Need help with Game Server Specs

R

Raystream

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 27, 2005
Messages
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I am planning on putting in a Game Server in my home network, but I am not sure about what are some good specs these days. I want to be able to host for UT2003-UT2004, Call of Duty 1-2, Battlefront 1-2, etc etc. I will also have someone outside of the network playing on the game server... so I don't want them to have any lag.

I have a Gigabyte Fiber Switch coming... so there shouldn't be a problem there. Just what about the rest of the system? I was thinking about a 36GB SCSI HDD...

Here is my proposed Network Layout...
http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=networklayoutproposed8iv.jpg

Raystream
 
I heard it was a mess to mess with fiber optic, and copper was better, but the main reason I wanted to reply was because....dangit you have alot of computers and xbox's and comp gear :D Im jealous...I want your job, lol.
 
Why do you want to go SCSI? If you must have a 10K RPM drive, then get a 74GB or two. Higher than 10K RPM for a gameserver is useless.

Heres a tip: If you want to run multiple servers at once, make use of HyperThreading or a dual core processor. It will help a LOT. You don't need to go overboard with the RAM 1-2GB should be fine, but know your limits. If you only have half a megabit up, you won't be able to host much of anything on that. So spend accordingly to what your connection can handle.
 
What is the best OS for a Game Server? Other then rare occasions I don't see running more then one Game Server Software at one time.

What would be the reason to get a 74GB HDD over a 36GB HDD? Do I really need that extra space or is there something more? What about cache with SCSI drives? What should I be looking for?

When it comes to CPUs... what is better for a Game Server? An Opteron? an Athlon 64? etc

Raystream
 
Well, when you run a game server, I noticed at least from my own little dinky one compared to yours, that you have to run alot of the files from the games you are serving. So in other words my counter-strike/halflife 2 deathmatch server is already up to 2 gig, now imagine all those games you want to run, it will add up.

I would use just good ol' XP Pro if I were with the Opteron...I would also look for some HD with a 16mb Cache...also really with SCSI? It seems more like a hassle to get those things running, maybe try the raptors that western digital makes.

Lets us know how its goes

I can't really tell by your diagram, but what are the specs on your internet connection? because that on top of your CPU is going to be the most bottlenecking feature. How many outside ppl are you wanting to run?
 
Raystream said:
What is the best OS for a Game Server? Other then rare occasions I don't see running more then one Game Server Software at one time.

What would be the reason to get a 74GB HDD over a 36GB HDD? Do I really need that extra space or is there something more? What about cache with SCSI drives? What should I be looking for?

When it comes to CPUs... what is better for a Game Server? An Opteron? an Athlon 64? etc

Raystream
Click to expand...
Best OS? Windows XP Pro or if you can get it, Server 2003 for its low RAM usage and such. It's fairly lightweight and you can control it remotely through Terminal Services.

If you are running only one gameserver, the differences between Opterons, Athlons, or whatever else won't matter. With one game server you will certainly not stress either Athlon 64 OR Opterons. All round though, Opterons are known to be good, cheap and reliable processors. I'd buy one regardless of if I was running a server or not.

I don't think you will notice a difference between a 10K/15K SCSI drive vs. a Raptor (or even a 7200RPM drive). Space can be an issue though, because gameservers usually have the same maps that clients have, and maps can really take up a lot of space.
 
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