[PLUG] "server" quality components

[Randall Lucas]

> What do you get in a "server" mobo or NIC anyway that you don't 
 > get in the cheep stuff?

For one, you don't get "floor sweeps."  Literally, the pieces in the 
"free after rebate" NICs you get at Fry's may have been swept off the 
floor of a factory.

Another example is that with HP (Compaq) servers, you get ILO 
(integrated lights-out), which provides remote console access and remote 
power-off via a separate on-board NIC.

Another benefit (this more with a "system" than an individual board) is 
the availability of *exactly* the same part, by part number, be it from 
the manufacturer or off eBay -- not a putatively "compatible" part for 
replacement.  Also, others have likely tested your OS on *exactly* that 
same hardware -- no combinatorical nightmares with varying chipsets, etc.

With a complete server system, furthermore, you're getting something 
that's engineered, not just assembled.  Someone took the time to map the 
airflow through the case, measure the power demands of the RAID array, 
etc., not just plug things together until it boots OK.

Look at the resellers on eBay who sell new or refurb stuff that's still 
under warranty from IBM, HP, Dell (caveat lector, Dell has had in the 
past a mixed reputation on servers, including using the same model 
number for different grab-bags of parts).  Check 2 "speed increments" 
down from the blistering fastest new stuff, and you can fly 
business-class for nearly coach-price.

I hate to sound like a server sales rep, but I've had multiple white box 
clone PSUs and RAM sticks fail over many years, but I'm still waiting 
(with a box of factory-supplied backups) for any of the server-grade 
stuff to fail.

Best,

Randall

-- 
Randall Lucas			DF93EAD1
Tercent, Inc / SuperSurvey Online Surveys
http://www.supersurvey.com