When I originally conceived of this article, I planned for two classes of server; a budget machine of $1500 and something decent for $3000. After researching the manufacturer’s web sites and comparing packages, it became apparent that an entry model in either price range made too many concessions. Hence the focus of a good all around machine for $3000, with a minimum of two drives, decent RAM and whatever features could be crammed in.

To research the various models and bundles available, I did a strictly Internet fact finding tour of the big manufacturers: Compaq, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard ( HP ) and IBM. To the mix I wanted to spec out a “white box” or clone system that could be had from local computer consultants, who specialize in getting small businesses equipped. After deciding on a $3000 Canadian budget, and recognizing this would be without monitor or operating system, I set out to see what value would befall me. Everyone except HP let me take a base server and add or change components to reach my desired budget; on the HP site I selected a model and then added the price of listed options. All the players listed server hardware without operating system, since it would scare away most buyers. As well the proliferation of Linux as a free alternative allows for companies to focus the entire budget on hardware. Let’s take a look at the chart below and compare.

Let’s run down the various specs provided and see what they do for a SME buyer. This is a broad look at the items listed by the manufacturers, so check out the links for specifics.

	Hewlett Packard	IBM	White Box
Specifications	Netserver e800	xSeries 220	Custom Build
Processor	Intel P3 933 MHz	Intel P3 933 MHz	Intel P3 933 MHz
# Processors / Capacity	1 / 2	1 / 2	2 / 2
Chipset	RCC LE	Serverworks ServerSet III LE	Via Apollo Pro 133A
PCI: 64 bit / 32 bit / 66 MHz	2 / 5	3 / 2 / 0	0 / 5 / 0
RAM	128 MB ECC PC133	256 MB ECC PC133	1024 MB ECC PC133
RAM Slots / Maximum	4 / 2 GB	4 / 2 GB	4 / 2 GB
1st Hard Drive	9 GB Ultra3 SCSI 10k	9 GB Ultra3 SCSI 10k	40 GB ATA100 7200
2nd Hard Drive	18 GB Ultra3 SCSI 10k	18 GB Ultra3 SCSI 10k	3x 40 GB ATA100 7200
Hot Plug Bays: 1″ / 1.6″	-	-	-
CD-ROM	40X ATAPI	48X ATAPI	16X DVD ATAPI
Video	4 MB Integrated	8 MB S3 Savage4 LT	4 MB ATI Rage XL
Tape	-	-	-
Case	Tower	4U Tower*	Tower
Bays: Internal / External	3 / 4	3 / 4	4 / 6
Power Supply: Watts / Fans	300 / 1	330 / 3	400 / 4
SCSI Controller	Symbios	AHA-7892	-
SCSI Type	Dual Wide Ultra3	Single Wide Ultra3	-
SCSI Connections	2 ( 30 drives )	1 ( 15 drives )	-
RAID Controller	-	-	Promise FastTrak100
ATA Controller	Onboard	ATA33 onboard	ATA100 onboard
ATA Connections	2 ( 4 drives )	1 ( 2 drives )	2 ( 4 drives )
LAN Adapter	Intel 82559 10/100	Intel 82559 10/100	2x Intel 82559 10/100
Data / Fax Modem	-	56k PCI	Creative 56k PCI
Parallel / Serial / USB	1 / 2 / 2	1 / 2 / 2	1 / 2 / 4
Floppy/Keyboard/Mouse	Y / Y / Y	Y / Y / Y	Y / Y / Y
Server Software	HP Netserver Navigator	IBM Director	Intel LanDesk
	HP Toptools for Servers	IBM ServerGuide	Server Manager
	HP Remote Assistant
Warranty	3 Year On Site	3 Year Parts / 1 Year On Site	1 Year
Online Documentation	User Manuals, Updates	Manuals, Updates	Manuals, Updates
Size: H / W / D (Inches)	17 / 7.1 / 19.5	18.5 / 6.5 / 20.0	20.6 / 8.1 / 18.6
Price (U.S. / Cdn)	2040 / 3220	1976 / 3120	1970 / 3100

While all the machines come with one processor, most allow for a second to be installed. Will this double CPU performance? Unfortunately the answer is no. To take advantage of the second processor, the operating system and applications must be multi-threaded, allowing tasks to be split amongst available CPUs. A second processor should give upwards of a 20% improvement; all server operating systems take advantage of multi-processor configurations.

