Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use

re: Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use

JamesS — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 09:37:36 GMT

Hi David,

Thanks for the info.
It's my own business box. I wouldnt put a machine like this in for a client - I stick with HP or Dell, on Intel Xeon (so far).
I've just checked the BIOS level and there are updates for that and the chipset drivers so I will implent those.
I will email you the minidumps - thanks for the offer to check these out.

- James -

re: Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use

David Overton — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 16:13:53 GMT

I need to update a few common mis-understanding here:
1) is this a business box, or a personal one - if a business one, then a server with the additional cooling & reliability features is a good way to go
2) SBS 2003 is a 32-bit (or x86) operating system. When running on x64 chips you get the benefits of the protection capabilites offered by the NX function of the chips. They run 32-bit code very fast, so there is no down side here. More importantly, in the future when SBS Longhorn ships, this will require x64 chips (either Intel or AMD) to run - this gives the platform some legs as it can be used to run either

Also, send me the minidump file it produces (64kb) file and I will find out what is causing the BSOD.

ttfn

David

re: Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use

James Savory — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 15:20:35 GMT

Hi David,

I found this post very interesting. I have read somewhere recently that Dell may/are going to start using AMD in their servers for the first time (dont know if I've got that right or they've used them before).

I run SBS2K3 PE on an AMD Athlon 64 3800+ with an ASUS Sli Deluxe motherboard. It's a bit of long story why (it was meant to be a quick PC with mods to keep it quiet /cool to run games, multimedi, etc) but the fact is it's running SBS now, or at least it was, quite happily.

I appreciate now that this isnt the right/ recommended processor for server (ala your DUD comments) but it did run OK until I installed Exchange Sp2 and ISA2K4 Sp2. Now it bluescreens on the verify stage of SBS backup and very occasionally at other times.

My questions are:
1) In your opinion, is it worth me buying the opteron and recommended m'board to replace my 'desktop' porcessor? ie could this be the problem?
2) I thought I heard somewhere that ISA2K4 did not yet support x64 processors - is that right, could this be my problem (I tried uninstalling ISA Sp2, which didnt help).
3) I think you mentioned at an event earlier this year that Intel Xeon chips were x64 - is that right?

Thanks,

James

Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use

re: Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use

re: Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use

re: Real servers versus a DUD aka &quot;Dressed up Desktop&quot; for SBS use

re: Real servers versus a DUD aka "Dressed up Desktop" for SBS use