Server Platform - what NOT to look for

dbaddorf
Posts: 93
Member Since:
2009-08-06

There have been numerous posts about what server platforms to use, and as others have posted in the past, the certified list doesn't have many of the current models.
My question is what SHOULDN'T I be looking for? Are there certain processors (Intel, AMD) that won't work, certain motherboards, or certain RAID controllers, etc. that won't work? From my understanding of past posts, at least some (most?) of the problems with other systems have been due to a lack of proper timing (i.e. having a SIP only system with no PCI T1/Analog cards). I would include PCI cards in each system for either T1 or analog connectivity to a local telco.
I'd like to be able to sell a current model HP to my customers, but the current models (like the HP DL360 G6) aren't on the certified list. I'm ideally looking for:

low cost :-)
rack mount
hardware raid
redundant power supplies
separate management module (like HP's ILO)

Any insight on either the newer HP G6 models or what NOT to look for would be appreciated.
I realize that some servers might not have power for Analog cards, but I'm assuming that I can just run a power extension from the front of the chassis to the rear where the PCI cards are.
Thanks!



joshpatten
Posts: 733
Member Since:
2007-01-20
I've used an HP DL-360 G5

I've used an HP DL-360 G5 with HP's RAID controller with Asterisk without any problems. I didn't use a PCI card with it, but I wasn't using conferencing or anything that really required timing. I haven't tried Asterisk on a G6 yet.



b14ck
Posts: 773
Member Since:
2009-03-03
You don't even need a

You don't even need a hardware card if you're using trixbox 2.8, the dahdi_dummy driver is more than sufficient for timing.

--

Randall Degges
Lead Developer, RCI Telecommunications
projectb14ck - http://projectb14ck.org/ - Weblog



awebster
Posts: 93
Member Since:
2007-01-29
Beware the DL-380 G6 !!

Something you need to be aware of, the HP DL-380 G6 has no internal power connectors available. If you are going to run any PCI cards with FXS modules, you are out of luck.
Stick with the DL-360 G6, as it does have an onboard power connector, however not many slots available.
The HP ML310 G5 is a good bet, lots of slots and internal power. Use the sataraid install option to put TB on a pair of SATA disks. Don't use the BIOS SATA Raid option.
I also suggest the iLO advance pack license with the server, that way you have a remote IP KVM built right in, and you can re-install from the Virtual CD if ever it breaks.

--

Andrew



dbaddorf
Posts: 93
Member Since:
2009-08-06
What is wrong w/ the BIOS SATA Raid? How about the DL180?

You mentioned not to use the BIOS SATA Raid option. Why not? I prefer using hardware RAID because I've thought it increases stability, allows either disk (in RAID 1) to be booted from, etc.

Another question regarding the lack of power in the DL380. How about the DL180? Do you know if that has any internal power connectors that I could extend to the PCI card slot area?

Thanks so much!



mrbostn
Posts: 77
Member Since:
2007-05-01
Bios Raid

I may be wrong but if you use Bios raid, and your motherboard dies, you need to find the same exact mobo in order to recover your raid.

If you use software raid, then all you need to do is reload the same software to recover it.

Hardware raid is not bios raid. Hardware raid is achieved by using either the internal raid controller from HP/Compaq, or by adding a raid controller from Adaptec, 3Ware, etc (not all add in cards are raid controllers)



joshpatten
Posts: 733
Member Since:
2007-01-20
DO NOT use 3Ware cards with

DO NOT use 3Ware cards with HP servers. 3ware implements a non-standard BIOS loader that uses 192k of memory when loading the BIOS utility instead of the maximum of 64k, therefore the BIOS management utility won't load on HP servers, plus I could never get the server to boot with the 3ware card. If you are going to get a hardware RAID card for your HP server, get an HP Smart Array. You will be glad because they "just work"



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