Rackmount Server with graphics card or PCI-e?

static416

July 20, 2009 2:49:53 PM

Does anyone know of a simple 1U or 2U rackmount server with either a decent graphics card (Nvidia 8800 GT-ish), or a PCI-e slot capable of accepting such a card?

The issue is that we are looking to drive 12 different displays with OpenGL graphics. For various reasons it's looking like the simplest solution is to put 8 of these on separate systems with their own graphics cards.

The systems don't need to be fancy, 2.66Ghz CPU, 2GB ram, and 80GB harddrive are probably more than enough. The graphics hard needs to be reasonably good though, on-board, or workstation-level cards won't do the job.

Any ideas?

Going with a cheap SFF PC might be another solution, but we already have the rack, so we might as well use it if possible.

More about : rackmount server graphics card pci

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r_manic

CPUs Expert

Graphics card Expert

July 21, 2009 5:59:10 AM

I couldn't find one... nothing with decent integrated graphics or a PCIe slot.

What about this alternative? Since it seems you've got an unlimited budget, just build a dual GTX 295 desktop. That's enough power for 12 displays, so long as they're all not 30". If you can keep things cool, and have enough DVI splitters on hand, you'll have no problems, I bet.

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royalcrown

July 21, 2009 7:33:25 AM

I don't believe such an animal even exists in a 1 or 2 u config. IMO you need to go 4u.

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tonyn84

July 21, 2009 5:27:02 PM

There are low profile 9(4/5/6/8)00gt cards out there so it seems possible. I doubt any prebuilt systems would have them but you could add one to a 2U system. I would be a little concerned about cooling in such a tight space though, don't know how hot these cards get

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royalcrown

July 21, 2009 5:58:20 PM

tonyn84 said:

There are low profile 9(4/5/6/8)00gt cards out there so it seems possible. I doubt any prebuilt systems would have them but you could add one to a 2U system. I would be a little concerned about cooling in such a tight space though, don't know how hot these cards get

SO ?! Try finding a 1u or 2u server with a pcie x16 slot then...okay, where is the lp 8800 ?

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tonyn84

July 21, 2009 7:31:26 PM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... not a full server but there's a pcie slot for ya
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... there's the card

not saying its the most practical/cheapest way to go but its definitely possible

edit:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/enterprise/server-po... here's a prebuilt with an x16 pcie slot (according to specs at least), not recommending this server, just showing that they are out there, check the specs before you buy

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royalcrown

July 21, 2009 8:13:32 PM

tonyn84 said:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... not a full server but there's a pcie slot for ya
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... there's the card

not saying its the most practical/cheapest way to go but its definitely possible

edit:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/enterprise/server-po... here's a prebuilt with an x16 pcie slot (according to specs at least), not recommending this server, just showing that they are out there, check the specs before you buy

well...cool. I guess you showed me..lol

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tonyn84

July 21, 2009 9:11:16 PM

I don't think its the best option depending what they need the graphics for. Those low profile cards seem like they'd burn up easily with their tiny fans. But if they're set on a 2U its at least worth a shot.

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