I need some help, i can not figure out the amd system lineup and what is needed to put together a amd home server for virtualization.
I’m looking into different options for a new server. To “simplify” things I was looking for a cpu with integrated gpu (for jellyfin), ecc memory, matx or atx, 3-4 pcie slots(for hba, network card and maybe a discrete graphics card. Minimum 6 sata ports (preferably 14 so I don’t need my hba card), ipmi is a nice feature to have.
So for a intel system something like a 13500 and a w680 board.
The software I’m using (or are going to use) are proxmox (or similar) truenas scale, home assistant full os, jellyfin, nextcloud and possible more.
What I need some input on a amd alternative, I can not figure out what chipset and cpu (with igpu) that can handle ecc I need to look at. Seems to me that sometimes cpus (with ecc) may or may not handle ecc depending on the chipset but to me I cant see a clear line of products. Anybody got any info that might help??
It can be very tricky ensuring a motherboard actually does support and monitor for ECC failures. You are going to need to look at specific make/model motherboards, find out if they “really” support ECC RAM, and will they report any errors. I would not say it is fool proof that a server motherboard always offers that, you need to check into it. My AMD motherboard does support it (see my NVMe System description) and there are others out there.
When talking about Proxmox and virtualizing TrueNAS, you will not be able to do it properly/safely if you are using just the onboard SATA ports as you will not be able to push the controller through to the VM. You should be aware of things like this before moving forward. There is a resource I believe still that discusses how to virtualize TrueNAS.
If this is news to you, you have a lot to read up on. But as for purchasing an AMD CPU and motherboard, stick to server quality motherboards. You can get away with a gaming system but odds are the ECC RAM will not be actually working unless the motherboard specifically states that ECC RAM is operational.
Download the user manuals for the motherboards you are looking into, and Google can find out a lot of information to help you out. But it all is work. You will regret cutting corners if you want to use Proxmox or ESXi (now free again for home use).
I have tried to look in to manuals and google but many MB:s shows up as ecc but don’t really do if its not a very specific cpu MB combo. What I find most interesting is that I found same cpu and mb combos that did or did not support ecc depending on manufacturer??? Maybe I misread. Ill have to read more about it. Or I go with intel w680, which seem to have what im l looking for (and seems to be more clear if it supports ecc with specific cpu:s). server versions is available of the w680.
What specific should I be looking for to “find out if they “really” support ECC RAM, and will they report any errors.”
it’s been I while since I have build computers and the last one is my server im still using. Nothing wrong as such, it’s getting a bit old, bought it in 2014. 32 gb memory is not really enough for what im want to do with it and I don’t have a slot for a graphics card for jellyfin at the moment.
nja, its not really news about the controllers as I have been virtualizing truenas/freenas for a while since I bought the system I have now. First with esxi for like 8 years and now truenas scale as the hypervisor for home assistant os and windows 10.
I found one card that possible could forward one of the controllers to truenas (asrock w680 ws) as it has two different controllers. One less card (hba) to handle. But that was just I nice to have.
It can be difficult to choose the correct hardware while designing a system. Even my most recent system, I wish I could do over again and make a few small changes. But it’s done and I will live with it for now. One of my big issues is the Asus Case. I liked everything I read about it, but then while handling it, the pop off covers popped off while carrying it. It is a heavy beast and the case was twisted after it hit the ground. I fixed if of course, and found the small piece of metal that broke off and was wedged between the motherboard and metal case. That could have been very tragic. I ended up making two 3D prints to secure the covers so they do not pop off while handling the case. Yes, I had to incorporate a few screws. I’d rather remove screws than pay $2000 USD for a new system. And honestly, I can still pop open the sides of the case.
As for AMD supporting ECC, most of the CPUs do support it and it is very clear on their website, just like Intel, but the issue is, if the manufacture wired it and setup the BIOS for it. I like both AMD and Intel, and I like Cyrex when they were making CPUs (A long long time ago in a land far far away). May the 4th be with you.
One thing about AMD CPUs that incorporate a decent GPU, they tend NOT to support ECC memory. Only the Pro versions of the CPUs support ECC memory, and they are somewhat difficult to find. Generally the Pro CPUs are only available to OEMs.
For example, here is what I mean. First up is the Non-Pro and then the Pro. This shows the Non-Pro does not support ECC and the Pro does. (Expand all and search for ECC.)
Further, the CPUs with full GPUs tend to have a maximum of 8 cores / 16 threads. While you can get a 16 core / 32 thread CPU, it only has a minimal integrated GPU;
@joeschmuck i remember putting month in to my old system researching. and thats what i probably have to do this time around as well.
i have seen the into on amd site about ecc but as you say its more of a motherboard problem if it supports ecc or not and “same” chipset have different support depending on manufacturer .
@Arwen did not notice that the “8700g” existed in a non pro and a pro version, that explains some of my confusion. looks like its easier to go with a intel setup or a simple discrete graphics card
