[Tfug] Server Components

[Harry McGregor]

(Also replied off list with more exact info, but this post is mostly for
the archives)


On Sat, 2003-12-20 at 10:55, Robert Zeigler wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I've been asked to build a debian server and I wanted to get some 
> opinions about good MB's, etc. to use.
> Spending limit is $1000.

Not a bad spending limit.  Rather easy to get under, depending on needs.

I am partial to rack mount cases, which does add to the cost a bit.

>   It's going to be used for webserving static 
> and php generated pages (ie, running apache),
> several java webapps (ie running tomcat), and running mysql.

For more application server tasks (ie the server doing some real work
instead of just static files), I like dual processor.

I actually usually prefer dual 1.2GHz AMD Athlon MP chips over a single
2000+ or more.

Another key item is you really want ECC ram, and you want it set to
ECC+scrub in the bios.  For this server task, I would go with between
512MB and 1GB of ram.

Dual hard disk drives, and software mirroring is also a good idea.  I
have some directions typed up on how to get Debian on an "md" device, if
anyone needs them.

> I prefer AMD chips to intel, personally, but, I'm open to suggestions.

Same here

>  
> Anyway, any tips (boards to stay away from, etc.)
> on the matter are greatly appreciated.

I like Tyan boards, and some ECS board (specific models), and I really
like the AMD MPX chipset, and the SiS 7xx series chipsets.  I tend to
dislike VIA chipsets, though I do have one in my laptop, and in my
Athlon 64.

>  Thanks in advance for any replies.
> 
> Robert

			Harry

> _______________________________________________
> tfug mailing list
> tfug at tfug.org
> http://www.tfug.org/mailman/listinfo/tfug