The chipset is the heart and soul of the system; highly under appreciated but critical. It allows for communication amongst the various parts and defines what the system is capable of. ServerWorks is the leading manufacturer of server chipsets, thus it’s inclusion in all systems.

PCI ( peripheral component interface ) comes in various flavours, which only show up in server or workstation class machines. The basic 32 bit 33 MHz PCI slots we’re used to from desktop machines have a peak transfer of 132 MB / second. 64 bit 33 MHz PCI slots peak at 264 MB / second and 64 bit 66 MHz PCI slots at 528 MB / second. While it may seem like overkill, once you get a few network adapters and a RAID controller going, your available PCI bandwidth is rapidly filled.

RAM is the lifeblood of a server. More is always better, and servers use ECC ( error correcting code ) RAM. Looking at the number of slots, available slots and maximum amount gives a good of how big you can go. RAM is at an all time low price right now, so be sure to bulk up. Looking at the prices the big boys charge for upgrades, you’re better off ordering and installing it yourself.

Hard drive space is the next big item for servers, mostly for file and application serving. SCSI is the defacto choice for this market, as a SCSI controller can handle transactions from all devices simultaneously. These systems ship with a boot drive and additional storage drives. This is where “hot pluggable” and “hot swappable” come into play. For externally accessible storage, the server has removable hard drive modules. These modules contain a hard drive and connect to a SCSI backplane, which in turn is connected to a SCSI controller. Hot pluggable drives can be removed from the system while it’s running and replaced, but won’t be recognized until the system is rebooted. Hot swappable drives can be removed and replaced while the system is running, and will be accessible immediately without rebooting. Unfortunately hot swappable drives must be connected to a RAID controller, which is an option on all servers but not standard in this price range.

All systems ship with a CD-ROM, for installing software and drivers. On a server it doesn’t get much use, and interestingly all manufacturers chose to save some money and use IDE CD-ROM drives.

Video is handled by an onboard chip with minimal RAM. For a server, it’s only handling 2D graphics and basic video tasks. No manufacturer includes a monitor in the price; they assume you’ll be using a KVM switch or pick up a cheap 15” monitor on your own.

I included a tape category even though no manufacturer ships one at this price point. Backup is a key component of any business, unfortunately a tape backup of decent size will cost the same as the server.

The case holds everything, and a server case has to allow for easy access and swappable components. All cases in this roundup are tower models, most allow rack mounting via an extra kit. The “U” rating indicates the amount of rack space the case will take, and is derived from the spaces between screw holes. Bays indicate the total number of 3.5” and 5.25” drive bays externally and internally usable.

To run everything in the case you need a quality power supply. Since servers generally operate nonstop, manufacturers include redundant power supplies. Two or three power supplies are connected, and if one fails the other takes over. With a three unit design, the failed power supply can be removed and replaced since the other two are operating as main and backup. High quality is a must, and 300 watts is a minimum for the multiple processors, drives and controllers you may be operating. Cooling is also an important concern, concentrating on the processors and drive bays. Most servers have removable fans to cool key components and direct airflow in the chassis.

Storage connections are key, and all servers utilize both SCSI and ATA interfaces. Each SCSI controller can operate between 7 and 15 devices, while ATA controllers operate 2 devices. SCSI comes in a variety of interfaces and speeds, but the most common are Ultra2 ( 80 MB/s ) and Ultra3 ( 160 MB/s ). ATA controllers operate between ATA33 ( 33 MB/s ) and ATA100 ( 100 MB/s). This determines the number and type of storage devices within your server.

External connections via ports, Ethernet and modem are necessary and a basic component of any server. Most manufacturers include one Ethernet adapter for LAN connections, and a modem is always a good idea for remote diagnostics or failsafe internet access.

