gardnerbartlett
asked on
what is the difference between server and workstation motherboard
We built a cone pc a couple of years ago. 2.4 gig pentium 4, 400/533 FSB, 1.5 gigs of DDR 3200 RAM.
We built a ATA IDE RAID 5 with a card. RAID was not built into the motherboard.
our consulatant recommended we scrap it and by a Dell PowerEdge 830. Server. The specs don't appear to offer anything more than some of the non server workstations we have. Pentium 4 2.8 ghs, 1mb of on board cach, 800 mhz FSB.
They say that we should have a Server computer with a "server" motherboard rather than the pc clone we built. What makes a "server" motherboard different than a workstation motherboard assuming that all the specs are the same, CPU GHz, FSB Mhz, amount of memory, available slots for upgrading etc?
We've had several consultants tell us we should have a "server" motherboard. What makes a "server" motherboard different than a workstation motherboard assuming the usual specs are the same?
I know a "server" modtherboard may have a built in RAID where we had to add a card but other than than what maikes a "server" motherboard different from a worksation motherboard
We can easily down the server for a few minutes so we don't need hotswapping capabilities. We never have more than 10 people logged on to the server at any time.
We built a ATA IDE RAID 5 with a card. RAID was not built into the motherboard.
our consulatant recommended we scrap it and by a Dell PowerEdge 830. Server. The specs don't appear to offer anything more than some of the non server workstations we have. Pentium 4 2.8 ghs, 1mb of on board cach, 800 mhz FSB.
They say that we should have a Server computer with a "server" motherboard rather than the pc clone we built. What makes a "server" motherboard different than a workstation motherboard assuming that all the specs are the same, CPU GHz, FSB Mhz, amount of memory, available slots for upgrading etc?
We've had several consultants tell us we should have a "server" motherboard. What makes a "server" motherboard different than a workstation motherboard assuming the usual specs are the same?
I know a "server" modtherboard may have a built in RAID where we had to add a card but other than than what maikes a "server" motherboard different from a worksation motherboard
We can easily down the server for a few minutes so we don't need hotswapping capabilities. We never have more than 10 people logged on to the server at any time.
Sometimes it seems a question like this is more about what you use the server for, rather than what hardware will be used... If the demands are low, you could probably get by with a carefully designed "desktop", one that has a good PSU, well-designed CPU cooling (passive, if possible), a good SCSI HD and RAM modules from a reputable provider. If you keep the ambient temp low, you should have years of service with no problems. If your demands require the fastest possible CPU in a multi-CPU configuration, lighning-speed HD access and so on, you *will* need a server mobo (and a low ambient temp) to keep things running happily. So, basically, what do you need in terms of server specs?
/RID
/RID
ASKER
The PowerEdge 830 "server" offered by Dell has
Intel Pentium 4 processer 521 at 2.8GHZ, IMB Cache, 800 MHz FSB
IGB DDR@ 533Mhz, 4x256MN Single Ranked Dimms
An embedded SATA.
CERC 6-Channel SATA RAID Controller that is an "add it" which means it is probably in a pci slot/
56K Internal Modem, Conexaant, Unleaded.
The CPU, Onboard Cache and FSB are similar to several desktops we have.
Our memory is DDR3200 @400 Mhz. Is the 533Mhz pecular do "Server Boards"?
A RAID controller card can in most workstation and "server"motherboards.
The Dell "server" mother board does not have any embeeded scsi, or dual processors. I see no memtion of Exleon CPU's. The cooling and Power Supplies are important for Servers but they seem moe a function of the Case than the motherboard. Do "server" boards tend to make hard wired bioses that deal in cooling better than desktop motherboards?
the comment on "voltage regulation circuitry on board" is certainly a good point. They don't seem to provide specific spec's for that in any adds for motherboards "server" or "desktop".
I'm increasing points since I plan to spit teh between answer and assisted answer.
Intel Pentium 4 processer 521 at 2.8GHZ, IMB Cache, 800 MHz FSB
IGB DDR@ 533Mhz, 4x256MN Single Ranked Dimms
An embedded SATA.
CERC 6-Channel SATA RAID Controller that is an "add it" which means it is probably in a pci slot/
56K Internal Modem, Conexaant, Unleaded.
The CPU, Onboard Cache and FSB are similar to several desktops we have.
Our memory is DDR3200 @400 Mhz. Is the 533Mhz pecular do "Server Boards"?
A RAID controller card can in most workstation and "server"motherboards.
The Dell "server" mother board does not have any embeeded scsi, or dual processors. I see no memtion of Exleon CPU's. The cooling and Power Supplies are important for Servers but they seem moe a function of the Case than the motherboard. Do "server" boards tend to make hard wired bioses that deal in cooling better than desktop motherboards?
the comment on "voltage regulation circuitry on board" is certainly a good point. They don't seem to provide specific spec's for that in any adds for motherboards "server" or "desktop".
I'm increasing points since I plan to spit teh between answer and assisted answer.
"An embedded SATA."
Is SATA server technology?
"56K Internal Modem, Conexaant, Unleaded."
Is a fake (software) modem server technology? Conexant modems usually are softmodems...
