New Servers

[meingh]

I am looking at upgrading my server. I am not completely new to networking etc.. but I am unsure what I am going to need.

Currently I am using a P4 1.5 desktop as a file server running win 2000 server. I do not need it for any remote access or mail server functions.

The new serve I am looking for would have 12 clients and a few printers etc.

8 of the clients would be higher traffic clients accessing several database on the server which contain our customer information.

Any recommendations on what sort of speed / specs I should be looking for. Anything I should look out for (both good and bad) based on your past experiences??

Thanks in advance for anyone who could help out.

 

[mikesgroovin]

Processor should be 2.4Ghz or better and have HyperThreading enabled on the processer. Should have at least 1GB of DDR (or better) I'd personnally go with 2GB so that you're not going to run into and issues with you DB clients. I think that you should also be thinking about a backup solution as well. Maybe looking into an unattended tape backup or a RAID 5 drive config (or better) with a 4th HotSwapable drive. Are you going to buy this server or build it?

-Mike

 

[meingh]

mike,

I will probably have it built for me, I just need to have some sort of direction / minimums to start with.

 

[HoLoCroN]

Also, depending on the database needs, you might want those workstation on a Gbps connection. Make sure your router/switch can support gigabit connections, you will see a definite improvement.

 

[Worked4me]

Hey meingh,

When you say "8 of the clients would be higher traffic clients accessing several database " Qoute meingh the word higher
traffic is way to broad.

If I can make a recommendation run a Network Monitor on the
current server from a couple days to a week to get an idea of
how taxed the current server is.

Here are some links to third party Network Monitors and yes
they are evaluation and can be used by commercial companies.
I prefer CommTraffic 2.02 but there are a lot of other ones
you may like better so take a look and report back with the
statistics so we can recommend the right equipment for your
particular application.

Comm Traffic 2.02
http://www.tamos.com/download/main/

PRTG Traffic Grapher
http://www.paessler.com/prtg/?banner=SEO

NimBUS
http://www.conversesoftware.com/netman/index.shtml

http://www.popularshareware.com/Traffic-Calculator-screenshot-7550.html

Good Luck.