Server management software is critical to any small to medium enterprise. It monitors the system and alerts you to any hardware problems so immediate action can be taken. Most vendors have their own software, and cover the gambit of features.

Last but not least, look at the warranty offered. Will you need immediate service, or will next day suffice? Replacement of failed components, telephone support and onsite technicians all effect the cost of the warranty, so choose your options carefully.

We’ve looked at the specifications of the machines offered from the “big five”, and a general run down of what does what. Let’s talk specifics regarding pros and cons.

Some basics befall all the big players and form a common platform. All use a motherboard based on a ServerWorks chipset. The Compaq, Gateway, HP and IBM list three different names on their sites for the chipset, but some digging around revealed they’re all using the ServerWorks ServerSet III LE. Dell used the next model up, the ServerSet III HE model. All servers use onboard SCSI, LAN and video; this keeps costs down and allows for less clutter in the system. For the price range, all came with Intel Pentium III 933 MHz processors; ServerWorks chipsets only support Intel processors. As well they all came with a 9 GB non swappable OS or base drive and an ATAPI CD-ROM. The days of SCSI only are behind us.

After that they begin to diverge. For that kind of money I expected a hot swap bay to be included; unfortunately only Dell and Gateway complied. With RAM pricing so cheap, I expected to see 512 MB for peanuts; on average an extra 128 MB of RAM costs $120 from these big name companies.

The servers from Compaq and HP represent the lease amount of computer for the money. Both are small tower cases with limited upgrade ability and only 128 MB of RAM. Following on their heels is the IBM machine; a step up, but no leap from the bottom wrung. Second choice falls to Gateway; they use common OEM parts ( an Asus motherboard and CasEdge housing ) and put it all together for a very aggressive price. Top pick for the $3000 SME server goes to Dell with the 2500SC. Hot swap drives and the ServerWorks HE-SL chipset give this machine room to grow. Throw in redundant power supplies and a great case to come up with a solid winner.

ECC or error correcting code RAM contains extra chip(s) that check for any memory errors and corrects them.  Just like it sounds.  Buffered RAM has a buffer for memory transactions to make sure no errors occur.  Again pretty straightforward.  Combine the two and you have RAM that buffers and checks for errors: solid memory protection but at the cost of some performance.   That’s why most RAM has neither functionality and we don’t really notice any memory problems.

Single CPU socket motherboards and their chipsets normally support ECC but not buffering.  The Tyan i3210w uses the Intel 3210 chipset and supports ECC/non-ECC and unbuffered, but not buffered memory.  Since this is Intel’s current single socket server chipset that’s pretty definitive.  My current favorite motherboard, the eVGA e-7150 uses the Nvidia 630i chipset and doesn’t support ECC or buffered memory.  Unfortunately I couldn’t locate any more information about Nvidia’s chipsets and their support of ECC and buffered memory.  At least you don’t need to use ECC and Buffered memory: it’s a requirement for almost all two CPU socket motherboards.

That started to change, but very slowly with the concept of a workstation motherboard that carried server features over to an ATX form factor for engineering or scientific work.  The Abit BP6 has two socket 370 CPU sockets on an otherwise normal ATX motherboard and used desktop Intel processors.  Mine sits proudly in my “bin of old bits” after years of faithful server as my home server.  Intel got wise in it’s next generation and eliminated the ability to run two desktop CPUs.

I abandoned it in favor on the Tyan Tiger MPX motherboard with it’s two Socket A CPU sockets and 64 bit PCI slots.  This was another standard ATX motherboard with “server” features.  I was getting into ATA RAID and needed the additional bandwidth these slots provided.  AMD rebadged desktop CPUs as Athlon MP server CPUs and enabled one connection on the CPU to allow them to work in tandem.

