Size a server for your business

Suggested server class

Compact tower

Starting assumption for Peter to review

Required usable storage

2,246.4 GB

Minimum local backup target

4,492.8 GB

Drive layout

2 × 4 TB, RAID 1

Raw / nominal usable

8,000 GB / 4,000 GB

Power protection

600 VA at 200 W estimated load

Choose a UPS whose runtime chart gives at least 30 min at 200 W. Runtime depends on the battery and equipment, not the VA rating alone.

The working

1. 1,000 GB × (1 + 20/100)^3 = 1,728 GB projected data.
2. 1,728 GB × 1.3 = 2,246.4 GB required usable storage.
3. 2 × 4 TB, RAID 1: 8,000 GB raw, 4,000 GB nominal usable capacity.
4. 2,246.4 GB × 2 = 4,492.8 GB minimum local backup target.
5. 8 users and 0 VMs suggest a compact tower.
6. 150 W server + 50 W network gear = 200 W estimated load.
7. ceil(200 / 0.9 × 1.25) = 278 VA, rounded up to 600 VA.

Notes

• Sizing rules are a starting assumption for Peter to review. Confirm CPU, memory, application requirements, actual power load and cooling during a site assessment.
• RAID is drive redundancy, not a backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two storage types, one offsite or cloud copy. Test restores.
• Backup retention, change rate and compression need review. The local target is a starting estimate for older versions.
• Drive capacities use decimal TB (1000 GB). Formatting and system overhead reduce available capacity.