Topic: Motherboard processor config for V8

[wbs316]

I need to replace a tired system for a client who would like to have new hardware installed.  I have experimented with installing version 8 on a spare Acer system that I have which is running an Intel Celeron D 2.8Ghz processor.  As much as the install worked OK the system subsequently would not boot.

I have noticed others encountering problems installing e.g.

http://bugs.contribs.org/show_bug.cgi?id=6702

http://forums.contribs.org/index.php?topic=47829.0

Has anyone successfully installed version 8 on a current motherboard/processor combination in a server/gateway configuration that would still be available to order.

[janet]

wbs316

You do need to check compatibility of your hardware (particularly the chipsets & NICs & hardware RAID) with the underlying CentOS 5.8 version that SME is using (or is it using CentOSv5.9 by now). Take a look at Red Hat compatibility lists on which CentOS is based.
If hardware RAID is an issue then disable it in the BIOS. If the built in NIC is unsupported disable it in BIOS & use a plug in supported NIC eg from Intel

You can test your hardware by downloading & installing the SME v7.6 software and/or the SME v9alpha3 release, that way you will see whether the issue is with CentOS or somewhere else. You can also download the corresponding CentOS version & try installing that, also to help determine, by elimination, where the problem is.


You really do need to provide us with much more specific information about your error messages & hardware & general setup etc if you want more specific advice

[idp_qbn]

To answer your last question: HP Proliant Microserver (N36L, N40L, N54L) are terrific little servers and handle SME8 well. Had 2 now for over 12 months with never a moment's hesitation.

4Gb RAM, 4 x 1Tb HDD and 4Gb RAM 2 x 2Tb HDD

Cheap as chips!

Chhers
Ian

[Stefano]

HP Proliant Microserver (N36L, N40L, N54L) are terrific little servers and handle SME8 well.

I agree 100%

[wbs316]

Thank you for you input.  I have found it difficult to find detail of these models on the net apart from sites such as ebay and I do agree at very good prices.  But I wish to replace an existing system for a small business so if I went with a proprietry box like a HP I would want to configure it with on-site warranty etc.

I borrowed a generic PC box from a local PC manufacturer and loaded version 8.  The install completed OK but during the configuration process the system seemed to have issues with the network card built into the motherboard and also a PCI Netgear GA311 network card that they installed.

At the option "Select local network device" the system showed 2 options:

1: Use N/A N/A "Realtek Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Device 816b
2: Use N/A N/A "Atheros Communications Inc. Device 1091

The window suggested that the server can attempt to install the driver automatically or you can do it manually, but there was no option "3" to install the driver manually as I had seen on a previous version of the OS.

The motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H-MVP and the builtin network card is an Atheros AR813x/AR815x.  Should the new version of the OS display the third option to install the driver manually or do you do this another way in version 8.

[janet]

wbs316

As I said earlier, you need to ascertain if the NIC & chipset is compatible with the CentOS underlying system.
I would replace them with a Intel chipset NIC or a Intel NIC, you are likely to have less problems into the future that way.

Disable the onboard NIC in the BIOS as they appear to be incompatible.

Intel motherboards are a good choice too, for compatibility, but check the exact model online
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