Building a Server...

[REDtoLINE]

I am about to build a server, and wanted some help with what i should buy. First off, i know i probably would like to go with AMD here, unless you feel very strongly that i should use Intel instead, at first i was happy and sane i might add when i just decided to go with a Single Opteron setup, but my friend insisted that i use my new server for gaming as well, and he said that he recommended a Dual Opteron setup, once i started looking at the price of Dual Processor Motherboards, i saw that it was a big step up from the Single Processor boards. I now i would probably like to have the onboard video, as i will be using a 1U setup, so i would like to use my 1 available slot for something other than a cheap gfx card. So in your professional opinions, would i be happier with a Dual Opteron setup, i mean i will have 1000GB monthly transfer, and i wouldnt want to put it to waste, so i know i will definately be using the server for gaming, its just a matter of should i really go with Dual Opterons? OR would i even be better off with just a Single Processor AMD Athlon 64 3200+, or do i just have the idea of a standard home office desktop pounded into my head?

Secondly, i read that Quad Opterons can't run at DDR400, but Dual Opterons can, can someone verify this? Secondly, how much memory does a server really need, 1GB, maybe 2? and does it have to be high quality memory, or does it not really matter for servers?

As far as hard drives go, i was planning on buying 2 WD 250GB 7200RPM SATA 150 and settting them up on RAID 1, which would give me a better piece of mind if something was to ever happen to one of the hard drives.

Lastly, ive only been looking on newegg and monarch at server parts, but are there any really good sites out there that have wide server selections?

Thanks for any help in advance...

 

[CreativeTom]

I would go with a dual Opteron setup with 2GB's of memory (as long as you have the money for that much). The hard drives look good, I am guessing the data will be mission critical based on the Raid1 setup, otherwise I would get a small fast hard drive as the OS drive, and then a HUGE 300-400GB drive for programs and data etc.....Then go ahead and make backups of the data drive using a Dual Layer DVDR

 

[TankGuys]

If a dual processor mobo setup is too expensive for you, consider getting a single socket 940 board with a dual core opteron. You could always upgrade to a dual processor setup later.

Amount of memory will depend on what exactly you are using the server for... more information would help.

Lastly, RAID 1 is good for peace of mind, but make sure you still do routine backups if it's sensative data! You can still lose data fairly easily even in a RAID 1 configuration.

 

[REDtoLINE]

Dual Core Opteron = $800

2 x Single Core Opteron

+

1 x Dual Socket 940 Motherboard

= $750

So not only is it actually cheaper, but i can also pay for my motherboard too...

 

[CreativeTom]

Originally posted by: REDtoLINE
Dual Core Opteron = $800

2 x Single Core Opteron

+

1 x Dual Socket 940 Motherboard

= $750

So not only is it actually cheaper, but i can also pay for my motherboard too...

Yeah that's the way I do it, especially if money is a big consideration.