Recommend a cheap server to run MS Server 2012R2?
 

I want to setup a lab to run MS Server 2012 Standard edition. I'm setting up a lab to learn on. I've decided to update my MCSE, and while there is convoluted path through the 2008 certs to upgrade, I'm going to start fresh and do all the 2012 exams.

I can pick up Dell R220s for about $600 each, but it seems silly to buy new. Can anyone recommend a used server that will run 2012 R2 cleanly?

Do you need a physical server? Why not run it in a vm on an existing machine?

Thought about that. I think that will work for the basics. But what's going to happen I try and run Hyper V on virtualized servers? Not sure if that even possible, and if it is, I'm willing to bet it will crawl. I guess in a lab with zero load on anything, it may not matter. I've got a Dell 2650 with 2GB of ram. Easy to expand memory.

You can nest hyper-v on ESX 5 and 5.1 but not practically done with Hyper-v on Hyper-v (you can install the role but you cannot run vm's). I would build up a nice server with esx and create a virtual lab. I have 25 vm's on one ml350 4 core cpu and the response is more than acceptable for a lab environment.

.....and of course I fail to take into account that I'm running an x32 OS. Server 2012 VHDs won't mount (x64 only).

I would suggest reading through the minimum hardware requirements for the server software and then check on Craigslist and/or local swap meets were computers may be sold. I think the new versions of Windows require some pretty stout hardware? In older versions, before I retired, we used to install it and then Oracle database software on top so we could demo the aircraft repair software.

Try the Dell Factory Outlet. the T110 series is pretty good. They will hold plenty of drives and ram as you ramp up your project.

If I may ask, why are you going to renew your MCSE? I dropped mine after Server 2003. Our clients are much more interested in competence over credentials.

I've been out of the field for a while, trying to get back in. I'm doing it to provide myself with a framework for upgrading my skill set. I don't give the certs much credence. That said, I have been surprised at the number of companies who ask for certs for new candidates.

Btw, I'm buying a Dell 2950 gen III. They're cheap and plentiful.

You should be able to pickup a cheap HP or Dell server off local sales board, I sell them all the time...

IMO, the 2950's may be the best platform Dell has built to date. Was sorry to see it replaced.

Amazing. Dell 2950 Server III 2x 3.16GHz X5460 Quad Core 8GB 2x146GB, delivered to my door for $315.

Good deal. There are tons of those things around, I've seen them used for everything from 'custom' security appliances, db servers... you name it.