CPU for SBS box

[COPOHawk]

I have built a number of C2D boxes in the last few years and am now building a box for myself for SBS 2003 and then SBS 2008 when it debuts in the the near future.

Normally, for customers, I spec out either Dell or HP servers...but I don't feel that the cost is warranted for my own purposes...as I am self-employed as a small business IT guy and can tolerate a bit of downtime if a component fails.

This will act as my Exchange server/file server and run 24/7. Here are the rest of the specs:

Gigabyte P45- DS3R
4 GB RAM
RAID 1 - 500 (Seagate ES drives)
Antec Earthwatts 380 PSU
DVD Rom


So the question here is what processor to go with assuming no OC for stability purposes.

With the price range between $100 for the E7200 and $179 for the Q6600..this is a tough one. I would think the E7200 for power savings, but I know how much capability is available with the Q6600.

Anyone else using SBS for themselves?

 

[COPOHawk]

No other input on this?

I didn't this this was another dual vs quad question...more along the lines of what should be adequate. I can ALWAYS overengineer another build...but I am curious if I SHOULD in this case...

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: COPOHawk
Anyone else using SBS for themselves?

There's your problem. I've owned a computer since 1980, and I don't have the slightest idea what SBS is, or which CPU would be better to use with it.

 

[Ratman6161]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: COPOHawk
Anyone else using SBS for themselves?

There's your problem. I've owned a computer since 1980, and I don't have the slightest idea what SBS is, or which CPU would be better to use with it.

SBS = Microsoft Small Business Server. Its Windows Server 2003 with a couple of other things thrown in. Exchange server and SQL Server (not completely sure as I don't actually use it myself).

To answer the original question, I'd go with the Q6600 for future proofing if nothing else. Server apps will be able to take advantage of the four cores where desktop apps usually can't. And for $79 more than the 7200 - you are getting a huge increase in performance if you are running any kind of database on it.

One thing you might want to consider is running SBS in a virtual machine. Run linux as the host OS (so you don't need another windows license) then use VMWare server (free) or one of the various free hypervisors included with linux distros to create a VM that your SBS server runs in. I run my virtual machines for my home servers on an external eSATA drive (or in your case use an external RAID enclosure). Then if my main server has a failure other than that external drive, I could just plug the external drive into my desktop and fire the VM right back up again. Just a thought.

 

[COPOHawk]

LOL...I shouldn't assume that everyone else uses the same lame industry lingo that I do

Ratman...I actually did buy the Q6600 for the system, which I haven't built yet...and have run Server 03 on a lot slower systems successfully. My concern is the new SBS 08 version due out shortly and any more resource-robbing Microsoft processes that will run it.

The tough thing is that I will really be using SBS and Exchange for myself, no very minimal use. The other thing is the possible cost savings on electricity due to the lower power dual core processor.

I should buy the Q6600 and just be done with it. I am also building an HTPC with virtually identical specs...except that one I know I would only need the E7200.

**I haven't really worried about virtualization as I am a Microsoft Partner and have the Action Pack subscription with licenses for everything I need. I should look into it though for the future...