Will this be overkill or otherwise not recommended for someone who is new and just starting to learn?
My goal is to have something I can grow into, but initially I'd like to host a few VMs, game servers, and a have place to store content. I'd also like to host a PLEX server in the future as well but might buy a separate piece of hardware for it specifically down the road. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help a newbie!
Where can I get an R740 for $400 with 192GB RAM?
Plenty of 730 https://i.imgur.com/6kyoUdw.png which is WAY better than what OP is looking at. No listings I see currently for dell r740 of that configuration. BUT hear me out. Cisco C240M5 https://i.imgur.com/zgjAVMJ.png don't get too boxed into small company footprint with Dell and HP that due to demand from homelabber sysadmins will be priced higher. Cisco CIMC is hella good and free + Cisco Intersight cloud management for your server
That's an R730 and the Ciscos are all bids, not flash price, if I see it right.
I am not saying this R720 isn't overvalued or that he shouldn't get an R730 instead. I'm saying you are not getting an R740 for this price.