Author Topic: Shopping for a new Server...suggestions? (Read 320 times)

LePaul · « **on:** June 16, 2002, 04:51:10 PM »

As some of you may know, I run a webhosting biz. Its about time to retire the Dual Pentium Pro 200mhz system (which runs IIS, the Web BBS, telnet, etc etc) and upgrade into something newer.

But, unlike Game Machines, I don't wanna build this one. I've had no problems with the current server, but I need something that can run Windows 2000 Server, IIS 5 and all the ASP applications, and the BBS software I currently have now. I want name-brand. And what I am wondering is those of you that are in the biz, what brands do you like? So far, IBM's pricing is astronomical and Dell's is quite impressive.

Budget is $4,500

From Dell, I pieced together a nice PowerEdge 1400SC complete with 1gb RM, RAID 5 (Ultra 160s) for about $4095. Now, it says "Powered by Microsoft Windows"...I do not know if the OS is in there or not...if not, +$800. Which raises the price, but apparently there are a few discounts in place, so the price drops to near $4600. Close.

IBM is simply out to lunch. Once I add RAM to a similar machine, the price is beyond $5k. Woof.

People I've talked to who have gone this route love Dell. IBM is great, but they are also the Cadillac's of the line. I want something solid, good warranty/support so that if this thing barfs, I can call someone and yell "You suck!"

(Rather than build my own and go "Oh F-word, what could it be now".

No, I don't want something from a Ma and Pa shop....I'm just looking for opinions you IS guys have on Dell & IBM, and if there are others I should check into (Gateway, etc)

Thanks!

Skuzzy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2002, 05:03:43 PM »

Sorry to hear you want to go the OEM route LePaul, but I would stay away from Gateway.

In general I do not like OEM computers due to the little surprises they throw at you, but Gateway is bad news.

LePaul · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2002, 05:11:51 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Skuzzy
Sorry to hear you want to go the OEM route LePaul, but I would stay away from Gateway.

In general I do not like OEM computers due to the little surprises they throw at you, but Gateway is bad news.

I just want something I can not worry about...OEM has 24/7 support options, etc.

Thanks for the tip on Gateway....their pricing is right on the mark with Dell, but who wants a server with a Cow paintjob?

bloom25 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2002, 10:08:06 PM »

Hmmm, maybe a Sun Fire 15K? You're only a million or so away from the bottom line 15k.

I do agree on Gateway though, I now rate them as equal in quality with Compaq desktops.

AKDejaVu · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2002, 10:54:24 PM »

If you're in the mood for a dual Xeon system (400MHz now.. 550's aren't to badly priced) let me know. I have one I could give you at quite a reasonable discount... and its completely stable.

Shoot me an e-mail if you'd like details.

AKDejaVu

LePaul · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2002, 10:36:21 AM »

Thanks Deja, but I'm eyeing something in the GHZ range.

So far, the mentioned Dell is the leading contender. I've also inquired with 2 of the reputable computer places here in town. Local talent, local service, etc...at least putting all my options on the table. To me, the big thing is support...I want this thing to be worry free for me, and if snafus hit, someone gets a call, and I dont go out of my tree wondering what driver could possibly be fluffied up

Wanker · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2002, 11:27:38 AM »

C'mon, LePaul, cough up the dough and go for the IBM.

Not that I'm biased, or anything...

Oh, did I fail to mention that everyday I go to work in a big blue building?

mipoikel · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2002, 06:44:40 PM »

Compaq. (Proliant)

Furious · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2002, 02:27:24 AM »

I put in a dell poweredge at my office, running win2k server. Haven't rebooted it in over 2 months now. I like it.

F.

LePaul · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2002, 09:24:28 AM »

Follow up:

The Dell guys are really impressing me. The sales guy had one of the Setup gurus call me, and we reviewed the setup I am checking out...for a Windows 2000 powered web server, 100,000+ Hits a month, with search engine etc. The guy who called was great...the best way I can describe it is when you describe Aces High to a group of strangers, and in the crowd is a guy who's played the game. In short, someone that can RELATE to want I want to do, not just sell me a nice black box with a huge service agreement. We covered the RAID setups and Pros and Cons of each (we agreed RAID 5 is best for my file search engine). The guy was pretty cool, saying to go with a single CPU since I could buy an offmarket one for way less than they sell them for ($899). All in all, we spoke for 35 minutes and built a pretty nice machine ($4250)

Compaq? You know, I truly despise them (I used to work for Staples and I find that "pain" and "Compaq" seem to be related hehe). But seriously, their server stuff is supposed to be pretty good. It can't hurt to look.

Gateway's been ruled out, the Dell Tech pointed out the differences between his hardware and theirs. Moo!