Topic: OK What Hardware?

[rf131]

Hi,

I have made the commitment to SME, mainly because it seems like everything I have to do is so much easier to administer.  I can't wait to get some of the extra contribs loaded.

This server will support 12 users, server-only mode.  No e-mail, no anti-spam, no anti-virus, you get the picture.

Since this is a server, I'm trying to minimize the risk of hardware failure.  Therefore, I'm looking into purchasing new instead of older hardware.  Older hardware may work, but I don't like the idea of putting in 3-5 year old hardware; frankly I'm nervous about this.

Here is what I have in mind... please skip the "it's overkill" replies, I know that.  This is at the low-end of what is available for new hardware:

ASUS A7V400-MX Socket A
AMD Athlon XP 2800+ Processor or possibly a Duron 1.8
512MB RAM
2 Samsung SpinPoint P 160GB Ultra ATA133 Drives in RAID 1
IOmega Rev Drive

The question is, do any of you foresee problems with this setup?  I have seen some threads on Athlons in this generation, but would like to get some feedback.

Sorry to be so "long-winded"; I just want to make sure I have explained the scenario here.  The bottom line is that I don't have time to mess with older potentially "fussy" hardware.  I do realize that new hardware can do the same thing, but is not as likely as long as you are not too "bleeding edge".

TIA,
Kevin

[cc_skavenger]

Everything but the rev drive seems fine.  I am not sure if it is supported in redhat 7.3.  I am using those same hard drives in my webserver and they work great.

HTH & good luck!

[rf131]

Thanks Marco...

More specifically, are there any motherboards to stay away from since SME runs RH 7.x?  I checked earlier today, and some variations of the Chips motherboards had known compatibility problems (although that listing was probably very dated).  This is probably the most "vulnerable" item in my list with the exception of the Rev drive.

A guy I work with has had great success with Asus motherboards, but never on SME.

Kevin

[dmac]

I have used ASUS motherboards with SME before with no issues.  The one gotcha that you may find is the Chipset for the Network card.  Most ASUS motherboards use the Realtek chipset, so you should be ok, but be prepared to add a PCI network card.

More memory is also an advantage, but your intent to use only as a file server, 512 should be enough.

Only other suggestion would be to invest in a good UPS and surge suppressor.

Good Luck,

Darin MacLachlan

[rf131]

Darin,

Thanks for the feedback.  I noticed the motherboard I listed in the thread has a VIA VT6103 LAN chipset.  Can anyone tell me if this will be a problem?

If the realtek is the best way to do, I would appreciate anyone making a new motherboard recommendation.

Kevin

[dmac]

Best thing to do is put SME on the system.  You will find out early in the installation whether the Onboard LAN will work.  If not, don't throw out the MB, add a Linksys or DLink NIC to the mix.  They retail for about $20.00 CDN.

Darin