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Run Server 2012 on PowerEdge 2950

Hello Experts
I have an old Dell PowerEdge 2950 server running Server 2003 with 4GB RAM and a PERC 5/i RAID controller and was wondering if it will run Microsoft Server 2012 64 bit or Server 2008 64 bit. It will be used to run a license manager program that requires 64 bit OS. It will not be accessed by users for files. Any input is appreciated.

thanks,
cja

Cliff Galiher

You'd have to post more specifics, but I'd not plan on it. That is a very very old server, and many 2950s were 32-bit only unless specially ordered otherwise. You'll also very likely hit driver issues. Dedicated single-purpose servers are cheap, why bother? Just buy an inexpensive server and don't risk your business on an old and potentially unstable setup. That's doomed to fail, badly.

Scott C

Get a refurbished server from deepdiscountservers.com

I agree with Cliff on that server not working well.

Lee W, MVP

If it runs 64 bit operating systems, it may be fine... but you're asking about running a fairly new system on a very old system.... And is it a 2950 III or a 2950?

cja-tech-guy

ASKER

It is a 2950. What about running Server 2008 64 bit?

arnold

The issue is not whether the system will run the OS, the question is whether the dell OS deployment includes drivers for the OS you are thinking of using.
In the case of the 2950 I think 2012 should be one of those, you need to download the Dell openmanage build and update, OS assist, etc. boot the system with those who will then stream the drivers to the OS install after setting up the raid ,e tc.......

http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/poweredge-2950/drivers

You should consider updating the firmware and other items prior to the install......

Lee W, MVP

To an extent I disgree - While using the OS deployment tool is always preferrable, in most cases, newer OSes will have the required drivers built in. It's possible (in my experience) it will lack a good graphics card driver, limiting the graphics of the system, but that's not really important thanks to RDP and given what it's intended use is (as I understand it).

Lee W, MVP

Here's a question - why aren't you making this a VM on your existing VM host?

arnold

Lee, While I agree, It is not always the case that the newer OS will include RAID controller drivers nor will it provide for the setup of RAID volumes if drivers to access the raid controller volumes exist.
Why go through the RAID controller BIOS to create RAID volumes, and then exit.reboot in order for OS install attempt..

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION