Server question ...

[NucleusWDS]

I want to run a Linux based web/mail/SQL server ... but I'm a limited budget. What do you guys recommend?

1. Dual P3 866Mhz SCSI
2. Single P4 (478) 2.4Ghz SCSI
3. Single P4 Xeon 2.0Ghz SCSI

 

[dakels]

If you plan on upgrading this to dual Xeons at a future point then get that. Otherwise the single 2.4ghz should be the fastest here. I don't think you will get alot of benefit from a low speed dual over a high speed single IMO and if you want dual then I think MP athlons are a better choice.

High end SCSI will be faster but also see if a ATA/133 RAID 5 array will suffice and save you a boatload of money.

 

[NucleusWDS]

True ...

Single P4 Xeon ...


What is the main difference between a P4 and a Xeon ?

 

[dakels]

MP... or not to MP, that is the difference

A Xeon is just a P4 for MP. I do not know of any other advantages.

 

[NucleusWDS]

Is it better to have all the servers separately ... eg

MAIL
WEB
SQL

etc ...

 

[dakels]

wait I think the Xeon has a lvl 3 cache while the regular single processor doesn't. They both have lvl 2 cache at full speed as far as I am aware. That extra lvl 3 cache will benefit the CPU speed in repetitive tasks that servers often do.
I still don't think anyone would possibly recommend using it for single processor usage over a standard P4 due to the cost difference of setting up an MP system over a SP system.

And yes of course all seperate duties on seperate servers would be better for performance but certainly not for budget. If the tasks are not too demanding then I don't see why one machine can't do it all. If you must have a machine dealing with alot of clients and be very responsive with multitasking, then an MP setup would be the way to go IMO.

It's bena while since I worked on servers so I hope someone else chimes in

 

[NucleusWDS]

Which server task uses the most resources?


Apache/Web/PHP
MySQL
Mail
Firewall/Router


I have 2 x 1U rackmount servers ... I want to use them the best I can ...

Single P4 with 1Gb DDR + SCSI
Dual Xeon with 2Gb DDR + SCSI

 

[dakels]

Originally posted by: NucleusWDS
Which server task uses the most resources?

Apache/Web/PHP
MySQL
Mail
Firewall/Router

Well I think it would depend on how much usage the applictions are getting. You may be running an Apache/Web server that has to handle a boatload of traffic. Or your SQL might have to handle alot of inquiries across a very large DB. Those 2 would most likely be more demanding then the mail or firewall/router. It all depends on usage. You will have to decide what is being called upon the most and estimate the usage and resource drain.

Obviously you should know the Dual Xeon (P4 Xeons?) system you got there is the superior system. That would multitask well and should be running the Apache/Web/PHP or MySQL for sure IMO. If you could approximate the usage load for each application, then I'm sure someone heere could help you with a setup scheme.