Buying a server

[theblackoutiscoming]

The two servers I am looking at are: a 1u HP ProLiant DL360 G3 1U Server, 2 gb, 2x 36gb and a 4u Compaq Proliant DL580 g2

The seller of the first server has told me he would take $75 for one.
The specs are:
Processor: 1x xeon 2.8 ghz/533 mhz(512 kb) (one core) with room for 1 more processor.
Memory: 2 gb (expandable to 8)
Network adapters: Dual gigabit adapters
Storage controller: HP Smart Array 5i controller
Hard drives: 2x 36 gb SCSI hard drives
CD/DVD Drive: DVD ROM
Power supply Dual hot-swappable HP ESP128 325W power supplies
Diskette drives: One
External ports: 2 usb, iLo, monitor, serial, 2 nic, mouse, keyboard
Other: Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) network adapter
Rails: Included(server side only)

I have not discussed pricing with the second seller but I am confident that He will take his price down to $100
The specs for this server are:
Four 2Ghz processors (1 core each)
2 GB memory
Four 36.4 hotswap SCSI HDD.

HP Specs
Processor and Memory

Available Processors
Multi-processor 4
Memory Type
PC2-3200 DDR2
Standard Memory
2GB (2 × 1GB)
Max Memory
64GB with 16 x 4GB DIMMs
Advanced memory protection
Advanced ECC
Hot Plug Mirrored
Hot Plug RAID
Online Spare
Storage

Storage Type
Hot-plug 2.5" SAS or Hot-plug Serial ATA Max Drive Bays
4 Hot Plug Universal drive bays
Removable Media Bays 2
Storage Controller Smart Array P400 SAS/SATA Controller
Deployment

Form Factor Dense Rack
Rack Height 4U
Networking Dual NC371i Multi-function Gigabit Server Adaptors (Embedded)
Remote Management Integrated Lights Out 2 (iLO2)
Redundant Power Supply Standard
Redundant Fans Standard

Which server is the best bang for my buck? I hope to run XenServer on the one I purchase. The server will be kept in my house, likely in the basement (unfinished). I am a 9th grader so money is tight until I find employment. Would I be able to replace some of the scsi HDD with large ones?
Thanks,
Michael

 

[theblackoutiscoming]

Bump!

 

[QuietPC]

So $75 for one and $100 for the other. Both are old. You presume they both run ok with no issues, etc.? 2gb of ram on either is fine. The second server appears to give you 2x the storage of the first. For the money pick the one that's in the best condition and hope you didn't throw your money away.

 

[theblackoutiscoming]

I may Have a third server to look at. How old are these? Too old for xen?

 

[QuietPC]

I may Have a third server to look at. How old are these? Too old for xen?

Given the specs and sizes of the hdd's I would guess more than 5 years. Heck, call each and ask them when they bought or built them, whether there are any issues (and if so what), etc.

 

[theblackoutiscoming]

Given the specs and sizes of the hdd's I would guess more than 5 years. Heck, call each and ask them when they bought or built them, whether there are any issues (and if so what), etc.

ok, the third server has like 500 gig disks and was just pulled from a church so I will see how old it is.
P.S. Are there any newer servers I can get without spending much money?

 

[QuietPC]

ok, the third server has like 500 gig disks and was just pulled from a church so I will see how old it is.
P.S. Are there any newer servers I can get without spending much money?

HP stopped making their home servers which were decent deals. If you can find a used on working well then you could probaby get it for less than $400 adn they came with one or two 500/750gb hdd's.

 

[theblackoutiscoming]

HP stopped making their home servers which were decent deals. If you can find a used on working well then you could probaby get it for less than $400 adn they came with one or two 500/750gb hdd's.

I am a 9th grader without a job so my budget is pretty low for now. If anyone has any technology related jobs for a 15 year old in georgia just let me know.