2007 April 12
The Intel Server board on which our entry server is based is the S3000AH, utilizing DDR2-667 memory, and quad-core Xeon processor with 8M of L2 cache -- 4M on each Dual-Core pair. One physical processor appears to MS Server 2003 as 4 processors.
A server is a PC on which other PCs depend, and therefore has greater importance in an office. Downtime is correspondingly more costly. Server strategy attempts to minimize the likelihood and cost of any failure of a server. Generally, this is accomplished by backup and/or redundancy, i.e. providing 2 where the need is only for 1. As the price of computing technology declines, redundancy becomes more attractive.
Redundancy may be configured inside or outside the box. Traditionally, redundancy is configured inside the box with methods such as (optionally hot-swappable) redundant power supplies and hard drives, complementing dual processors. Redundancy outside the box is 2 servers that share a service load, each of which could carry all the load, providing the best assurance of continuous service.
In workgroups of less than 11 PCs, any workstation can be used as a server. But if more than 10 users (or devices (PCs, printers, etc)) need to be served, a server operating system is required. Microsoft server operating systems are not supported on Intel desktop PC mainboards.
The following configuration is based on Intel's most advanced entry server board, optimized for the usual requirements of a server. Further, Intel has purposely architected the mainboard basis of our servers and tested them extensively in roles as Windows 2003 Servers. Each NCAD Server is a custom-designed assembly balancing the value to the organization within budgetary constraints. NCAD is especially proficient at delivering the best value in server technology, focusing on cost-efficient startup and flexible scaling into the future.
For high performance servers, Intel provides mainboards supporting dual Xeon processors, architected for multiprocessing roles. Several Xeon-based server boards are now available. Please call us for current pricing on a configuration specific to your requirements.
Here is a reference entry server base configuration. Let us help you with options for all components, and especially storage, to meet your specific requirements.