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suggestions for "server" computer upgrade

O

orangezero

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 4, 2003
Messages
211
I currently am running a desktop computer as a server in my business. It runs windows xp and has a java based mysql database. 2gb ram, 80gb hard drive, dual core amd x3800+ if I remember correctly. it also runs on a 100mbs ethernet connection.

I have considered upgrading, and have a 8gb, amd 965 quad core, gigabit ethernet desktop ready to go, but I'm uncertain of what hard drive to consider.

I've read of the incompatibilities and problems with running xp with a ssd drive. I don't have a lot of needed storage right now, around 20-30gb on the system.

I was wondering if hybrid seagate momentus xt drive would be useful in this situation, especially compared to a raptor, or even just a newer 1tb blue or black western digital (or equivalents). The momemtus xt is around $79 and seems to have pretty good specs and performance. Are these frowned upon for desktop computers for some reason? Are there reliability concerns?

Alternatively, I do have a spare 60gb ssd kingston drive that would fit the bill, assuming there are some work arounds for the xp problem. I haven't found any.

If someone wants to comment on the lack of performance improvements in the listed upgrade, feel free. I was trying to keep costs down while upgrading 5.5yr old harddrives, etc. Speed improvements would be nice. I'm unconvinced my server moves enough raw data to really notice an improvement in real world. It is mostly just text data entry. No video files, and hardly any images, so no real big files are going from the server to the (two) client machines.

And yes, before anyone comments, it would be a hassle to upgrade to win7, and an unknown to upgrade to 8. Long story.

Thank you in advance for any comments or suggestions
 
There is no issue with XP. You just don't have trim, which is not a big deal. You have to align the partition properly.
 
Why would it be a hassle to upgrade to 7? Java and mySQL can both run just fine on windows 7.
 
is this a mission critical server?

If so why not some raid or some redundancy?

any reason why you cant run Linux on it?
 
extide said:
Why would it be a hassle to upgrade to 7? Java and mySQL can both run just fine on windows 7.
Click to expand...


I'm guessing maybe compatibility issues such as, Windows XP supports version 1.x while Windows 7 only supports version 2.x, but 2.x has changes that would make it a PITA to go back and re-work the entire database to function properly. Or could be something else. I wouldn't recommend an SSD for XP, but I'm sure you could get away with it. I'd go for a high end drive from either Seagate or WD, but again depends on how much usage the server is actually in need of as it might be utter overkill for the price.


Either way, it would probably work out better in the long run to start mitigating a backup system to Windows 7 slowly so that way you can just transfer things over at your own pace so long as the Windows XP system is doing what it needs to be doing and isn't in dire need of an upgrade.
 
MrGuvernment said:
is this a mission critical server?

If so why not some raid or some redundancy?

any reason why you cant run Linux on it?
Click to expand...

I would second this. Running stuff like mySQL, Apache, etc is great for testing/development purposes. But it's not good to run them in an environment that's going to be contaminated with desktop workloads. Separate them. I would use Linux for the MySQL, Apache, Java stuff.
 
So not sure of the exact workload. My only fear in that scenario is the load cycle on the XT.

Then again, generally, if you made a 30GB partition on a 60GB drive you have 34GB of NAND OP and that helps write amplification and performance a bunch with most controllers. I would want to use redundant storage if this is a business item where productivity loss would be more than $80 if a drive failed.

Also... Windows 8 has Hyper-V standard. Been very stable even using Ubuntu and this is not Windows 7 XP mode, this is a very useful hypervisor. I have been running VMs at 100% load for a few days now with no issues and no impact to normal desktop productivity (OK photoshop is slower.) I made a post today about how to install Windows 8 Hyper-V in under 3 minutes. Might be worth a look.
 
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