Building 1U Rackmounted Servers

[DocSavage]

Hi, I'm setting up a number of servers (1U & 2U) in a rackmount cabinet inside my home. I plan on using the environment (5 single CPU 1U servers + 2 dual CPU servers) as the first stage in a deployment to a web site. In designing my 1U server boxes from scratch, I've run into a few considerations:

1) Power drain since this is running in my apartment. Consequently, I've ruled out the use of 0.18 micron CPUs like the Palomino and P4. The Tualatin seems to be the ticket, and 1.13 GHz + 512 KB cache server versions can be had for less than $250.

2) Form factor considerations. If you use an ATX mobo with integrated LAN + video, do you have problems with the height of memory modules if you want to stick it into a 1U server chassis? I noticed there are some low-height PC133 DIMMs out there, but I'd like to use standard memory if at all possible. Some of the Tyan server mobos allow angled DIMMs, but the one I'm looking at is the Intel 815EBM1 for a single Tualatin. That doesn't seem to have angled modules.

3) Rackmounted KVM? I'm looking at StarTech's Starview 8 port KVM ($260 at buy.com) but would appreciate any suggestions here.

4) Rackmounted UPS? Too bad there isn't one that can draw power from 2 outlets. I'm a bit worried about overloading a commercial plug.

5) Rackmounted Switch? Any 8 port gigabit ethernet switches out there for cheap?

Tentatively, my 5 web/app servers will have: 1U chassis, 1 external DVD, 1 external FDD, 1 20 GB ATA/100 drive, Intel 815EBM1 mobo with 1.13 GHz Tualatin (512 KB cache), 512 MB SDRAM. I guess I could load the windows server OS on a hard drive for one machine and then move it to another chassis.. would save on DVD? I want a DVD vs CD because it's easier management (My MSDN subscription is in DVD form).

My 2 DB servers will have: 1U or 2U (undecided), 1 external DVD, 1 external FDD, 1 Seagate 15k U160 drive, undecided Intel SCB2 mobo or Tyan THunder HEsl-T (both using ServerWorks HE chipset) with two 1.13 GHz Tualatin (512 KB cache), 2 GB+ SDRAM.

I would greatly appreciate suggestions/comments/criticisms on my scheme. Also would love suggestions for decent, cheap 1U/2U chassis that allow my planned specs. Thanks!

 

[Idontcare]

Hi,

I don't know about the rest of your hardware setup, but I swore the 130 nm PIII was the topic of much recent discussion over at RWT regarding the rather copious amount of transistor leakage (i.e. power consumption) these chips have in comparison to their 180 nm bethren. Your logic for choosing this particular processor may be flawed by your assumption that any 130 nm technology node will produce superior products compared to the more mature 180 nm node products. If power consumption is truly your concern then maybe you should be looking at Via's and Transmeta's processors. Just saying...

-Phil

 

[Beau]

Have you considered a few variations of the Appro 1124 or 1224 server series. Pre-assembeled in a nice 1U case. Available with 1 or two processors as well. Give 'em a look

 

[DocSavage]

I had heard some rumblings about a Tualatin problem, but I can't find a reference on the web for it. Any web links to the discussion would be appreciated.

The APPROs are nice, but I have two problems with them: (1) expensive!! the single CPU self-built server will be $850 or less, (2) uses CDs not DVDs.

 

[Idontcare]

Try the BBS Topic Intel's .13 micron process with 50% leakage? at RWT. Good Luck!

 

[DocSavage]

Wow, read the discussion there about leakage currents and the real-world ramifications are beyond me. What does it mean? That Tualatin is a power-sucking pig despite what Intel says about its running temp, etc?

 

[Windogg]

Right now the ServerWorks ServerSet LE3 is my favorite duallie P3 solution. Rockstable and purpose built for servers. Boards like the Tyan Tiger MP come in a variety of configs and support .18m Coppermine or .13m Tualatin. Version come with 2 x U160 SCSI, Promise ATA100 RAID, or no extra controller. The DIMM slots are angled at 45 degrees for 1U use. The package comes with a 64bit PCI riser to add one card. Chances are you will not need to add anything. There is integrated 4MB ATI Rage IIC video and 2 x Intel 10/100 NICs. The latter is perfect for one external NIC plus one for load balancing. Sure the boards cost more than a comparable i815 at around $250 but the extra investment is worth it if you are depending on the system for income. As for memory, it only takes registered ECC modules. Right now they don't cost much more than vanilla PC133 and offer an extra level of security. The boards based on the HE are nice but I don't think the P3 uses enough bandwidth to really need dual channel memory.

APC makes several SmartUPS version that come in rackmount configuration and seem perfect for your use. The SU1400 is 2U and weighs in at around 80lbs. It comes with rails for 2 post or 4 post mounting plus slide rails. Belkin makes nice KVMs but the $260 for the Startech one is a nice price. I am not aware of too many gigabit rackmount switches for cheap but you can cheat a little. Cisco switches like the 2924XL (1U rackmountable) supports fast etherchannel you can bond several cards together and harness their collective bandwidth. The overhead is minimal. Only cavet is that at least one of the NICs must be a management/server adapter. The two onboard the Tyan Tiger MPs are not capable of this. One option is to use the one available PCI slot and putting in a Intel PRO100 Server adapter to control the other two.

Newegg has recently stocked many nice rackmount cases. In the past I've gone to Rackmount Pro for my rackmount needs. Their price are not the lowest but they selection is huge and offer all your cases, cooling, power, and compatible motherboard needs. A good reference point. There are all sorts of prematched motherboard/case combinations with lots of pictures. They run the gamut from basic 1U SIS based solutions to AMD and Intel systems.

Windogg

 

[Idontcare]

DocSavage - that's what I get out of it but I'm no expert either.

Basically it sounds like the 130 nm PIII uses less power than a 180 nm PIII when it is actually doing something (computations) but when it stops doing stuff the 130 nm PIII consumes more power than when a 180 nm PIII stops doing stuff.

So if you want the 130 nm guys for their lower power and your server will have a high cpu usage then you may be on the right track, but don't use them if you want power savings and your server will be idle most the time because you are better of with a lower leakage processor.

-Phil

 

[bigshooter]

I don't think you will have a problem with 5 rack mounted computers, even if one is dually. I had 6 pcs in my old apartment with 2 19" monitors and 2 17" monitors. Your power consumption will go up per month, but you won't drain it. Go with Palaminos. Cheaper and faster.