x86 server vs desktop .. general info !

[hwg33k]

Hi,
I am newbie as far as the hardware is concerned. I would want to deploy a web application accessible over internet. Am confused with the choices of hardware or service to use.

A desktop tower would suffice, I guess, but seems like the used x86 servers aren't that expensive. I can afford one.

What exactly is the difference. Can I buy a single x86 server and run it as any other system or does it need a chassis (?) (for ex. for blade or rackmount).
Would using one server require the same cost as a desktop ?

Any thoughts welcome as it is I am just going through different options. Amazon EC2 seems cheaper but adding up the costs, i think it is expensive and I don't get a powerful machine as well.

 

[Zap]

Hello hwg33k, and welcome to AnandTech Forums.

"Server" and "desktop" are just roles that a system plays. Some hardware may be more suited than others, but there is overlap.

When you talk about towers/blades/rackmounts, you are talking about form factors. This becomes important depending on where you put it. For instance if it sits in the corner of your office, you may want a tower (AKA "pedestal"). If you need to co-locate it in a high density server farm, you will probably need a rackmount.

Before you actually choose a server, perhaps spend some time thinking of what kind of bandwidth and hardware resources (storage, CPU utilization, etc.) that you need, and figure out where you will physically put it before finalizing any purchasing decision.

 

[mfenn]

Zap gives some good advice. I agree that we really need more information before we make a recommendation. I would caution you against hosting the server from a residential Internet connection. You'd be far better off from a reliability point of view by using EC2 or even a normal shared hosting provider (depending on the needs of your app).