[geeks] Multi-Core on the cheap

[Michael-John Turner]

On Fri, Feb 23, 2018 at 08:40:36PM +0000, Mark Benson wrote:
>T610s are around the same price with 2x 4-core E56xx and equivalent RAM, 
>BUT the T610 only has 4x (physical) PCIe slots in and I'd like the 
>*option* to use a graphics card. Also there is the aforementioned factor 
>of Workstations being quieter, slightly smaller, and sometimes a fractions 
>easier to work on.

Ah, yes, and some of the 11G Dell servers do have power limits on the PCI-E 
slots, which can cause a problem if you want to use modern graphics cards.  
For example, I know the R710 can only take cards that require a maximum of 
25W.

>Downside of the T5500 and T7500 is the second CPU uses a bit of a bonkers 
>riser card design.

Yes, so I saw. The T610 is a bit better in that regard and it can take a 
lot more RAM than a T5500 (and I have a feeling it may also have a more 
robust chassis).

>Looked at Z600s and can spec up some nice ones. Low-GHz 4-core CPUs and a 
>stack of RAM is a more viable option. Haven't looked at Lenovos, there are 
>a TON of Dell and HP systems, which is driving the price down. I'm 
>probably gonna stick to them I think.

Good plan. One thing to check - I know that HP only provide BIOS updates 
for their servers to those who have service contracts. I'm not sure if the 
same applies to their workstations. Dell don't do that. That said, it is 
possible to get HP update CDs online with a bit of searching...

>I doubt I can stretch for an E5 generation system, I looked at HP Z420s 
>which have superb chip options but are pricey.

Indeed, E5s are still quite expensive but are coming down in price rapidly, 
particularly as the early Sandy Bridge/Ivy Bridge systems are now out of 
warranty.

Note: Sending this one to Geeks as I assume you intended to do so.

Cheers, MJ
-- 
Michael-John Turner * mj at mjturner.net * http://mjturner.net/