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Windows 11 File Server
This is our parts list for a dependable small business file server. It runs Windows 11 Pro and stores your files on a mirrored pair of 12TB drives. If one drive fails, your data survives on the other. It's the setup we build for offices that need shared files in one safe place without paying for a full Windows Server setup.
Every part here was picked for long service life and quiet, cool operation. The build totals around $2,800 depending on current prices, and it will serve a small office for years.
File Server Parts List
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
The brain of the server. This chip has 18 cores, which is far more muscle than file sharing alone needs. That headroom matters: the server stays fast while it runs backups, virus scans, and updates in the background, and it leaves room to grow into new jobs later.
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CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
A server runs all day, every day, so cooling is not optional. This dual-tower cooler keeps the processor cool and quiet around the clock. It's one of the best values in cooling, period.
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Motherboard: ASUS Prime B860-PLUS WiFi
A solid, no-nonsense board that matches our processor pick. It has four SATA ports for storage drives, fast 2.5Gb wired networking for quick file transfers, and built-in WiFi as a backup. ASUS Prime boards have been reliable workhorses for us for years.
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Memory: Corsair Vengeance RS DDR5 32GB (2 x 16GB)
32GB of DDR5 memory gives the server plenty of room to handle many users opening files at once. Windows also uses spare memory to speed up repeat file access, so more memory means a snappier server for everyone in the office.
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Boot Drive: Samsung 990 PRO 1TB NVMe SSD
Windows lives on this drive, separate from your file storage. Keeping the system on its own fast SSD means the server boots quickly, updates cleanly, and never slows down your shared files. Samsung's PRO line is the one we trust for machines that can't be down.
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Storage: WD Red Plus 12TB NAS Hard Drive
These are the file drives, and they're the heart of the build. WD Red Plus drives are made for 24/7 duty in storage servers. The mirrored pair gives you 12TB of protected space, which is a huge amount of room for business documents.
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Power Supply: Corsair RM750e 750W
A quality power supply protects everything else in the box. The RM750e is efficient, quiet, and runs well below its limit in this build, which is exactly where you want a power supply that works all day. Clean, stable power also helps hard drives live longer.
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Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2
A roomy full tower built for server duty. It has mounting room for a whole stack of hard drives, so your storage can grow without replacing the case. The all-mesh panels keep air moving across the drives, and cool drives are happy drives.
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Case Fans: Arctic P14 PWM PST (5 Pack)
Five quiet 140mm fans to fill out the case. We set them up for steady front-to-back airflow over the hard drives. Arctic fans are cheap, quiet, and last for years, which makes this five pack an easy pick.
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Battery Backup: CyberPower 1500VA Sinewave UPS
Never run a server without one. If the power blinks or goes out, this battery backup keeps the server running long enough to shut down safely instead of corrupting your files. It also smooths out surges and sags that wear hardware down over time.
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Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (OEM)
Windows 11 Pro is the piece that turns this hardware into a file server. Pro gives you the business features Home leaves out: joining a company network, remote desktop access, BitLocker drive encryption, and proper control over user permissions on shared folders.
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We build, configure, and install file servers for businesses across Solano County. Call for a phone quote or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this build need two 12TB drives?
The two drives run as a mirrored pair. Every file is written to both drives at the same time, so if one drive fails, your data is still safe on the other. One drive alone gives you no protection.
Will you build and set this server up for my business?
Yes. We build, configure, and install file servers on-site across Solano County, including shared folders, user permissions, and backups.
Is Windows 11 Pro really enough for a file server?
For most small offices, yes. Windows 11 Pro handles shared folders, user accounts, and drive mirroring without the cost of Windows Server. If your office grows past roughly 20 connected devices, we can help you move up to Windows Server.