[NTLUG:Discuss] Cheap Server for Linux Webserver

[Kelledin]

On Thursday 17 July 2003 08:22 pm, Stuart Johnston wrote:
> I need to buy a server to run a website (mod_perl).  I don't
> want to spend any more than $800 and $600 would be more
> realistic.  Dell has servers starting at $400 but I've had bad
> experiences with Dell.

Hmmm...normally Dell's servers are pretty good.  Their desktops 
are...well...very meh.

Same with Compaq.  Very good servers, but the desktops tend to be 
pretty undesirable.

> I know that it is probably a 'get what you pay for' kind of
> thing but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions an how
> to get the most bang for the buck when it comes to servers.

Well, for what you're doing, a P3 system would probably do just 
fine.  P3's are fairly low-power parts (compared to P4's and 
Athlons) and are pretty reliable.  You can put together a cheap 
uniprocessor P3 system and have a pretty nice web server, then 
maybe upgrade to duallies on a ServerWorks-based board.  
Currently I'm putting together a 1u short-depth system with a P3 
1GHz on a FlexATX i810e motherboard, and it may not even cost me 
$200.

The P3 is an EOL'd product, though.  Well, the Socket370 P3 
is--the P3 core got revised a bit and packaged as Centrino 
(a.k.a. Banias) mobile technology.  Don't expect to see Centrino 
P3's in anything but laptops and highly customized blades.

> I've considered buying used - any thoughts there?  Some place
> local would be cool.

Well, we used to have a Half-Price Computers locally.  I haven't 
been there recently though, and their website was rather 
unavailable last time I checked. :(

eBay is a pretty good source for closeout, used, and EOL'd kit, 
though.  Also pop into the Sale/Trade sections of the [H]ardOCP 
forums (www.hardforums.com) or your other favorite hardware 
forum.

-- 
Kelledin
"If a server crashes in a server farm and no one pings it, does 
it still cost four figures to fix?"