Today PCI express has eliminated the need for  64 bit PCI and PCI-X 133 slots.  Every motherboard now comes with a PCI-E x16 slot that can give us all the bandwidth we need for add-in cards.  With onboard video this slot is ready to go.  What else is needed on an SME motherboard?  Four to six SATA II connections with onboard RAID 1 or RAID 5: SCSI is now out to pasture with SAS and SATA taking it’s place.  For a small business SATA II will get the job done at a decent price.

I don’t think you even buy a motherboard today without an onboard NIC; with the explosion of home networking and the internet it’s a very common item now.

So what constitutes a server motherboard now?  All those onboard features are still a must for enterprise servers, but for the SOHO and SME market a compact all encompassing model fits the bill, with everything onboard: SATA II with RAID, NIC, video.  Two very different models exemplefy this: the eVGA e-7150 and the Tyan Toledo S5211.

The eVGA e-7150 is an all in one consumer board using the Nvidia 630i chipset with onboard video, SATA RAID 5, audio, gigabit NIC and PCI-E in a microATX format.  It’s fanless and takes all consumer Intel socket 775 CPUs.  Put this in a quiet case with four hard drives and you have a powerhouse storage system.  It’s available for $85-100 CDN.

The Tyan Toledo S5211 is a proper server motherboard, using the Intel 3210 server chipset with six SATA II RAID 5 ports, PCI-E and PCI-X slots, two gigabit NICs, unbuffered ECC memory, and takes all single socket Intel CPUs including Xeons.  It also supports a Tyan remote management card.  It’s about $300 CDN and fits the bill for just about and SME requirement.

Introductory models from Dell and HP are in fact desktop systems: examining service manuals shows basic desktop motherboards.  Via upgrades you can get them more “server” like with multi core CPUs, ECC RAM and hot swappable storage.  Two factors make them valid choices: good add-in or onboard remote management and a solid onsite warranty, neither of which you’ll get from a custom build or white box system.

Backtracking just a little, Intel and AMD create unique server class processors for motherboards with two or more CPU sockets: Intel Xeon 5000 series and AMD Opteron 2000 series. These may share common architecture with desktop chips but they will only fit in server class motherboards.

At some point both companies saw an opportunity to repackage desktop CPU parts into a single socket server CPU class: currently the Intel Xeon 3000 series and AMD Opteron 1000 series. Both these chips will fit in normal desktop motherboards, and more expensive server class motherboards (which we’ll examine in our next part of this series).

I had an AMD dual socket motherboard using two AMD Athlon MP processors: these were Athlon XP processors that would work in a dual socket motherboard. After the intial release sites were showing how to modify your Athlon XP processors to work on these motherboards. I still have an IBM dual Pentium 133 MHz server hanging around, my earliest example of desktop chips in a server. After that I had an Abit BP6 motherboard with two Celeron 366 MHz processors later upgraded to 533MHz. This time both motherboard and processors were designed for the desktop.

Surely these processors have something that makes them a “server” class processor? I examined Intel’s documents on the Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor and the Xeon 3220 processor. Both have a 1066 MHz front side bus and four cores operating at 2.4 GHz. Examining both side by side I can’t find a single differentiating feature: they appear to be the same processor. The Xeon is about $4 more than the Core 2 Quad, but that’s all I found.  Custom PC recently stated the Xeon’s prefetches are designed for server applications while the Core 2 prefetches are designed for desktop applications and games.

Looking at Dell and HP, their basic servers use Pentium 4 processors but offer Xeon 3000 series as upgrades utilizing all the same components.

Based on overall findings I’d say get the processor that’s supported by your chosen motherboard, and if it’s both go with what’s cheaper.

Poking around that crazy “interweb” shopping for SME (small to medium enterprise, just in case) servers led me to the two major players: Dell and HP. At first brush they have $400 servers available. Checking the component lists show mostly old desktop parts: if they believe that’s good enough for a basic server should we all? Is the actual value in these machines the warranty?

Now I’ve been looking at the individual components and trying to differentiate what the differences are between companie’s desktop and server parts. I’ll look at the following components in this series of articles:

• CPU
• Motherboard
• RAM
• Storage
• Chassis

Throughout I’ll add Dell and HP models to show what their take is.