Need a used rack mount server recommendation

[bluestrobe]

I am in the market for a replacement used web server since my tiral with the Intel SR1200's went south and I found out many things from them. They were good but driver support was non-existant, tech support wasn't to be found, and parts were hard to get.

So I begin my quest to find another web server to replace my "temporary" server which is a Dell GX150 (don't laugh). I am a fan of the pentium 3 tualatin and would like to stick to that era due to cost and parts availability. I am open to any brands, makes, or models as long as they have the following going for them:

2u-4u
Under $500 shipped ($400 wouldn't hurt so much as that is my true budget)
Easily obtained spare parts not worth their weight in gold
Pentium 3 tualatin capable (or P4 Xeon if the price is right)
Can take all physical sizes of RAM
RAID1 capable
Good MS based driver support for Win2K3 Server and Linux for when I feel like switching

So any thoughts or anything comes to mind? I want to stick to rack mount since I have a 5ft rack with one item in it and would like to utilize the space. I already have a large tower server and don't want to add to the tower fleet.

 

[RebateMonger]

If your web server isn't horribly busy, don't forget the option of using Virtual Server or VMWare Server and running the web server on an existing box.

 

[bluestrobe]

The thought has crossed my mind but I would rather stick the web server on it's own dedicated setup. The only box I would consider is my FTP server and I already have enough dedicated to the hardware on it. Plus this is a learning experience also with new/different types of hardware.

 

[yuppiejr]

Well, in the P3 generation of 2U servers you are talking about the Dell PE 2450 or 2550 or the HP/Compaq DL380 gen 2. I think the HP is the better server due to the better internal component layout for airflow but both are so far out of their normal 3-4 year service life you should be able to get them used for a song. The Dells used a wonky backplane & cable layout that impeded airflow so I'd be leery of investing in one of these that's seen a lot of hours versus the HP DL 380s. I'm sure IBM has something in the same form factor but I haven't worked with either so I can't comment.

The Dell/HP's mentioned above are 2U w/ 5 drive slots, use registered PC133 DIMMs and usually have decent onboard RAID and/or expanded SCSI controller options via add-in cards.

If you step into the Gen3 HP/Compaq DL380 or Dell Poweredge 2650 series you should still be able to get a good price since these have both been out of production for 3 years or so. They are P4/Xeon based system using registered DDR RAM but otherwise similarly appointed to the previous generation parts. The Dell 2650 series is a major step up from the 2450/2550 series in terms of internal layout and were much more reliable in our data center environment.

Cliffs:

In the P3 era, I'd go with an HP DL380 G2 server.
In the early P4 server era, I'd look at the Dell PE 2650 or HP DL380 G3.

I should go dig around in our retired server stash to see what we've got, I believe I'm sitting on a pair of G2 DL380's that were recently consolidated into virtual boxes out at our data center. Normally I just ship them off to a local hardware reclamation place for salvage once the new boxes have proven production stable but if you are having trouble finding what you want within your budget I'll see what I can do.

 

[bluestrobe]

Thanks for the information. I plan on buying one now and one at a later time, probably the end of August for a backup/spare. I am very interested in the G2 DL380's if a deal could be made. There aren't any local used computer server sellers in this area except for one but all of his equipment is either pre-tualatin or top end Xeons systems. My other option is eBay but prices can sore on there and deals are rare.

 

[yuppiejr]

I sent you a PM, I'll go look at those servers and let you know. Ebay prices are out of control on most of the used servers I looked at though it can be a good source of refurb 80 pin drives and registered RAM on occasion.

 

[vibrantinc]

bluestrobe, my firm deals in used HP and Dell servers and we have loads of DL380 G2s and G3s. We're located in MN so shipping should be minimal.

Can you respond or PM me with what your minimums are for RAM and disk?

Thanks,

Corey Donovan
Vibrant Technologies - Discount Used Servers

 

[JDMnAR1]

You might check with your state and see if they have a used property disposal office. I know here in Arkansas you can pick up excess equipment for a very reasonable price often times. I know we have excessed quite a few HP LP200r systems, as well as some Dell PE2550s and 2650s, any of which would be a serviceable web server (all 2U dual procesor machines).