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building custom AMD 64 systems in a corporate environment

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dustin999

Junior Member
My company currently utilizes Sun hardware but is looking to transition to AMD-based systems running Linux. I've had a hell of a time finding a company that can build custom systems to our needs. Specifically, we're looking for a system with the following specs:

AMD 64 3500+ or 3700+
2 GB or 4 GB DDR RAM
fairly good Nvidia/ATI-based video
network ready (on-board NIC or NIC card included)

Being in a corporate environment is very significant. For one, we need the systems to be assembled, we can't assemble machines for 100+ users. This includes hardware upgrades, we need the system to arrive with 4 GB of RAM already present.

We also need support. This is very important. If a system fails, we don't have dedicated resources to diagnose hardware and do repair. While we could outsource this function, I think it makes some sense to have this function provided by the seller, possibly by shipping the PC back to be repaired and/or replaced.

The biggest problem has been finding reputable AMD suppliers who can deliver a system with 4 GB of RAM.

I'd love to find someone like Dell where you can build a computer from scratch, and specify exactly what hardware you want. Obviously Dell only focuses on Intel-based systems.. We're particular to AMD because of benchmarks with our most popular software (engineering-based software). And we need a competitive price.

The closest thing I've found to this has been Monarch computer. I've used Monarch and they're okay. I'd like other options though.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Dustin
 
what type of case, desktop pc case or tower type case?
waht do you mean by fairly good? 6600gt? 6800gt? level?
around waht price d oyuo hope to find 1 at?
does linux have to be pre-installed or will your it guys install it afterwards?
exactly 2 or 4 gigs?
how many years of support?
 
I assume your looking for workstations? For what type of work? That info might help people here focus on your needs.

Also, I'd email AMD. From your post, your situation sounds like the type of opportunity that AMD looks for. I'm sure that someone at AMD would be able to refer you to a likely business partner.
 
100 computers for an engineering business, and you want AMD and tech support?

Sounds to me like you should give IBM a call-- They got Opteron workstations like the IntelliStation A Pro.

Nobody has ever gotten fired for buying IBM. 😀
 

Sorry for not being more specific. The primary use for these systems will be IC design, so anything from hardware design/simulation to CAD layout on fairly large SOC designs.

Case: Definitely a tower case.
Video: no specifics, any decent, modern Geforce/Radeon card would work.
Linux: We can install linux after the fact, and plan on purchasing the corporate version of Redhat on all systems so that we can receive support and regulated updates.
Price: under $1k if possible
RAM: most systems will probably need 2 gig, but 4 gig for some users running specific applications.
Support: I would say a lifetime of support. I don't expect it to be free, but we need one resource who can fix and/or replace some of the more intricate problems (bad hardware, etc).

The main thing is flexibility. While we'll routinely order 2 gig systems with one video card, we might have instances where we need a 4 gig system with dual DVI output. We don't want to have to jump through hoops to place an order, or be forced to order a less-than-ideal system with some extra hardware and do the system modifications after the fact. We just don't have the bandwidth to provide that level of service.

The recommendation to email AMD is appreciated, I'll do that now.

Thanks again,
Dustin
 
Originally posted by: dustin999

Sorry for not being more specific. The primary use for these systems will be IC design, so anything from hardware design/simulation to CAD layout on fairly large SOC designs.

Case: Definitely a tower case.
Video: no specifics, any decent, modern Geforce/Radeon card would work.
Linux: We can install linux after the fact, and plan on purchasing the corporate version of Redhat on all systems so that we can receive support and regulated updates.
Price: under $1k if possible
RAM: most systems will probably need 2 gig, but 4 gig for some users running specific applications.
Support: I would say a lifetime of support. I don't expect it to be free, but we need one resource who can fix and/or replace some of the more intricate problems (bad hardware, etc).

The main thing is flexibility. While we'll routinely order 2 gig systems with one video card, we might have instances where we need a 4 gig system with dual DVI output. We don't want to have to jump through hoops to place an order, or be forced to order a less-than-ideal system with some extra hardware and do the system modifications after the fact. We just don't have the bandwidth to provide that level of service.

The recommendation to email AMD is appreciated, I'll do that now.

Thanks again,
Dustin
Click to expand...


wow, i dont know, under $1000 for a 3500+ and 4gigs of ram?
 
looks like you'll need workstation graphics card since you are going to be doing some cad.

athlon 3500+
nvidia quadro or equivilant
2-4gb of ram

good luck getting it under $1,000.
 
Originally posted by: mwmorph

wow, i dont know, under $1000 for a 3500+ and 4gigs of ram?
Click to expand...

It never amazes me, you post asking for help and... Well nevermind..

Okay okay, < $1000 is a little aggressive. Realistically, as close to $1k as possible. I don't need much in the way of HD space. I basically need, processor, mobo, RAM, video card, small HD, and case. Maybe I'm looking at more like $1200-$1300 or so for the 4GB system (I still think 2GB could be had at $1000). We're looking for bang for the buck. And right now with the systems we currently have, deploying an AMD-based linux system of any type will be huge.

Let's see:

3500+ $260
mobo ~$100
2 GB ram ~$250??
video ~$200
hd ~$50
case ~$50

So basically a bare system without monitor/kb/mouse for under $1k would be nice.

Thanks,
Dustin
 
Originally posted by: dustin999

It never amazes me, you post asking for help and... Well nevermind..

Thanks,
Dustin
Click to expand...

intel signs a lot of exclsivity agreements as well as 10%or less other manufacturer agreements with the major manufacturers. anyway, hp is a good comapny. all their support(like many manufacturers has been outsourced to india, but they are reliable, quiet and a good value compared to dell(service quality dropped, prices inflated). they make VERY quiet computers, though something along the lines of a fx5xxx series is probably the best you can expect form them in the graphics card arena.

besides what did you mean? finish your statement.

p.s. workstatinos are generally overpriced, seems like you should go all out custom.ibuypower.com or cyberpower.com makes some affordable custom pcs.

 
Originally posted by: dustin999
So basically a bare system without monitor/kb/mouse for under $1k would be nice.
Click to expand...

It would be nice, but it's not going to happen from any decent vendor. Especially with Linux installed and supported and a workstation graphics card.
 
i configured the following for you:
go to cyberpowersystem.com and click on amd desktop. thne click on Essential 64 Workstation
amd 3400+ socket 754(sorry 3500+ s939 would cost $116 more.)
2gig ram
80gig hdd
fx5500 256mb
no os installed
onboard lan,audio, etc form nforce3-250 chip
ATX MEDIUM TOWER CASE 350 WATT(beige, black or silver)
56x cdrom drive
itotal:1066 without shipping.
you can upgrade to 5700 256mb for only about $30 more if you want to.

3 year tech support, lifetime call in support, 1 year onsite service.

quadros are just basically rebadged, rebiosed fx cards.
 
Thanks for the input everyone. Again, I'm just looking for the system around $1k, not the system + support + linux. I believe the corporate Redhat seat is a few hundred dollars, so I don't want to include that in my calculation. And with support, everyone has some sort of base 30-day to 1-year warranty, I'm just looking for someone who can provide service and repair. This could be outsourced locally too if it makes sense and is cheaper (shipping a system back and forth to cyberpowersystem, monarch, etc. would be a hassle).

Thanks a bunch..

-Dustin
 
you can take away 1 year onsite service but the mnoey you save is only like $16 or something. perosnally, 1k for 3400+and 2gig ram prebuilt is a pretty decent deal.
 
Equuscs.com is great. Ive used them for years and while not always the cheapest, their support is unbeatable.

The rep I used was scott. 18774277822 x 313
 
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