Hi, I am thinking of buying a second hand dell optiplex 7040 with i5 8th gen and using it as a 24/7 server running various services, mainly scrapping web pages and some web/API servers.
My needs here, are good networking capabilities and enough processing power to parse html documents. I used to do this using a raspberry PI but the limited memory was causing me issues that defy the purpose of “run it leave it” aspect i am looking to achieve.
These mini systems seem very unintrusive and rather cheap (not by much tbh, getting a broken screen laptop seems a cheaper choice tbh, yet…), So i want to know if they can run 24/7 while keeping responsiveness and without crashing on me randomly.
I will be running the most barebone version of linux, with intent of ssh access only and the graphical output for occasional debugging.
If someone has any experience with these systems, i would love to hear from you
I have a Dell Precision 3430 SFF with an i5-8500. If you can find a Precision for slightly more than the Optiplex I would go for that as they are generally more robust with better expansion options and less proprietary connectors. LGA 1151 is a good platform with lots of viable CPU choices, I would look for a -T processor for a home server (8500T would be perfect) but even the regular i5 systems should idle under 20W. I’m looking to go the opposite and upgrade mine to a i7-9700 at some point.
There is also a lot of useful literature on most Dell products especially the Precision line, try to google search for a full service manual for whatever your looking at. Check the motherboard section for the location of connectors, memory and storage expansion, PCIe and USB connectors, etc.
Honestly DELL’s business-y line up is alright, their gaming Alienware stuff is utter trash though. Haven’t tried new improve Alienware though, they switched to a better airflow design. Be aware of their proprietary power supply connector.