You still have to determine if your needs require the things the "server mobo" has...
/RID
Is SATA server technology?
"56K Internal Modem, Conexaant, Unleaded."
Is a fake (software) modem server technology? Conexant modems usually are softmodems...
You still have to determine if your needs require the things the "server mobo" has...
/RID
Hi,
The most important thing to consider is downtime. How long can you afford to work without the server? Consider a backup solution! If you’re planning to build a server, be aware of the warranty and how fast you can get a replacement part. This situation is usually measured in weeks.
If the server is somewhat critical please buy a brand name like HP,IBM, DELL. They will usually have next business day replacement parts and you can even buy extra service 24/7… You have models that start at very reasonable price. You can also get replacement parts 5 years after. Try finding parts for a self built computer!
Software certification is also important!
No matter what hardware you buy it all breaks sooner or later. The important thing is service!
If you’re not familiar with server’s id suggest you contact a reseller who will take the time to evaluate and sell you the right server for your needs.
The most important thing to consider is downtime. How long can you afford to work without the server? Consider a backup solution! If you’re planning to build a server, be aware of the warranty and how fast you can get a replacement part. This situation is usually measured in weeks.
If the server is somewhat critical please buy a brand name like HP,IBM, DELL. They will usually have next business day replacement parts and you can even buy extra service 24/7… You have models that start at very reasonable price. You can also get replacement parts 5 years after. Try finding parts for a self built computer!
Software certification is also important!
No matter what hardware you buy it all breaks sooner or later. The important thing is service!
If you’re not familiar with server’s id suggest you contact a reseller who will take the time to evaluate and sell you the right server for your needs.
SOLUTION
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well there r not much diference except that server boards r made for networks and there u can find for example 64bit pci for gigabit network adapters or some other hardware that are specialy designed for servers - in many cases server machines have more cpus and lot of ram slots - but usualy they have integrated graphics without adidtional agp slot
see www.tyan.com for more info
see www.tyan.com for more info
ASKER
Our current file server has used the card RAID 5 for 2 years so compatability is not an issue but our consultants always want to sell us a "server" cause we don't have a "server" just a pc clone. I don't doubt that there are servers that have more to offer than what we have but I don't see where the Dell 830 Server does based on the specs which is why my boss wanted to know exactly what makes a "server" motherboard different than a workstation motherboard. All the comments were very informative. I will be splitting points between "answer" and "assited answer" in a couple of days.
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In P4 configuration (with reference to intel) there is absoultly no difference between a server and workstation Mainboard. however they are different from Desktop Mainboards (they have different chipsets (9xx as oppose to the 72xx for servers and W/S) and have more trinkets.
In Xeons the difference is the server boards don't have the AGP or PCI-Express x16 slot. so you cannot install a third party Graphic controller on the servers.
In Xeons the difference is the server boards don't have the AGP or PCI-Express x16 slot. so you cannot install a third party Graphic controller on the servers.
"... so you cannot install a third party Graphic controller on the servers."
Sure you can -- just has to be a PCI card. Works fine. ... though obviously you're not going to get a high-end GPU with such a system.
Sure you can -- just has to be a PCI card. Works fine. ... though obviously you're not going to get a high-end GPU with such a system.
"Sure you can -- just has to be a PCI card. Works fine. ... though obviously you're not going to get a high-end GPU with such a system.
Sorry I missed that.... !! how many PCI Graphics cards do you see on the market.... besides the built in PCI graphic card already on the servers is one of the highest possible.. so why would you want to install another PCI Graphics controller on a server????
As I said on Xeon Server boards (from Intel, Dell, HP etc.. not the Taiwanees stuff) you connot install thired party "AGP, PCI-Express x16" graphic cards whilest on Workstation Boards you can.
"...how many PCI Graphics cards do you see on the market?..."
Here's 46 to choose from (and there are a LOT more):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=696%3A9642&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=48&Submit=Property
Here's 46 to choose from (and there are a LOT more):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=696%3A9642&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=48&Submit=Property
ASKER
I gave mysticaldan 250 points and meant to make it the accepted answer with 150 points to garycase as the assisted answer but I mixed them up but all of the comments were great and helpfull. Thanks.
glad i cud help you out. You can always post a request for unselecting your answer and reaward points if you want to. In case u need to do it again just post a request in the community section requesting to deselct ur answer and you can always do that.
Thanks :o)
Dan
Thanks :o)
Dan
Hotswapping is not a function of the motherboard; but of the RAID subsystem -- you can have hotswapping drives on a desktop board if the RAID controller supports it and you use the proper drive carriers.
Servers are also usually designed with redundant power supplies -- although if you use a very high quality power supply with plenty of headroom the reliability is exceptionally high (and you can still buy redundant supplies if you want).
You can, as you've noted (and apparently done in the past), certainly build a "server" with a desktop board. Just be sure to use a high quality board and high quality components. I'd suggest a good Intel motherboard with a 945 chipset; ECC memory; and a good RAID controller (your current RAID-5 is probably fine). I'd consider 3 things essential in a "server" configuration: (1) a RAID subsystem; (2) ECC memory; and (3) a UPS.
From what you've described, I'd think such a system would serve you very well.