Server Conversion Project: BSoD - Data Center

[Jeep]

Server Conversion Project
BSoD - Data Center

Project Description:
So, a while ago, an XP machine of mine crashed and went to the Blue Screen of Death. Unfortunately, for me, that means losing a lot of Blockland Files, and some vintage data. I was considering just restoring it, but I realized that I don't have the disc, and I could use it for better things. So, I am on a journey to convert it to a corporate-worthy data center.

Current Machine Specs
Dell Dimension 3000
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 (2.8 GHz)
RAM: ~700 MB
RAM Cap: 2 GB
Graphics: Intel Extreme Graphics 2 (pretty much shot for gaming due to age)

Desired Machine Specs
Dell Dimension 3000 - Server
Processor: Intel Xenon 2.5 (Quad Core)
RAM: 2 GB

Software Information
Windows Server 2012 Datacenter (MSRP $4,809)
SQL Server 2012 Enterprise (MSRP $27,000)

My Plan
Since I have some nostalgic Blockland files on this computer, I'm going to need to get my files off of this computer before I can proceed. I'm also formatting the HDD. However, being in a full BSoD, I can't to this with this machine alone. So I pulled my Windows 8 machine to do some data work. The Windows 8 machine is new, so it is using newer technology. To get the HDD to connect to this motherboard, I needed some parts:
Insten 675691 SATA to IDE / IDE to SATA 2-in-1 Converter Cable (MSRP $6.49)
Linkworld 7" 7" convertor from POWER 4 PIN-IDE Female to 15 PIN-SATA Male (MSRP $3.99)

With both of these parts, I will be able to get my old HDD connected to my Windows 8 machine. Once I get my files, I will still need to do some hardware work. I need to bump up my RAM before I can install Server. My processor at the moment should be enough for the time being, so I don't need to worry about that. After I get the software up, I'll work on the processor.

With the processor replaced, I need to get this to be a quiet machine. I'm going to switch over to liquid cooling.

Servers Final Worth
Hardware: ~$250.00
Software: ~$30,000.00
Total: EST $30,250.00

Status:
Waiting for my Newegg parts to come...

[Ad Bot]

[Jeep]

I need some thoughts on this. Am I wasting my time with this machine?

[Trymos]

or if its not a hardware failure boot off of a linux live cd/dvd/usb stick

ill continue with this tommorow, but data recovery could potentially be free if you have a live cd/dvd/flash drive.

[Jeep]

or if its not a hardware failure boot off of a linux live cd/dvd/usb stick

Ehh. I'm skeptical about Linux. Why would one choose Linux over Server?

[allyorbase]

Ehh. I'm skeptical about Linux. Why would one choose Linux over Server?

No need to spend $30,000 on software?

[Jeep]

No need to spend $30,000 on software?

It's all free for me. I'm in Dreamspark :D

[Elecro]

another dell dimension 3000 guy.

*dellfist*

[Kalphiter]

Once again, Microsoft looks like a corporate joke.

[Darkness ZXW]

or you could rent a VPS with better specs for 25-50 years with that $30,000

[Elecro]

also, where the forget did you get 30k?

[Legosuperman64]

also, where the forget did you get 30k?

It's all free for me. I'm in Dreamspark :D

[Elecro]

so if I signed up for that, I could basically built a math gaming computer?

[Jeep]

so if I signed up for that, I could basically built a math gaming computer?

Nop. It's restricted. You pretty much have to be in college.

[Righteous One]

Definitely not worth watercooling. If you really want it to be quiet you could get an "ambient" cooler or more simply one without a fan. It all depends on how many watts of heat it's putting out though. Even if you do that, I would imagine that the harddrive and the power supply will be quite loud as they are old.

[Headcrab Zombie]

What do you plan on using the server for?