PC for games server

[Stu DemonD]

Ok, I am currently running a games server on this PC most nights - CounterStrike Source - usually 6 vs 6 and using the Source Dedicated Server.

However, this isn't always ideal, and have tinkered with the standalone server as well, which got me thinking...

...I have a spare P4 2.8GHz 800FSB Northwood CPU here. Now, if I was to buy a s478 mobo, 512MB of RAM, a case/PSU [350W be enough?], 80GB HDD [either SATA or IDE] and a DVD-Rom, would this be good enough to run as a standalone server?

Speccing up the bits on eBuyer, I could buy this:

Mobo with onboard GFX http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/126187/rb/27815024203 £27.13

512MB RAM http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/46420/rb/27815060527 £19.56

80GB HDD SATAII ok with that mobo? OR should I go for ATA/100? http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/112116 £23.74

PSU with SATA, P4, etc http://www.ebuyer.com/product/120674/product_info/rb/27815201861 £10.20

Case http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119592 £11.90

DVD - Half height??? http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/90732 £8.53

That comes to around £100 NET.

I already loads of cables, spare keyboard and mouse, etc. As for monitor, the iiyama I have has dual inputs, so can use the spare VGA port for this PC, and then use INPUT button to swap between the two PCs.

Still in 2 minds whether to do it - having another PC/HDD on the network [I would wire it straight into the router] would be fine, and probably used more than just for a gaming server[handy backup drive, plus even store additional media on it for streaming to Xbox]

Any thoughts? Have I missed anything? [ignore o/s ] Should I amend the above items? Would it be enough to run a server on without any discernable lag issues?

 

[MiG]

No.

For one, the upload speed of your connection will need to be around 10mbps minimum i would reckon, to make sure your net is not shafted over.

Depends on the tick rate of the server as well, a decent 100tick server will shift around 100kb/s a second upload pretty easily with 10 players, which is a 1mbit upload conneciton.

Also, Most servers need to be a lot more powerful than the one your speccing.
I'd say dual core would be a must personally, with a Gig of ram.. the pentium D's must be going dirt cheap now surely ?

I think the internet connection will kill you a lot more than the computer will hold you back.

 

[Stu DemonD]

Ok, but it isn't a problem at the moment - I am running a server on the same machine I am playing it on - that is 6 vs 6 [granted, includes a few bots ] - and no LAG. Tick rate is only 33 though.

Also, this is a closed private server, not for the general public.

And this PC is a 3.2GHz P4. This is why I thought I would try and utilise my spare 2.8GHz.

 

[MiG]

Ok, but it isn't a problem at the moment - I am running a server on the same machine I am playing it on - that is 6 vs 6 [granted, includes a few bots ] - and no LAG. Tick rate is only 33 though.

Also, this is a closed private server, not for the general public.

And this PC is a 3.2GHz P4. This is why I thought I would try and utilise my spare 2.8GHz.

I dunno then.. everytime i've tried running the dedicated server it has munched a considerable amount of bandwidth more.

You using the dedicated server tool ?

 

[Stu DemonD]

I dunno then.. everytime i've tried running the dedicated server it has munched a considerable amount of bandwidth more.

You using the dedicated server tool ?

Currently, I am using the Server found within the Steam-->Tools option.

Although I have also downloaded the stand-alone option as well - maybe worth running that on this PC [only need to copy across a few .cfg files, plus the mani admin tools, etc] and see if the machine lags up.

Ah, found this:

http://support.steampowered.com/cgi...XNlcnZlciByZXF1aXJlbWVudHM*&p_li=&p_topview=1

:chin:

Seems to imply standalone takes up more bandwidth, 1.5x more, if I read that correctly.

 

[MiG]

Currently, I am using the Server found within the Steam-->Tools option.

Although I have also downloaded the stand-alone option as well - maybe worth running that on this PC [only need to copy across a few .cfg files, plus the mani admin tools, etc] and see if the machine lags up.

Ah, found this:

http://support.steampowered.com/cgi...XNlcnZlciByZXF1aXJlbWVudHM*&p_li=&p_topview=1

:chin:

Seems to imply standalone takes up more bandwidth, 1.5x more, if I read that correctly.

I knew i was right

On my old 256k upload, i could hold around 3/4 players including myself, with 100ms Ping times, not good.

Wat upload speed do you have btw ? can't be that good being britain and all

 

[Stu DemonD]

Currently just under 500kbps BUT hopefully once VM upgrade, should go up to 768kbps.

I presume bots take up the same bandwidth as a normal player OR not?

 

[MiG]

Currently just under 500kbps BUT hopefully once VM upgrade, should go up to 768kbps.

I presume bots take up the same bandwidth as a normal player OR not?

I would imagine so, maybe a little more due to saying daft phrases all the time ect ect

768kbps should be OK i suppose..

 

[Stu DemonD]

Well, was playing it last night, 10 vs 10 [2 players, 18 bots, lol] and no lag at all - although still need to test it on the srdcs server.

Tried 16 vs 16, but no way, laaaaaaaag.........