Considering a IBM Netfinity server as Home Computer ??? 2

[JohnBates]

Hi everyone - It's time to replace my home PC.

Would I be making a big mistake to get a sever rather than a PC?
I think it would be cool to be able to host my web site on my own server.
Also servers provide a more stable system (I think).

In addition to hosting my web site....
I would run SQL Server on it, and VB apps.
Of course would also have MS Office
Want to run Windows 2000 as the OS.

I want to have a system that's not basically what everyone else on the block has.
I guess I would give up alot in terms of multi-media functionality...or would I?
Can most servers run on standard house-hold electrical current?

*** I would like to hear your thoughts on this, and what your experience has been, if you have used a server at home***

Thanks for your ideas. John

 

[bjverzal]

It will be hot in whatever room you put it in.

 

[Stannerack]

I swear by Netfinity servers. The low end ones have sound and 3d video built in to them too. That is if you want them to double up as a workstation as well as a small workgroup server.

They have renames them now from Netfinity to the x-series. Its just a marketing thing, the gubbins inside are still very similiar.

 

[Hyland]

You should be able to run this on a 110v outlet but I would recommend a 15amp circuit.

You should be able to add a sound card for sound but video would be limited. There are no AGP slots for new video cards and I am not sure if you add a PCI video card if you would have conflicts with the onboard one.

I've worked with many 5000 boxes and they are solid and should work fine for you at home. But since it is a server you have to consider that you will trade some functionality. Also repairs can be a issue if you have something go wrong. Hard Drive and RAM upgrades would be more expensive too.

-Hyland

 

[Guest_imported]

I think it's a great idea. My entire department uses Netfinity 5500's for our workstations. They Run Win2k great. But bjverzal is right, it will be hot!!

 

[Hawkboy]

From what you have said it sounds like you know what you are getting into as far as the downsides. Don't forget that the hard drives and components will be more expensive than your standard desktop parts. Ebay could help you on that though. I say go for it

 

[mrrrl]

John,

I saw your question and was wondering what became of you getting a server. I just purchased a IBM NetFinity 4000R PIII 650 and plan to use it the same as you stated in your post.

I am also looking for other users of the 4000R.

Bob

 

[y2kR1]

I have 2 Netfinity 3500 dual 266P2's with 256M each, they run 2K/XP Pro great, but I can't get a Geforce2 card from another system to stay up. system stability is poor, and locks up after a few minutes......no ideas..

 

[sgscit]

Server hardware is designed to serve, not to do desktop applications.

You would be better off getting a server case and putting your PIV or PIII hardware inside, or getting your server and using it as a server for your sql and web etc.

As mentioned above, price on parts is more expensive and you only have the option of the onboard video.

I have a PIV 1.4 PC and a XEON 2.0 server in my network.
For hosting apps and web etc, the server is way superior. For using apps such as office, the PC outperforms in a big way.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Pete

 

[scottkeen]

Couple of questions about the 4000R:

1) Will it work with Windows 2000 Server, or does it need a BIOS update or something?

2) I understand it takes 68-pin SCSI drives. I have several IBM UltraStar 80-pin SCA/LVD SCSI drives lying around. I've bought $10 pin adapters for these before, and plug them into 68-pin controllers and they work great. Question is, is there enough room in the drive bays for the drive and a little 80-to-68 pin adapter? If you don't know what I'm talking about, please go to eBay and search for "68 80 sca lvd adapter" and you'll find what I'm talking about.

Thanks.