$700 Server Build

[jivorivor]

I have an HP Proliant dl140 server with 2-2.4ghz (Prestoria)xeons in a socket 604 motherboard with 3GBs of RAM. I am currently running some intensive dental EMR database applications on it and am noticing it slow down quite a bit and need help on building a new server.

I already have a case and basically only need to purchase with about $700:

Motherboard
Processor
RAM
Power Supply

Which processor and mobo would be ideal? a 771 (harperton or cloverton) or a LGA 775 Q6600

I know I definitely want a quad to handle all of the threading but am in abit of unfamiliar territory when configuring a server build. Once again this is to handle digital xrays, appointments, billing, etc.. for about 10 workstations and it will perform nothing else other than dental electronic medical records on windows server platform.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

[yomamafor1]

Q6600 should be sufficient for you, or you can find LGA 775 Xeons (X32x0).

For regular Xeons, you need to purchase FB-DIMM RAMS, which consume a lot of power, and slightly more expensive than regular ECC RAMs.

Here's some off the top suggestions.

Motherboard: Intel G33 motherboard (110 USD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121099

Processor: Q6600 (280 USD)
RAM: 2Gb DDR2-800 (80 USD)
Power Supply: Seasonic 430W (110 USD)

The total for that will be 580USD.

EDIT: Also, Intel is likely to drop Q6600's price on April 20th, from 280USD, to 240~250USD. On the other hand, Intel also has newer quad core coming up, which will run cooler and slightly faster than Q6600.

 

[jivorivor]

thanks yomama!
is there really any difference between the xeon x32x0 and the q6600 or not really other than one may require mobo with ecc and the other one doesnt?
so the q6600 should definitely outmatch the 2 prestoria xeons? my best guess is yes and that it would do so in a big way compared to the older xeons.

 

[yomamafor1]

thanks yomama!
is there really any difference between the xeon x32x0 and the q6600 or not really other than one may require mobo with ecc and the other one doesnt?
so the q6600 should definitely outmatch the 2 prestoria xeons? my best guess is yes and that it would do so in a big way compared to the older xeons.

At the same price point, X32x0 is about 266Mhz short of Q6600. The benefit, however, is that you get a better processor (better binned), and enjoy better stability and overclockability (if you ever want to).

And yes, Q6600 / X3210 should with no question outperforms 2 Prestonia Xeons. We're talking about one quad core vs. 2 single cores. You'll see at least 100% improvement.