Build A Server

This will, I hope, generate some conversation on the "good, bad and the ugly" options of a new server.

I have to buy and build a new server, it's to replace our current Sun Solaris system. Issue: cost mostly. Sun's annual maintenance agreement is outrageous.

I know what I would like to do, but thought I'd see what others would do for building the Dream Machine Server.

Parameters (min):

Tower Box
Raid 5
Hot Swap (nice but not needed)
Dual Processors
CDR
Tape BU
*nix OS

Main Use:

Catalog Server

What do you all think, give me some more ideas to consider. Oh yeah, price range $8,000 - $15,000 (would like to stay under $10 G)

Personally, I would build one through Dell. I just went through and built a 'PowerEdge 6600' with dual 2.0 xeon processors, 2GB of ram, 6 32GB drives in raid5, a 20/40GB backup, dual power supplies, etc for just over 10 thousand.

I always liked Dell...they make good quality stuff

Thanks Matt,

Dell appears a bit more cost effective then the HP I was considering. Similar config for around 14.5 G

I have dealt with HP and Dell servers quite a bit. As a matter of fact, I have a server room full with 2 million dollars in Compaq (HP) equipment right now. I would choose Dell over Compaq or HP...and hey, if it is cheaper all the better!

Have you considered Apple? Those new Xserve G5s are pretty sweet. Off the shelf 1000GB Raid and duel 2GHz setup is ~$10,000.