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How to Use a Server As a Home Computer

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Relatively low-cost servers can be bought through online auctions and offline through brokers that sell hardware that big companies need to upgrade. However, server manufacturers create those products with a server room in mind and do not consider a home office application. One of the primary challenges when a server needs to be converted to a home computer is to lower the noise level. The cooling system of a server is very noisy and needs to be toned down. Other challenges are casing, storage and connection to a monitor.

Step 1

Open the case with a screwdriver and clean the various parts. Use a compressed air can to blow the dust out of the computer. Power up the server and check for what fans make noise and measure them using a metric ruler or convert into centimeters.
Step 2

Search online and look for low-noise fans of the same size with a similar CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. After receiving the new fans, install them in place. Turn on the server to test the level of noise reduction.
Step 3

Look at the server serial number or service tag and go online to the manufacturer's website. Check what type of hard drive controller they use. If they use SCSI, then download the driver of the hardware for the operating system that you want to install.
Step 4

Install the operating system you chose and insert the driver floppy disc or CD when prompted. Continue the installation process by following the on-screen instructions.

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CD or floppy drive
CD or floppy drive
If the hard drives are noisy, check the server specifications to see if they would accept PATA or SATA drives. If they do, and most will, then buy a consumer hard drive and install it on the server to have a low-noise storage system. Servers will usually have a VGA port to connect to a display. While adequate, they usually provide lower quality images than DVI on LCD screens. Check the server details to see if it can accept PCI, AGP or a PCI-E video card. If it does, then buy a video card with a DVI port. If you choose to replace SCSI hard drives with a PATA or SATA, you can remove the old drives and put them back on Ebay or try to sell them on computer hardware forums such as hardOCP.com or anandtech.com. Servers can come pre-installed with a server operating system. Be sure that the license of that system is included if you want to use it.
If the hard drives are noisy, check the server specifications to see if they would accept PATA or SATA drives. If they do, and most will, then buy a consumer hard drive and install it on the server to have a low-noise storage system.
Servers will usually have a VGA port to connect to a display. While adequate, they usually provide lower quality images than DVI on LCD screens. Check the server details to see if it can accept PCI, AGP or a PCI-E video card. If it does, then buy a video card with a DVI port.
If you choose to replace SCSI hard drives with a PATA or SATA, you can remove the old drives and put them back on Ebay or try to sell them on computer hardware forums such as hardOCP.com or anandtech.com.
Servers can come pre-installed with a server operating system. Be sure that the license of that system is included if you want to use it.
Some older servers will contain hardware not supported by the latest generation of operating systems.
Some older servers will contain hardware not supported by the latest generation of operating systems.