[Lula] MB/CPU for web/DB server recommendations wanted

[Peter Benjamin]

I'm planning to colocate a 2U and putting together the
specs now.  I'm looking for a recommendation for a 
brand and model of motherboard at this time.  It's
going to be an Apache/MySQL/Perl/PHP environment
running Linux and/or FreeBSD (yes, I have two 2Us).

Example: Intel D975XBX Motherboard

Low price is good so looking at the cost
to performance curve to meet these minimums:

All database tables and temp joins in RAM with no swapping,
along with all web root assets in FILE IO Cache (will grow
rapidly to be over 3 gigabytes - currently about 1.5 gig).
Streaming media and ISO images (CD/DVD) will be supported, 
but not expected to be heavily downloaded.  The ISO images 
will likely be 1 a week, bursting to 10 a week for releases.

Database tables are currently around 80 meg.  Queries
likely double that, I have heard.  Database will grow
to over 2 gig in next year from mailing list archives
high speed search.

One additional reason for lots of RAM is to avoid the
expensive RAID that would otherwise be needed.

So, MB must support at least 8 gig.  There are more 8+
gig RAM MBs now on the market, and the selection is
why I am asking for a recommendation.

CPU speed should be 3.4 Ghz or better.  

FSB ought to be over 800+ for streaming video/audio files.  

If the cost is right, then dual or dual core is okay.  
More a preference of mine to not go up the multiple 
CPU fine tuning learning curve.

Two onboard NICs 100/1000 would be fine.  I plan on using
just 100 to keep cost down at the colo site.  If you
feel I should go 1gig onsite, and have reasons, I'm all
ears.

SATA is expected vs SCSI.

Hard drive capacity will be three 400+ gig HDs.
If you want to add a brand and model recommendation,
then please do.

I'll be comparing total price with Dell and HP offerings.

Pete



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