Need new computers to exclusively compile code

[funkymatt]

What do you guys use for compiling code?

I work for a major computer component manufacturer and we're looking to get at least 5 new compiling machines. Cost isn't too much of an issue if it can be justified... looking to keep it around $1200 if possible though- not including a monitor.

Our past systems have been Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad Dell machines, I hate the vostros and that?s the last batch we got. Each system must be capable of running WinXP Pro. We also have a problem with the ARM 2.0 compiler not liking quad cores so I do a registry hack to let the dos shell only see 2 of the 4 cores, so I?d like to stay away from quad core if possible. Some of these may be ?upgraded? to ARM 3.0, but quad cores use 4 licenses per system- something we?d like to avoid.

We?ve tested out some VM solutions and they don?t perform the way I?d like. In fact it?s about 6 times slower than a conventional system.

Looking to purchase this week or next.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mpilchfamily]

So basicly a nice high end system is no good with the software your running?

How is it that the number of cores in the CPU determins the number of software licences you need? Should be one licence per system the software is being used on right, not per core?

I also don't see how a quad core is a hinderance in performance versus a dual core.

Anyway you pretty much know what you need. Your looking for a nice dual core CPU like the E8400. You'll also want a good amount of RAM. I'm sure you can deal with onboard graphics right? As for XP Pro i hope you already have all the licences for it that you need since you almost can't find new copies of XP anymore.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you don't like the Vostro you can find older Dell models with XP licenses at Dell Financial Services - http://www.dfsdirectsales.com/

Does Vista Ultimate still allow downgrading to XP or has that expired now too? If it does, you have a much wider choice of new machines just for paying MS an extra $50-100. ( </sarcasm> )

Edit: given a medium-high budget and the number of machines I'd be curious how a server blades setup would compare in price, performance, convenience and energy usage. A collection of boxes would probably cost half as much but the space & power savings might even that out eventually.

 

[funkymatt]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
If you don't like the Vostro you can find older Dell models with XP licenses at Dell Financial Services - http://www.dfsdirectsales.com/

Does Vista Ultimate still allow downgrading to XP or has that expired now too? If it does, you have a much wider choice of new machines just for paying MS an extra $50-100. ( </sarcasm> )

Edit: given a medium-high budget and the number of machines I'd be curious how a server blades setup would compare in price, performance, convenience and energy usage. A collection of boxes would probably cost half as much but the space & power savings might even that out eventually.

thanks for the input.
The last Dell business systems i looked at allowed for XP downgrade in the included price.

I've actually been toying around with the idea of bringing in a rack for a while. I think I'll focus the research on this for a while.