[svlug] Hardware for a new server

[Dan Mashal]

You can replace that with a nice AMD gaming machine.

On Wed, Feb 6, 2013 at 12:23 PM, Jesse Monroy <jesse650 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Rick,
> I have two (2) dangerous propositions.
>
> 1) Instead of new hardware, I suggest SVLUG go to a virtual hosting
> 2) If SVLUG insists on hardware, I suggest SVLUG setup a virtual host,
> and host other Linux User Groups (as local as possible)
>
> Dangers in both. Migrating to new hardware continues inherent dangers.
>
> Jesse
>
>
> On 2/6/13, Rick Moen <rick at linuxmafia.com> wrote:
>> Comments / suggestions welcomed.
>>
>> I'm looking at belatedly replacing the 2001-era VA Linux Systems model
>> 2230 2U-rackmount server that houses my Internet presence (shell for me
>> and a bunch of other people, Web, ftp[1], SMTP, Mailman mailing lists,
>> DNS, ntp, rsyncd, pxeboot/kickstart services, etc.).
>>
>> Current prospect is a Compulab fit-PC3 palmtop w/internal SSD and a pair
>> of eSATA-connected 256GB 2.5" laptop-type hard drives in MD-driver RAID1
>> configuration, in external enclosures.  Primary advantage of the new
>> hardware, other than accomplishing a long overdue hardware refresh, is
>> great reduction in use of AC power, which I figure adds about
>> $20-30/month to my household PG&E bill.  And noise output.  And heat
>> output.  Heat is always bad, as its buildup stresses hardware, leading
>> to early component death.  Normally, you add fans that themselves
>> generate more heat, draw more power, and so on.  But why not use
>> low-power designs that don't need them to begin with?
>>
>> The main general objective is minimum long-term hassle (from parts
>> failure, wonky operation, noise, etc.).
>>
>>
>>                          Old       New
>> Est. total power draw    100W      15W
>> CPU                      PIII/650  AMD G-T56N/1.65GHz[2]
>> Physical RAM             1.5GB     8.0GB
>> Disk space               89GB      430GB
>>
>> I'll be going from 3 count of ancient internal 3.5" SCSI drives to 1
>> internal SSD boot drive + a RAID1 pair of external 2.5" drives on eSATA,
>> and going from three noisy fans to _none_.  So:  tiny, fast, quiet,
>> reliable.
>>
>> Old: http://ebayimages.rswhost.com/301735/73414D.jpg
>> New: http://www.fit-pc.com/web/images/fit-PC3-standard-front.jpg
>>      (omits pair of external drives, obviously)
>>
>> A bit of money up-front, but OTOH fully featured and enough server
>> firepower for another decade, and in fact CPU/RAM left over for VMs.
>>
>> Tab so far is looking like this:
>>
>> $412 fit-pc3 Pro Barebone
>> $170 Intel SSDSC2CT180A3K5 180GB 2.5" SATA3 SSD
>> $130 2x Western Digital WD2500BEKT 250GB 2.5" 7200 RPM SATA3 HD
>> $ 52 2x Vantec NST-260SU-BK HD enclosure
>> $ 20 2x 5V power adapter for enclosure
>> $ 55 2x Crucial SODIMM 4GB DDR3-1066 64-bit
>> ----
>> $839
>>
>> The pair of 250GB hard drives cited are from Western Digital's 'Scorpio
>> Black' series of notebook hard drives.  Much as I'd be tempted to use,
>> say, their 320GB, 500GB, or 750GB drives from the same model series, I
>> notice that the 250GB model has a reputation for rock-solid reliability,
>> while the denser ones tend to drop like flies.  The 5-year warranty is
>> nice, but it's nicer not to need it.
>>
>> I'd actually be fine with a RAID1 pair of 'WD Green' drive with variable
>> rotation speed up to 5400RPM (thus less heat, etc.), but the specific WD
>> unit shown has extremely high user ratings on Newegg for long-term
>> reliability.  And the WD Green series's 2-year warranty reflects that.
>>
>>
>> [1] http://linuxmafia.com/faq/Network_Other/ftp-justification.html
>> [2] AMD G-series ('Geode') approximates Intel Atom, and is x86_64 arch.
>>
>>
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>
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