra USB cable and Jitterbug on the laptop so will move those to the new server.

For software I am running, and will also move to the new server, Server 2012 R2, Audio Optimizer, JPlay, JRiver, Fidelizer. I'm considering trying out a RAMdisk app as well, and Process Lasso but not yet sure how well that will work with AO.

This will be my first dedicated server build, although I've built my share of standard desktops, so hopefully all will go well.

This will be a headless unit so I haven't quite come to grips how that will play out during the build and after up and running and maintaining. I'm considering getting a small LED monitor and attaching via HDMI, rather than having to move things around to connect it to my only other monitor, during the BIOS and OS setup phase. Just gave remote desktop a try between my desktop and laptop and know I can transfer music to the server that way.

Any comments about experience with this particular hardware or other shared experiences, guidance, etc. are welcome.

Thanks!

[randytsuch]

IMHO, the power supply is very important for a PC

Are you getting the case with a power supply?  Which one?  Obviously (at least to me) linear is better, but that costs more money too.

I started with a pico fed by a switching supply, then a pico fed by a linear, than full linear, and there were gains in each step.  My linears are home made, and paralleled with batteries.

Oh, and if you are just doing audio on this PC, it will consume MUCH less power than you'd expect.  I remember measuring 20-30 watts for mine a while ago.  I think the numbers are in my pc blog (which is out of date now).

I went with a xeon processor, one of the cheaper ones.

Good luck
Randy

[SHjb]

Yes the power supply, forgot to mention. I have an HDPlex 100W linear power supply on hand already. Plan to use the 12V out to power the HDPlex Hifi 250W  DC-ATX unit mounted in the case. This will power the mobo.

I'll try battery power for the OS SSD and the PPP card once it's up and running.

[Tone Depth]

Are you running Windows for your OS?

Yes the power supply, forgot to mention. I have an HDPlex 100W linear power supply on hand already. Plan to use the 12V out to power the HDPlex Hifi 250W  DC-ATX unit mounted in the case. This will power the mobo.

I'll try battery power for the OS SSD and the PPP card once it's up and running.

[SHjb]

Are you running Windows for your OS?

Server 2012 R2

[randytsuch]

For software I am running, and will also move to the new server, Server 2012 R2, Audio Optimizer, JPlay, JRiver, Fidelizer. I'm considering trying out a RAMdisk app as well, and Process Lasso but not yet sure how well that will work with AO.

I've read that Lasso and AO should compliment each other, the people running Lasso are also the ones that use AO.
They tend to hang our at the jplay forum.

I'm running Server 2012 R2, AO and Jplay, but not Lasso or Fidlelizer yet.

BTW, which ramdisk app are you going to try?
I use players that run out of ram, and haven't tried ramdisk yet.

Randy

[SHjb]

I've read that Lasso and AO should compliment each other, the people running Lasso are also the ones that use AO.
They tend to hang our at the jplay forum.

I'm running Server 2012 R2, AO and Jplay, but not Lasso or Fidlelizer yet.

BTW, which ramdisk app are you going to try?
I use players that run out of ram, and haven't tried ramdisk yet.

Randy

I only know about Primo Ramdisk. They have a free trial so will start with that.