Server requirements

Thinking way ahead, a few questions come to mind... For instance, what kind of server could succesfully deploy a Unity 3D game. And the reason for this question is that even simple servers tend to use exotic hardware and software that it is usually not compatible with the one found in PCs. Hence, making a server running 4 cpu's with 64 GB of ram and 6 TB of disk space is not too expensive; finding a graphic card with enough power to render (or play) the game it is, however, something quite distinct: you should check first which video cards are compatible with what servers and then see if everything else fits.

In the other hand, old servers are inexpensive (you could get a 4 Opteron, 16 GB of RAM and super fast drive for what it cost a family dinner at McDonals). You certainly wouldn't be able to host thousands of players, but it would serve as a "proof of concept" before starting dispensing cash with both hands.

The other alternative that comes to mind is have a top of the line PC retrofitted with an exotic video card and using it as a server...

• Question 1: Does the server needs to be able to play the game in order to serve it?

• Question 2: What server configuration specs would be required for 10 concurrent players?

• Question 3: And for 100 concurrent players?

Thank you for your input...