VGOEmulator.net

So some of you might have noticed a few things stopped working recently. Too bad no one thought to actually tell me

I thought I fixed a problem with a failing RAID controller in the PowerEdge server last weekend, but apparently I only postponed the inevitable. The cluster node that runs the MMOEmulator services (all game linux machines) has been stuck in a reboot cycle all day.

And because I service far more than just VGO, I guess it's time I break down and buy a new server. The PowerEdge 2900 is only 8 years old, and has run 24x7 since the day I bought it I guess I can't ask for much more than that out of the old girl.

Meanwhile, migrating our services here back to the 2nd node until the new server hardware arrives. Gosh I love spending money!

What kind of new server hardware are we looking at?

The PowerEdge is the only "server" I have ever bought pre-built. Everything else, I build myself. I'm currently spec'ing out dual quad core CPUs, 48GB ram, and SSD or embedded OS drives for 2 more nodes in my cluster... giving me a total of 4. Though the PowerEdge is clearly on it's last leg (though I suspect it's just a failing p/s). Looking like around $5,000 worth of hardware, but what the hell? The last server lasted me almost a decade

I was going to say a buddies buddy of mine works in IT and will be decommissioning a server or two soon. I was going to be getting my hands on one of them. Not 100% when though.

Sounds like you got yourself a nice upgrade though.

I run three PE 2950 dual quads with 64GB in each. with 2 using MD3000 for storage. However, The MD is up for replacement soon:)

Yes... My power bill is quite high and I need to wear ear plugs in my server room

Yeah, it's about the only fault I found in Dell PE servers. I ran a lab of 100 PE2950's and the newer 710s and 720's (it was impressive, I must say) and the machines were louder than the 2 ea 12T a/c units at either end of the room

I solved my PE2900 noise problem by swapping out the fans with some quiet 90mms (had to solder wires, wtf Dell?) but my server went from jet engine to purring kitten after replacing the 8 fans.

This is why I now build my own servers That and Dell servers (spec'd for me) are $15,000. Each.

Okay, since the forums are more active than IRC ~boggle~ I'll ask here. Normally I would never ask for advice about hardware, because I've been building servers and workstations since the 80s But, this has me totally perplexed.

It's not about >what< hardware, it's that someone tell me what the deal is with this extremely bizarre pricing schedule:

CPU: 2.66GHz Intel Xeon Six-Core X5650 3200MHz 6.4GT/S 12MB L3 Cache Socket LGA1366 SLBV3

At NewEgg, I expected to see $500 ea
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 819117231R $482.79

But to my amazement, at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EET19Y $89.99 <<--- !!!

WTFIGO?

When I do a search just within Amazon for BX80614X5650, the various listings also display the wide swings in price too. Could be some misunderstanding and/or inaccurate descriptions on the cheap ones.

I just thought I'd add a bit more here:

That processor is at "End of Life" right now as it came out in early 2010.
http://ark.intel.com/products/47922/Int ... -Intel-QPI

The higher prices we are seeing may be just stale adds / promotions that were never taken down by the various vendors. (This is just my opinion though).

Well, as long as they have pins and don't come wrapped in a paper towel for $89, I'll take 4 please