Sorry if this is wrong forum, but I need to build a server...Need help on what's best

[designgirl]

Well, I work at a web design/backend firm and I need to build a new server. Right now we have one box that serves as web server, file server, app server (you get the point, everything). We are a pretty small firm, about 15 computers but are rapidly expanding because we are taking on a lot of jobs and pushing a seperate applications solution business.

we need to upgrade and I was going to build a new server. Should I build 2 (one for web, and other for files and stuff--we do a lot of back end programming also, about 80% so with have ASP apps running from the server.) or just build 1 box?

what should I use? Amd athlon? or dual PIII's and what speed? or maybe both like Anandtech does.

I've also had problems trying to figure what motherboard to use and how much ram would be optimal. Is it better to have a tower or use a rack mount setup?

but I do know that I will be using Win2k advanced server.

Any help would be much appreciated. you can also email me any solutions that you can suggest at navyblue@bangkok.com

 

[Double Trouble]

The answer to all your questions depends on what exactly you're doing with the servers, and how they will be taxed. Anyone that tells you "oh, you should do this or that" is full of it. Anandtech's article on how they have their servers set up (with the history of how they grew) is a good place to start.

In general though, I would always go with more boxes if possible, simply because it allows you to spread out tasks and keep the server load balanced. No matter how big a box is, if a specific resource gets hit an inordinate amount of times, that server is gonna have problems.

Depending on your applications, server memory is more important than CPU speed. Perhaps a dual PIII 866 with 1G of memory on it. Carefully research server boards and go with the most reliable one.

Also, make CERTAIN you go with all SCSI servers -- they stand up to pounding much better and handle larger amounts of users. Rack mounted setups are waaaaay easier to work with -- it allows for better control and more expansion. Get a nice hot swappable storage rack, pack it with some 10,000 RPM SCSI drives and go to town

Good luck!

 

[Castellan]

We actually just built out a small server (P3 733, 512MB RAM, 4 18GB 10k Ultra160 SCSI drives in Raid 5). Let me tell ya, disk speed and RAM makes all the difference. Our web server is a quad P3 Xeon box with 1GB Ram. The problem is that it has some slower SCSI drives in it. The new server has much better response times. Buy quality disks, buy quality ram (and lots of it). The rest will fall in line.

 

[Rogue]

To those of you who built your own servers, what would be a rough cost comparison between home-built and purchased (ie.- a Compaq Proliant) with about the same specs? What about service for it? Warranty? I'm just curious. I work exclusively with Compaq Proliant servers and they are awesome machines. What's your take on pre-built vs. home build servers?

 

[Eli]

Read Anand's server article, As was said, it's an excellent place to start.

Anand's Server Article

I recomend an AMD system, to save cost, and provide future upgradability.