Single quad vs dual quad (server setup)

[agibby5]

I have a server that just went down.

I'm thinking about what to replace it with. The new one will run MS Small Business Server 2003 and will have 10 CAL licenses. At the most, there will be 10 users connecting to it at a given time. Also, there will be some web hosting done on the same machine (very small amount).

I have a quad core machine (Q6600 with 2gb ram) that I was considering using as a permanent replacement.

I was also considering getting a whole new machine with a dual quad core processor setup (2x Quad Core Xeon Processor E53102x4MB Cache, 1.60GHz, 1066MHz
FSB) with 4gb of ram.

Considering my needs, which server would be 'better' in terms of price? I already have the quad core machine and would need to buy the other server machine... can I run what I need to run with the single quad core processor? Or should I definitely go with the dual quad core processor setup?

Thanks!

 

[SolMiester]

Hi, I think a Dual Xeon would suffice for only 10 users on SBS......I use a dual Quad for my main ESX host with 9 servers on it and the cpu isnt utilised more than 25% most of the time.....

 

[agibby5]

So are you suggesting that I not even consider using the single quad core system?

 

[graysky]

See the x264 Benchmark HD for a number of dual quad systems. Here is the official host where you can d/l the xls file containing all the data and the benchmark to run it yourself.

 

[nanaki333]

all of my servers are AMD based with just a single dual core. the processor isn't what you need to worry about, it's the memory. even my TS server is a dual core opty running at 1.8 (i think) with 4GB of ram, with 5 users logged in and nobody complains about it being slow.

 

[zsdersw]

Memory and HDD/interface are far more important than CPU in a server for what you're using on it. I wouldn't skimp on the network card either, for any server.

An inexpensive single dual-core Xeon would be plenty for you.

 

[agibby5]

Originally posted by: graysky
See the x264 Benchmark HD for a number of dual quad systems. Here is the official host where you can d/l the xls file containing all the data and the benchmark to run it yourself.

I don't have the dual quad machine yet, so this isn't an option as of right now.

Originally posted by: nanaki333
all of my servers are AMD based with just a single dual core. the processor isn't what you need to worry about, it's the memory. even my TS server is a dual core opty running at 1.8 (i think) with 4GB of ram, with 5 users logged in and nobody complains about it being slow.

Originally posted by: zsdersw
Memory and HDD/interface are far more important than CPU in a server for what you're using on it. I wouldn't skimp on the network card either, for any server.

An inexpensive single dual-core Xeon would be plenty for you.

In that case, I shouldnt have any issues using my current Q6600 rig (after I upgrade the RAM)... This is actually what I'd like to do as it would be of least expense for me. Is this a safe interpretation of your responses?

Thanks or all your replies.

 

[nanaki333]

yes, just use that q6600. even that is overkill, but it's better than getting a dual quad.

 

[Fraggable]

No way you need the dual quad, it's not going to be a TS and only 10 users. A fairly decent dual core (2.5GHz+) would suffice. You'll want 4GB RAM in there, 2 might be enough but with memory as cheap as it is, why not? You can grad a 4GB kit for that Q6600 for $60AR.

I'd suggest getting a Intel brand gigabit NIC, a 3-drive RAID 5 with 7200RPM SAS drives and you'll have yourself a nice 10-user SBS server.

 

[agibby5]

Ok, I'm not shopping for licenses/software. I'm just confused about the licensing. I need an installation package (DVD or CD) to install the MS Sm Business Server 2003, and 10 licenses. I'm not sure why, but I'm a bit confused.

Will the following provide what I need?
Retail software (with 5 licenses): http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16832116304
Add'l licenses (for 10 total): http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16837116154
Whats the diff between the Add'l licenses above and this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16837116155


Also, is there any difference between OEM and Retail versions of licenses? I know OEM software doesn't come in a box, etc...

Thanks again.

 

[jdkick]

Device vs User CALs: http://technet.microsoft.com/e.../library/bb693539.aspx

A single-quad should be fine, either use the Q6600 or buy a single Xeon config. That said, I work primarily with HP DL servers and the SmartBuy pricing tends to make buying an overkill config the more logical solution.

 

[Fraggable]

For licensing, I would really recommend using MS Open License. Get an account with CDW (no I don't work for them, they're just the easiest way to do) and talk to your sales rep. Tell them you need SBS 03 and 10 CALs total, and they can get it ordered in a day or so. Then you can DL the SBS 03 installation and you get a document with the info you need to isntall the CALs. All done in 24 hours or so and you can move on with your project.
It should be cheaper than Newegg too, CALs are like $70 for SBS so you should save about $200 with Open License. Not to mention purchasing additional licenses in the future is much easier.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

One of my terminal servers has the following:
q6600
Intel D975xbx2
4GB 800Mhz DDR2
1 raptor 74GB
CPU utilization is <15% most of the time. Almost never goes beyond 50% utilization. I have ~25 people connected to this server. Running Office 2007 heavily with some other 3rd party software.

Any modern well kept machine w/ 2GB ram should be enough for the scenario you suggested.
The most important aspect: no one complains about slowness

 

[bryanW1995]

and if they DO complain, you could always threaten to switch to a single core celeron for a couple of days...

 

[SolMiester]

SBS 03 should come with 5 Cals anyway, so you only need a 5 pack top up....