Topic: Using AMD Opteron processor/socket 940 motherboard with SME?

[thorstenson]

Info regarding known problems related to the above are most welcome. I am going to set up a server servicing 100 + clients/pc-workstations running win xp pro at a college.
I am thinking of using 1 GB ram, a dvd-R/W drive for backup purpose.
The Opteron cpu will be the 1800 mhz version.
- Or should I forget about 32/64 bit processing and stick to a fast 32 bit processor like the Thoroughbread 3000 mhz or equivalent? - People give me a whole lot of talk saying the AMD cpu's running hot and aren't to be preferred to a similar INTEL product: Any comments based on own experience are very much anticipated. Thank You - All

Greetings - Erik Thorstenson

[EnglishRob]

I run an Athlon 64 3000+ (2GHz, 512k cache) on a Socket 754 motherboard.

I haven't yet tried running SME Server on it as its my main PC, but I can tell you from experience, my system doesn't really run too hot.

I'm using a standard cooler which came with the processor (I bought a retail boxed package) and the CPU runs at around 38ºC.

The AMD Athlon 64 CPUs at least (and I assume Opteron CPUs also have 'Cool & Quiet' technology which basicly slows the processor down when it isn't being used fully, say for instance when the machine is idle.  I don't know how this would work in practice for a server but it is supposed to cool the processor down when the machine isn't being fully used.

Just a thought, but maybe you could consider the new Socket 939 CPUs that are being released?  If I recall correctly they support dual channel DDR memory (my A64 3000+ on an MSI motherboard doesn't support dual channel).

You might also find that a standard Athlon 64 would do the job just as well as an Opteron at a lower cost.

Regarding the DVD-RW, do you know how much data you're likely to be backing up?

My server (consists of about 5 users and 2 workstations attached to it) has around 20GB of data already so backing up to DVD isn't an option.

If you're going to use less than 4.3GB of data, I would suggest getting a drive like the LG GSA-4082B DVD writer which does DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW and DVD-RAM.  DVD-RAM media, albeit a little more expensive is supposed to have a better storage life than convential -/+ RW media and it basicly acts like a big floppy disk.

Thats just my thoughts on it anyway.

Hope this all helps.

Rob

[shanen]

A p4 with 512mg ram should do the job.
Please be more specific with what services you will be providing.
Email pop or imap
Antivirus
Spam Filtering
Domain Controler
File server
Proxy
Web Filtering
etc

What is currently in place

[thorstenson]

To: EnglishRob

Thanks for your reply. I'll follow up on the athlon xp suggestion. Checked prices and the Opteron with suitable motherboard will cost approx. $360(for those 2 items) - so alternative solutions are to be considered.

Backup media can also be a tape drive as the amount of data soon will exceed 4.3 gb's

Thanks for the provided link(dvd-drive). - I'll keep you posted when choices are made. Bye

Best regards
Erik Thorstenson.

[thorstenson]

To:Shanen
Services i'll will be providing:
Email pop or imap: Imap, I guess - as I have to provide mail access through Outlook Express for both students and staff. We will need some sort of calendar sync, too. My busy time, your busy time - like that.

Antivirus: Each client pc are running Norton Antivirus - corp. edit. vers 9. - Will that do? Will I need antivirus for the SME mail server as well?

Spam Filtering: I'll use SME as mail server and are looking for anti-spam rpm.s "here."

Domain Controler:Yes, - with roaming profiles enabled.
File server:Yes - each user to save docs etc into private SME folder
Proxy: Sorry, Shanen - I don't know enough: What's the purpose? - Something interacting with the Firewall or??
Setting up 2 intranets using ebays: one for staff and one for students. The primary domain shall host the college's main website.

Thanks for the suggestion regarding p4. If Intel can do the job better, then ok. I'm not fanatic - just thought it unwise buying expensive if one can get the same performance from a cheaper product.

Finally: I'm planning of letting the SME backup to my own servers. I run a small data-storage/webhosting firm alongside my regular teacher's job.

Thank you for thoughts and suggestions.

Best regards
Erik Thorstenson

[shanen]

Sounds like this server is going to get a good toasting...
Any p4 2gig and up will do the job. Put the extra money into a SCSI drive and Travan tape backup.

Roaming profiles will create additional network traffic as they are copied down from the server during login and copied back at logout. Can anybody confirm the average size of profiles?

Have you considered the webmail that comes with SME.
This is a truely portable method as users can check email from anywhere (even remotely if you wish).


Antivirus - follow Ray Mitchells how to and stop viruses at the door http://mirror.contribs.org/smeserver/contribs/rmitchell/smeserver/howto/Virus%20and%20file%20blocking%20HOWTO%20using%20smtpfront-qmail%20for%20sme%20server.htm
Then go to pagefault.org or http://sme.swerts-knudsen.dk/ and install Clam Antivirus with Amavis to catch the odd virus that slips past. (thanks guys).

Spam Filtering - Ray Mitchell has a how to here that will block spam using realtime block lists. You can use spamassassin (which is already built in to SME) but I find it can occasionally bring your server to it's knees.

File Sharing - Create ibays in the server manager panel for your network shares (office, accounts, admin etc) Create a login script to map drives and home directory.

AMD or INTEL - AMD hot, INTEL not

My suggestion is you RTM inside out, build a test box then pull the forums apart.

If you get stuck, someone is always here to help.

Good Luck

Shane

[boringgit]

AMD or INTEL - AMD hot, INTEL not

Sorry - not really commentiung on the relevant issue, but I have to mention that the above really is about 2 years out of date. Nowadays quite the reverse is true.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=16952 (just one example of this and a bit flawed at that, but you get my drift )

I have to admit I have always gone Intel for servers, but recently a few AMD chips have crept in and I have not been disappointed.    

[shanen]

AMD or INTEL - AMD hot, INTEL not

Sorry - not really commentiung on the relevant issue, but I have to mention that the above really is about 2 years out of date. Nowadays quite the reverse is true.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=16952 (just one example of this and a bit flawed at that, but you get my drift )

I have to admit I have always gone Intel for servers, but recently a few AMD chips have crept in and I have not been disappointed.    

Thanks for the link. This has just reminded me why I stick to proven hardware and don't chase the "latest and greatest".
I've been a supporter for AMD processors since the k6 series was "sticking it to the man"
Unfortunately I have been let down a few times as I live in a hot climate. The extra few $ on a processor IMO is worth the money. On another note, I won't even use Maxtor 7,200 serial ATA drives as you can't hold these things for longer than a few seconds even if they have been reasonably idle.

Thanks

Shane