need help w/ server parts

[Stryker]

I'm starting a business and I need a fast webserver. I know I can use almost anything for a webserver, but I want to have the fastest processor I can. I prefer to have it x86 based as I have almost no experience in anything else. The 3 I was mainly looking at were Xeon 3.06 GHz, Athlon XP 3200 or an Opteron 242. I am considering a dual processor but i'm not sure how much of a performance increase that would give.

Anyone have any input?

This is what I have so far:

Code: [Select]

edit:
I put it in here because it will be runing linux and some companies... intel... tend to favor windows.

[ June 03, 2003: Message edited by: Stryker ]

[JH]

quote:Originally posted by Stryker:
I'm starting a business and I need a fast webserver. I know I can use almost anything for a webserver, but I want to have the fastest processor I can.

Er... Actually, the speed of web-server depends not so much on the processor but on MANY points. What tasks it has to do? Should it run some script languages or Java? Should it use databases? How many visitors do you expect? Is it going to do anything more than web services? Etc. etc. etc.

But basicly I'd suggest to pay a bit less attention to the processors and a bit more to the memory size.

[Refalm]

I can tell you a thing about processors. AMD is better than an Intel processor, but it's not made for 24/7 usage. Make a choice:

Built in a good extra cooling system for your AMD
or
Use Intel and don't spend on extra cooling.

[TheQuirk]

A dual Xeon with HT will give you a pretty big boost if you were to do intensive server stuff, but, if you just have that with some cheap-o HD it'll all go to waste.

Try getting an Intel proc.--Athlons have a higher failure rate, and Intel is very happy to support Linux. Try also getting a SCSI drive--two of them, actually (one for backup, of course).

Also, where are you planning to colo?

[KernelPanic]

For a server like that I would usuallly recommend Intel, but I think the Opteron kicks absolute ass. Unless of course you need very high end, intensively threaded 64-bit stuff.

[Stryker]

Well so far these are the specs i'm planning on:

MSI MS-9131-01S K8D Master-F
dual opteron 242
4GB RAM
182GB SCSI Hard Drive
200GB EIDE Hard Drive (backup)
water cooling on each processor (unless there are better options)
EIDE DVD RAM (unknown speed yet)
EIDE CD-RW 48x40x48


It will be used to manage hundreds of thousands of people's information (it's a complaint database for contractors) a LOT of mysql activity, daily backups through network and CD/DVD. Small hosting of minor websites(nothing more than 20mb, no database or php available) and it will be a router for the office network (until we buy a router).

[Stryker]

quote:Originally posted by TheQuirk:
Also, where are you planning to colo?

what's colo?

[KernelPanic]

CoLocation, they put your server under their roof, on their connection, on their rack, with their air conditioning, security etc..

[Stryker]

we're doing it ourselves, getting our own office with a T1. we expect to make plenty, $120 per customer, 1000 customers... $120,000. i'm happy.

[TheQuirk]

quote:Originally posted by Stryker:
we're doing it ourselves, getting our own office with a T1. we expect to make plenty, $120 per customer, 1000 customers... $120,000. i'm happy.

Ha ha. 1,000 customers on a T1 line.

[ June 06, 2003: Message edited by: TheQuirk ]

[Stryker]

quote:Originally posted by TheQuirk:


Ha ha. 1,000 customers on a T1 line.

[ June 06, 2003: Message edited by: TheQuirk ]

i'm not hosting 1000 people, only hosting about 4. and we plan to get a lot more than 1000 customers. 1000 is just a minimum.

anyways, water cooling would be good enough for opterons?

[TheQuirk]

Usually, you'd want to stick something like that in a 2u case...

...I still suggest you get an Intel, though.

Also, why not rent it from Rackshack or something? Much cheaper, faster, comes with a CP if you need it, in a very good DC... And if one connection goes down, you still have eight more, I belive (can't do that with a T1!).