Author: Keith Evans
Date: 20:31:36 06/03/02
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On June 03, 2002 at 17:57:45, Robert Hyatt wrote: >On June 03, 2002 at 15:30:25, J. C. Boco wrote: > >>On www.hotdealsclub.com I learned that there is a server for sale for $2000. >>No, I'm not interested in buying it, but it has resurfaced a question I have had >>for some time now. >> >>Just what makes a computer built for a server different from a regular computer? >> Is there a reason why server-computers seem to cost less then regular ones (my >>observation based mostly on cursory comparisons between processor speeds and >>RAM)? Why do computer manufacturers go out of their way to maintain a server >>line of computers? > > >Generally: > >1. Better I/O. Typically SCSI disks rather than EIDE. > >2. More PCI slots for expansion. > >3. Often capable of using a second CPU although many don't ship with >both processors installed. > >4. More memory to provide additional buffer/caching space to further >eliminate file I/O bottlenecks. > >5. "less fancy" on-board graphics, since a server is not going to be used >as a graphical workstation. > >6. Possibly "more fancy" network devices, including having two 100mbit >interfaces. Or if the hardware is new, gigabit ethernet ports. Here a some basic things off the top of my head: ECC memory (that actually works) Support for more than 2 GB of memory Redundant hardware (may be hot swappable) Rack mountable 64-bit/66 MHz PCI Continuous monitoring of hardware. Service requests made when monitoring turns up something. Could be as simple as detecting and reporting a stuck fan.
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