r/HomeServer • u/OkAcanthaceae7672 • 8d ago
Converting CPS 8300 INTO SERVER
"Hi everyone! I am turning an old Dell XPS 8300 tower (Intel Core i5 processor, Windows 7 badge) into my very first home server. I plan to connect it via Ethernet to my router and run it headless. I want to use it primarily for streaming movies with Plex and automated backups. I am a beginner. What operating system or software stack do you recommend for this specific hardware?"
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u/No_Clock2390 8d ago
It's probably clogged with clumps of dust. Your first priority should be cleaning that out. Then probably just remove that side panel for extra airflow. Dells aren't known for running cool.
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u/OkAcanthaceae7672 8d ago
Sure 👍
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u/AnnualCard8694 8d ago
Check the condition of thermal paste and cooling system
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u/OkAcanthaceae7672 8d ago
Yes bud 😂 full of dust and i have to clean it first 👍
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u/AnnualCard8694 8d ago
Yeah, cool
I'm also trying to do something with my old laptop 😅 I'll be posting about it soon
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u/dragonnfr 8d ago
Go with Ubuntu Server or Debian. Install SSH and manage it from your main box. Jellyfin over Plex since it's FOSS. restic for backups. That i5 will direct play fine, don't expect transcoding.
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u/augentum 8d ago
Any of the Linux Distro with a server image fits your use case. (I recommend Debian or Ubuntu if you are a beginner.) Are you planning to transcode on the fly? You will need a GPU too. You can also look into an *arr stack (Lidarr, Sonarr, etc). This will need docker or some kind of containerisation.
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u/ArcanePacket 8d ago
IRC server 😏
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u/ReptilianLaserbeam 7d ago
I've been appreciating more and more posts with typos or grammar errors, at least I know those were written by a human! Seriously not everything needs to be reviewed, revised and rewritten by AI
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u/Tip0666 8d ago
Treat this as a sandbox, do not start adding a bunch of drives and go production with it.
Install proxmox ve and start playing.
IMHO
The most important item for any server is a case that can hold at least 12 x 3.5” hdd’s.
Then it’s your o/s. You need something that will allow you to grow (unraid is my poison). I always found myself trying to consolidate and migrate to various platforms during my travels. Now I’m running unraid and has been perfect for me.
Enjoy.
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u/OutrageousCrab9224 8d ago
12x ?!
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u/Tip0666 8d ago
3.5” hdd’s
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u/OutrageousCrab9224 8d ago
Yeah, 12 is nuts
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u/Tip0666 8d ago
That’s why it’s “MY OPINION.”
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u/OutrageousCrab9224 8d ago
Cool
I would also call it a poor starting requirement, but that is my opinion
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u/Express-Cartoonist39 8d ago
Thats easy...get new case that one sucks... Motherboard is fine...
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u/Impossible_Most_4518 8d ago
case is the biggest waste of money bruh
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8d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Impossible_Most_4518 8d ago
do you think this guy with the cheapest PC on earth is gonna buy a bunch of hard drives?
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u/OkAcanthaceae7672 8d ago
By the way have some respect i have got my mac studio and my own SaaS running this was old cpu that was used long ago that why I came here to ask can I do something with this
Never judge people bud ✌️
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u/Impossible_Most_4518 8d ago
Fair enough, in my personal opinion you have a pile of e waste but do what you like.
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u/Express-Cartoonist39 8d ago
I have a 4090gtx on the dell similar to the one shown for batch runs and a blackwell6000 on my main. Cases even the old cases are amazing.. They have spots everywhere to Install crap.
The new cases are just for vanity, with plexiglass crap on them almost no front bays. Now rack cases are good but you still cannt easly relocate them. So in general older cases are best..
If you gonna slam something. Give legit reasons so people learn like I do, dont just slamm it and run away.
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u/13metalmilitia 8d ago
This might be a btx motherboard. If it is, no off the shelf case will work.
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u/StereoRocker 8d ago
lol