[KLUG Members] Server recommendations?

[Adam Tauno Williams]

> >We are looking at upgrading some old (Linux/x86) servers here and would
> >like some hardware recommendations.
> >The IBM Blade Centers look interesting.  Anyone run Linux on them?
> What about this?  http://www.aberdeeninc.com/abcatg/Stirling-S10.htm

That looks like a nice box, but for servers I recommend to avoid assemble-it
shops (which Aberdeen is).  Go here for this driver, there for that driver,
over yonder for your BIOS or flash update, etc...  What permutations of these
are happy with each other?  "Not our problem."  Also my experience is that
assemble-it shops also tend to have problems getting things like cooling and
cable routing right,  resulting in hotter and noticably LOUDER boxes.  Buy a
server class machine from IBM, HP, or even Dell, and all relavent information
is at URL XYZ along with updates and part information.  Upgrading an
assemble-it box, after the assemble-it shop has moved on to the next model
(about every 15 minutes:) and you can find yourself descending into stepping
and rev-level hell.  Whereas IBM says "this FRU# works"; and then you head over
to E-bay, search by FRU#, buy.