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> IBM: x330
I'll vouch for the x330; I have several clusters set up on them, and they
work like a charm.
Not to be an IBM salesdrone (really, I'm not), but this is probably the
best upper low-end machine I've worked with -- low end being defined as
<=2 CPU.
The NICs are eepro100s -- well supported drivers under Linux. If they go
bad, you do have to get the chassis replaced, or perhaps add a card into
the PCI slots.
The ASM processor is neat, the optional RSA card is nice -- though not
quite as nice as the Compaq Lights Out card.
Make sure that you use the appropriate RAID device drivers, if you decide
to get RAID. There are two editions of the RAID cards -- 4L and 4Lx, 4M
and 4Mx -- and they each have specific versions of the driver they
require. If you intend to use the 2.2 series kernel, out of the box, it
may only work with the 4L and 4M -- but there are updated drivers
available, I think.
The only disadvantage I can think of when it comes to these machines is
limited expandability -- sometimes, two hard drives just isn't enough.
I can't say enough about my experience with IBM service -- it's been
outstanding. When they something's supported, they mean it.
On the other hand, Dell's servers are probably going to be better
performers -- they have slightly higher clock speeds at the top end, and
interleaved memory. Pricing is slightly better too.
Pick your poison -- I'd go with IBM, because I'm more familiar with them,
and they suit my particular needs better, but I don't think you'll go
wrong with any of these three.
As far as dual-proc directors go, it's probably not necessary -- a single
modern processor is enough to push almost any LVS load you can throw at
it. The exception would be is if you plan to have LOTS of other stuff
causing load on the machine. Really advanced monitoring scripts, VPN,
etc.
Thanks,
--
Kyle Sparger - Vice President, Technology
ksparger@xxxxxxxxxxxx - http://www.dialtone.com
Voice - (954) 581-0097 x 122
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