Building 2P Opteron 1U

T

Ted Carter

Hi all -
I'd like to build a 2-processor opteron server and am getting hung-up on
choosing parts. I'd like to avoid the barebones servers that Tyan and
others put together to save on cost. Here are my requirements:

(1) Hot-swap SATA
(2) Opteron 852s, and dual-core support
(3) DDR400
(4) USB2
(5) PCIe
(6) Mobo fits in a 1U chassis (see below)
(7) Chassis bays: 5.25, 2 hot-swap SATA.

Thus far, I think I've isolated the mobo to a K8SE; although, the H8DCE
looks pretty nice. I don't think the H8DCE will fit into a 1U chassis. Can
anyone recommend a 1U chassis for the K8SE, and also say something about CPU
cooling? I'd also be interested in hearing other mobo/chassis combos that
have worked out.

Regards, Ted.
 
J

John Weiss

Ted Carter said:
I'd like to build a 2-processor opteron server and am getting hung-up on
choosing parts. I'd like to avoid the barebones servers that Tyan and others
put together to save on cost. Here are my requirements:

(1) Hot-swap SATA
(2) Opteron 852s, and dual-core support
Click to expand...

Why are you spending the $$ for 852s when 252s will work just fine?

Also, why are you spending the $$ for x52s if you plan on upgrading to dual
cores? Either spend the $$ on a 275 now, or a pair of 246/248s until the prices
come down!
 
N

News

Said differently, in a 2 socket motherboard, a 200 series opteron performs
the same as an 800 series opteron, which is much more expensive.
An 800 series opteron is needed for a 4 or 8 (or more) socket MB, and those
mbs are much more expensive than 2 socket mbs.

Out of curiosity, what kind of card is going into the PCIe slot?
 
T

Ted Carter

I was under the impression that some mobos don't support Opteron x52s.
Also, purchasing used Opteron 8xx isn't that much more expensive than 2xx
series.
Why lock yourself into a 2-way, when you can future-proof a 4- 8-way?
 
J

John Weiss

Ted Carter said:
I was under the impression that some mobos don't support Opteron x52s.
Click to expand...

That is true. However, those same MoBos likely will not support the dual-core
Opterons, either. They're all 9 micron chips running at lower voltages than the
early Opterons.

Also, purchasing used Opteron 8xx isn't that much more expensive than 2xx
series.
Click to expand...

Dunno 'bout that... Quick look on eBay sez asking price $1800 for the 852 and
$1000 for the 252.

Why lock yourself into a 2-way, when you can future-proof a 4- 8-way?
Click to expand...

Money. Practicality.

The typical "power user" may make good use of 2 CPUs, and may even make use of a
pair of dual-cores. However, anything more than that will require a server MoBo
and OS, and it is unlikely the OP will pay for those any time soon. Besides,
are there any 4x MoBos that will fit in a 1U case?
 
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