Re: SBS2003 Reliability

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: root (root_at_buchanangc.com)
Date: 04/06/04 

Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2004 19:32:46 -0700

"SuperGumby [SBS MVP]" <not@your.nellie> wrote in message
news:%23YamlY2GEHA.2708@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> > > I strongly suggest using proper server class hardware rather than a
> souped
> > > up PC.
> >
> > What exactly constitutes "server class" except being rather expensive?
> Good
> > fans, a good power supply likely is all that's needed in most cases
> unless
> > there are other features of "server class" that one needs.
>
> I was thinking more of the mobo,

A good brand name generic mobo(sounds odd but that's the current usage) like
an Asus or Tyan or Supermicro and others are good. Workstation mobos with
the appropriate features are just fine on servers. I've put some Asus
P4C800-E Dlx mobos(~$180USD) in SBS2K3 systems and they're workin fine. The
generally equivalent Intel server labeled mobo costs ~$220USD.

>and yes price is a good indicator, do you
> think an AU$120 board to be the equivalent of an AU$450 one ?

Very possibly if one has server in the description and the other doesn't.

> OK, the specs
> of those two particular boards are quite different, but then I can also
look
> at a standard Intel mobo @ AU$180 vs their very similar server board @
> AU$390.

My point.

> You mention fans. As well as how good they are we also want them
positioned
> correctly, with maybe airflow containers to ensure heat is drawn from the
> places which require it.

A second or third order consideration unless the builder is brain dead.

> With an integrated mobo/chassis this is normal, it
> is harder to achieve with a white box.
>
> The ability to have a redundant power supply should be mentioned, though
> this is not an option we normally take on.

A redundant power supply by itself is nonsensical. A redundant power supply
is primarily for systems with significant other redundancy. What's the
percentage of system failures using a good power supply due to a power
supply failure? Not very high. Good power supplies with clean fans don't
tend to fail as often as other components. Unless the other components are
also redundant, a redundant power supply doesn't make sense. Tandem worked
and sold all these redundancy issues/systems starting in the 70-s.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: SBS2003 Reliability
    ... > generally equivalent Intel server labeled mobo costs ~$220USD. ... > Very possibly if one has server in the description and the other doesn't. ... > percentage of system failures using a good power supply due to a power ... Good power supplies with clean fans don't ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.server.sbs)
  • Re: slow disk response
    ... The mobo bios needs to be 48-bit aware before you apply the hotfix. ... great with PATA HD and mobo driver is unlikely to improve things much. ... the pc is a clone and not a true server, intel based but a clone anyway. ... if i had multiple data drives i would agree but with only ...
    (microsoft.public.backoffice.smallbiz2000)
  • Re: slow disk response
    ... once i have the new server up i will add a note to this ... The mobo bios needs to be 48-bit aware before you apply the hotfix. ... great with PATA HD and mobo driver is unlikely to improve things much. ... drives passed. ...
    (microsoft.public.backoffice.smallbiz2000)
  • Re: PowerEdge 2300 Server
    ... support hal when you installed windows 2000. ... i recall having winnt server ... temperature all over the place and fans on full speed. ... Changing the fan speed in the BIOS makes no difference. ...
    (alt.sys.pc-clone.dell)
  • Re: +12v Rising under load, +5v dropping.
    ... >> straining the computer then the PSU begins to make a burning silicon smell. ... > itself and not from MoBo components? ... My CPU is 37 degrees C, and the case is 33 degrees C. ... have a lot of fans. ...
    (uk.comp.homebuilt)