Tower Server/Desktop for Small Business Network Hardware Recommendations

dave1234 on 28/11/2023 - 06:23
Last edited 28/11/2023 - 06:23

Hi I need hardware recommendations on a desktop or tower server for a 4 computer network for a dental practice.

The practice management software company has suggested a dedicated medium spec desktop for the server will suffice. I'm planning on having one computer in each treatment room, one in reception an image server and a dedicated tower server with an uninterrupted power supply (Cyberpower?) and 5x 1tb backup hard drives (one for each working day of the week).

I'm not familiar with the hardware for servers and specs of their processors (Xeon?) or what to spend? Is it possible to use a normal tower desktop for the server with a larger case?

I was hoping to get the dedicated server for under 3K (Server + UPS + 6x 1tb Solid state Hdds), is that achievable with a reasonably performing system?

System requirements are below, thanks for your time.

  1. Computers and Operating System
    Software will work on any computer running Windows Professional version 10, 11 and Windows server operating system.
    7.1.Workstations
    It is preferable to have computers with fast multi core processors, 8 gigabyte or more of RAM and a graphics card that supports the direct X imagining specifications. An Intel i5 processor or greater is recommended.
    Solid State Dives (SSD) are highly recommended for speed and reliability.
    Adobe PDF viewer should be installed and set at the default pdf program.
    Minimum Screen resolution is 1920 X 1080.

7.2. Server
A dedicated server is recommended for speed and reliability. The server can either run Microsoft server operating system or for smaller networks (less then 10 computers) any supported version of Windows Professional such as Windows professional 10 or 11. The server would benefit from having 16 or more gigabytes of RAM though 32 is recommended if other software is used on the same server such as X-Ray and imaging software.

Where space is limited and only a small number of computers (less then 5) are connected to the network, one of the least utilised workstations could be used as a combined server / workstation.
Where possible a dedicated server is preferable.
An uninterruptible power supply battery backup (UPS) must be installed for the server.

  1. Backups
    Robust and automated backup procedures are essential. It is the clients responsibility to ensure patient and practice data is backed up.
    Two folders will need to be backed up. The first is the Software database folder the second is the Software image and Documents folder.
    It is strongly recommended that multiple backups are in place. We recommend one backup drive for each day the practice is open.
    Backups should be tested on a regular basis.

Q. How long do backups take?
A. The time of the backup is determined by the amount of patient information stored including the size and quality of patient photos, X-Rays and documents.
A. The Database folder usually takes five to 10 minutes to backup.
A. The DentalData folder can takes between 15 minutes to more an hour, depending the number of images and documents and the size of these files.
Q. Can I backup to the cloud?
A. A cloud backup is suitable for a secondary backup in addition to local backups. Do not use a cloud backup as your only backup method. When storing patient data in the cloud, it is essential to ensure Australian legal requirements for storing of medical records are met. This may include ensuring the cloud servers are located in Australia.

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • geekcohen on 28/11/2023 - 07:13
    +2

    Sounds like you need to get an MSP to take care of all of this and do a proper configuration.

    On a side note, for a dedicated server, look at Synology solution that will be better than trying to build your own server plus has heaps of other features in terms of backups etc that will serve you well. Unless the practice management software requires a Windows OS?

  • GordonD on 28/11/2023 - 10:04
    +3

    If you think the right people to ask to build a mission-critical computer network for a business is the contributors to a bargain web site, you shouldn't be doing it. You should be leaving the job to someone with appropriate expertise and experience. They would have done this lots of times, and would know the answers to all these questions.

  • AwesomeAndrew on 28/11/2023 - 10:25
    +1

    It's possible to use a normal PC as a server. However you'll find that buying a legit windows server key can be very expensive. I got mine for free from azure students. You can buy Windows Server 2022 Essentials for $872 from the Microsoft Store and you can buy Windows 11 Pro for $219 preinstalled with the PC. The differences between server and regular editions of windows from my experience are:
    1. Windows server is more stable and crashes less often than Windows 11.
    2. Windows server comes with less bloatware preinstalled.
    3. Windows server has more advanced functionality such as Active Directory.
    4. Windows server requires more manual setup such as installing drivers while Windows 11 is more plug and play.
    5. Some software checks the windows edition that it's running on and may refuse to run on the "wrong" version. Most software runs fine on both.
    For your use case I'd recommend Windows 11 Pro.

    For the server you will not be able to get a Xeon for under $3k. Intel Xeon CPUs have bas performance per dollar, and if you need one you should really be looking at AMD Threadripper instead as they are much better value. The main reason people get these CPUs are because they have been validated by software vendors, they need more than 16 cores, they are looking for a computer with a large amount of PCIE lanes to add graphics, storage, networking etc, or they need ECC ram for increased computer reliability. I believe none of these applies to you.

    For the server you can probably buy a gaming PC for $1000 and upgrade the memory yourself to 32GB, which will cost around $50-100. If you choose to buy the suggested PC you will need to find a 2x8GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM kit for the upgrade. For a UPS, you will need one with a higher wattage (not volt amp) rating than the wattage of the power supply installed in the computer. A model to consider is the CyberPower Value Pro 1600VA for $300 which is rated 960W and will give you a runtime of 43 minutes assuming a power draw of 200W.

    For your backups you can get the Crucial BX500 1TB for around $75 each and add a USB enclosure for $11.

    So the total cost is 219(windows)+1000(PC)+100(ram upgrade)+300(UPS)+6x75(SSD)+6x11(enclosure) = $2135

  • galtaforce on 28/11/2023 - 11:32
    +1

    supports the direct X imagining specifications

    Is this from the software vendor? Hilarious.

    Regardless, this is a mission-critical business service. You need proper advice from people that do this for a living.

  • dave1234 on 28/11/2023 - 13:19

    Thanks for the responses, I'm waiting to hear from the software company about local IT support for the setup but I have no idea about servers so wanted to see what I'm up for setup wise.

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