How to build a storage server � A step-by-step guide - Part 2

Step 3 - Install CPU and RAM



Install the CPU and it’s cooler. Each CPU is different and each cooler is different, but all are similar in how they fit. Just be careful with the LPGA socket. The pins are in the socket and not the CPU. Do not ever touch these pins, as they will bend or get broken if you touch them. In this instance the customer opted for an Intel Xeon E3-1220V2, which is a 3.1GHz Quad Core CPU. The system is mainly used for data storage and will not be running virtualised, so doesn't require a high specification CPU.


Step 4 - Install add-on cards



Install any add-on cards and applicable cabling. In this instance we installed the LSI 9260-4i RAID controller and an Adaptec U320 SCSI controller. Notice how the RAID controller is installed into Slot 1. This is because the slots nearest to the CPU have th higher bandwidth. We want to give maximum bandwidth to the RAID sub-system and hard drives, so have installed this in Slot 1. Slot 2 in the photos is currently empty, but a Supermicro AOC Dual-Port 10G SFP+ NIC Card will be installed in that slot soon. Again this is installed in Slot 2, as it is the next priority for bandwidth. Finally, in slot 3 is an Adaptec U320 LVD SCSI Controller. This is installed as the customer is using an external tape library, of which most tape devices still use SCSI.

** Check back Wednesday 24th for Part 3! **