How much RAM do I need.... for this fileserver (networking is the best palce for this question, I think)

[dnuggett]

Ok so here is the question-

How much RAM do I need to put in the following server-

Dell SC440
Dual Core CPU
2 X 320 GB HD
Currently 512MB RAM
Ubuntu Fiesty Fawn OS


Which will be streaming across the following network-

Apple Airport Extreme Wireless and Wired Gigabit Router
Airport Express N


If I want to stream HD Video from the SC440 to various devices how much RAM do I need? Please don't say as much as you can afford, or as much as the box will take. It's ECC RAM, so I want to make sure I get enough, but I don't want to go overboard either.

 

[drebo]

Unbuffered ECC RAM is cheap. That said, how many simultaneous transfers are going to be happening? That's the most important metric.

Without knowing that, 2gb is probably a safe bet.

 

[dnuggett]

I would say really 1. But that one transfer will need to be very high throughput with no dropped frames. I think I've got the network figured out, but I really didn't know the RAM equation.

 

[NickOlsen8390]

If you want to steam HD video wireless is going to be your first bottle neck. Ram isn't going to limit you as much on transfers. I got a box here that is a dual core AMD x2, with 2gb of ram. And with 5 or 6 hd videos steaming it doesn't even touch 1gb. And with 5-6 big file transfers going it gets to about 1.2gb of ram usage.(moving to multiple Hard Drives) It maxes out the Gig Ethernet before it gets a ram limit. Get 2gb and you should be good. if you get streaming problems look at the wireless before anything else.

 

[dnuggett]

Originally posted by: NickOlsen8390
If you want to steam HD video wireless is going to be your first bottle neck. Ram isn't going to limit you as much on transfers. I got a box here that is a dual core AMD x2, with 2gb of ram. And with 5 or 6 hd videos steaming it doesn't even touch 1gb. And with 5-6 big file transfers going it gets to about 1.2gb of ram usage. It maxes out the Gig Ethernet before it gets a ram limit. Get 2gb and you should be good. if you get streaming problems look at the wireless before anything else.

Excellent, I will do with 1GB, maybe 2. Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

2GB would do very well.

 

[RebateMonger]

Why don't you try it with your 512MB of RAM and see if i works for you? You can always spend money later.

If you just want to be done with it, then a pair of 1 GB modules should work. Don't assume that you can mix ECC and non-ECC without checking the newsgroups. The 400SC would allow mixing, but the 420SC wouldn't.

 

[Lemon law]

Did a cursory google search for the SC440 to see what memory type it took and if it was single or dual channel ddr2. I was too lazy to dig deep and find out if it was a single or dual channel, but if you have a dual channel board you will need absolutely matching ram of the ECC type.

Did run across this in the google search-----------http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?item=N82E16820134337

Not saying you have to use kingston, any descent ram brand would do, but since its specific review for your server type, it shows some warning on trying to go 3 or 4 gigs.
And not sure how your present memory is configured, one 512 stick or 2 256 sticks, but those are best kept as back ups.