captainwin
n00b
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2013
- Messages
- 17
My objective is to put together a server that can host graphically demanding content for low end devices over LAN. I want friends to be able to bring their own low end laptop and experience high end gaming. Additionally, I want a device with the minimal specs necessary to create a seamless remote PC user experience via my HDtv and monitor. The system overall should be able to support between 2 and 4 concurrent users. I have an MSDN VS ultimate account, and so I have virtually unlimited licenses to all Microsoft products, if that helps.
I'm able to spend up to $1500 on the server, and however much is necessary on other devices - such as mini pc, thin client, or zero clients for the HDtv and monitor. Though, cheaper is always better.
The technologies I've researched that might help accomplish my goal are Citrix HDX, Microsoft RemoteFX, and Ericom Blaze Server. Below, I've linked an older article that outlines the differences between HDX and RemoteFX. I think HDX meets my needs, and so I would want a host and client devices that meet the criteria needed to take advantage of HDX. Ericom is optional, but my testing on windows azure showed enormous increases in remote desktop responsiveness. I'm not even sure if I can get a single license for Ericom, but the trial seemed very promising for this kind of setup and so I wanted to mention it.
http://www.brianmadden.com/blogs/br...0/28/citrix-hdx-3d-vs-microsoft-remotefx.aspx
I've also researched thin/zero client products from HP, Dell, Ncomputing, Centerm, Fujitsu, 10zig, and ThinLinX. I've also looked at mini-pc options, which are dramatically cheaper than zero and thin clients. However, I would like to understand how such a cheap device can deliver a desktop-like experience. Overall, the product that advertises compatibility with HDX and also has reasonable price point is Ncomputing's N500. You can get one for $100 to $175. That seems kind of steep, so I'm hoping there's something better available.
I've read all of the content on this forum regarding virtualized gaming, which is really my most important goal. The results people have achieved seem to vary; with some having success even using mediocre configurations. I read about the mouse problems with remotefx, and that's absolutely not tolerable. So, I'm hesitant to start buying things before I know how everything will interact.
Here's the server configuration I'm considering:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Performer 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($148.47 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($107.95 @ Mac Connection)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($107.95 @ Mac Connection)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Wired Network Adapter: Intel EXPI9402PT 10/100/1000 Mbps PCI-Express x4 Network Adapter ($72.84 @ Compuvest)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE 90 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1618.47
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-27 00:15 EST-0500)
Can I get some ideas about different products I might be able to use? Will my hardware selection play nice with remoting? Thanks in advance!
I'm able to spend up to $1500 on the server, and however much is necessary on other devices - such as mini pc, thin client, or zero clients for the HDtv and monitor. Though, cheaper is always better.
The technologies I've researched that might help accomplish my goal are Citrix HDX, Microsoft RemoteFX, and Ericom Blaze Server. Below, I've linked an older article that outlines the differences between HDX and RemoteFX. I think HDX meets my needs, and so I would want a host and client devices that meet the criteria needed to take advantage of HDX. Ericom is optional, but my testing on windows azure showed enormous increases in remote desktop responsiveness. I'm not even sure if I can get a single license for Ericom, but the trial seemed very promising for this kind of setup and so I wanted to mention it.
http://www.brianmadden.com/blogs/br...0/28/citrix-hdx-3d-vs-microsoft-remotefx.aspx
I've also researched thin/zero client products from HP, Dell, Ncomputing, Centerm, Fujitsu, 10zig, and ThinLinX. I've also looked at mini-pc options, which are dramatically cheaper than zero and thin clients. However, I would like to understand how such a cheap device can deliver a desktop-like experience. Overall, the product that advertises compatibility with HDX and also has reasonable price point is Ncomputing's N500. You can get one for $100 to $175. That seems kind of steep, so I'm hoping there's something better available.
I've read all of the content on this forum regarding virtualized gaming, which is really my most important goal. The results people have achieved seem to vary; with some having success even using mediocre configurations. I read about the mouse problems with remotefx, and that's absolutely not tolerable. So, I'm hesitant to start buying things before I know how everything will interact.
Here's the server configuration I'm considering:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Performer 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 990FX Extreme4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($148.47 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($107.95 @ Mac Connection)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($107.95 @ Mac Connection)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($305.66 @ Newegg)
Wired Network Adapter: Intel EXPI9402PT 10/100/1000 Mbps PCI-Express x4 Network Adapter ($72.84 @ Compuvest)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE 90 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1618.47
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-27 00:15 EST-0500)
Can I get some ideas about different products I might be able to use? Will my hardware selection play nice with remoting? Thanks in advance!