Web Server Build: More CPU or RAM?

Rlad78

Rlad78

New Member
I'm planning on getting a Desktop from the selection IBM put out recently, since they're absolutely cheap as hell and pretty damn good too, and make it into a web server, but I've never had my own web server and I'm kind of a newbie in the field (I have my domain registered, but that's about it).

I have two choices of PCs, both at the same price of $285.

One has an Intel Core Duo 3.0ghz Dual Core processor and comes with 3GB RAM (mobo max is 3GB)

The other has an Intel Core Duo 2.2ghz Dual Core processor and comes with 4GB RAM (mobo max is 4GB)


I'm planning on making this a linux (OpenSUSE) based web server, and it's going to be used to host a vBulletin forum. My only question here is: should I go for the PC with more ram, or the better processor?
 
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i think the more ram would be better, but you could build a much better server for a little more, if interested in that check the thread stuck at the top of this section about building one, it's very easy.
 
jonnyp11 said:
i think the more ram would be better, but you could build a much better server for a little more, if interested in that check the thread stuck at the top of this section about building one, it's very easy.
Click to expand...

I've built custom Desktops before, but these seem, like, REALLY CHEAP. Do you think I could get more of my money's worth buy building? I'm not really looking to spend that much here, only around ~$300.
 
massahwahl said:
Before you invest money into a server are you positive your internet connection can support a web server?
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1533537546.png


>live in South Carolina
>it's the fastest internet in my area
>uuugh
 
for about 340 (with shipping) you could get a quad core phenom ii 945, 8gb's of ram, a decent mobo, a decent case, psu, dvd burner/reader, and a 320gb hdd (it's 40 and the cheapest good ones are 34 for a 160gb).
 
For a server of any kind I think you'd need faster upload speeds. Let me guess, you're on DSL? I know hit is :(
 
linkin said:
For a server of any kind I think you'd need faster upload speeds. Let me guess, you're on DSL? I know hit is :(
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Nah dude, it's cable. AT&T U-Verse :/

for about 340 (with shipping) you could get a quad core phenom ii 945, 8gb's of ram, a decent mobo, a decent case, psu, dvd burner/reader, and a 320gb hdd (it's 40 and the cheapest good ones are 34 for a 160gb).
Click to expand...

Could you link me to the mobo and ram you're talking about? I might just do that if I can get all that for that cheap...
 
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if you decide to do this like they're saying you might want to get some better internet, if comcast is in your town then get them, i now my comcast that's supposed to be 15mb/s all day long will get 21.57 down and 3.64 up like i just got now. and here's the parts i was talking about

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.739201

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371003

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811815004
 
Building a web server has many variables that can change the build drastically. Ask your self the questions below the answers will be the deciding factors.

1. How many users am I going to have accessing this machine at a single time?
Take the number of people devide by 10 and you should have at the very least that amount of Mbps in upload bandwidth. Keep in mind that the more people the harder your drives will be working, after hitting around 50+ users I recommend using 4 drives in raid 10 for redundancy. Also on that note you should be running at the very minimal 2 drives in raid 1.

2. Am I going to be doing any server side processing such as PHP/ASP/CGI/JAVA Servlet?
If you are going to have a high user count and have server side processing then it would be a good idea to get a faster more powerful CPU. Around 100 users should have no less then quad core CPU when using server side processing.

3. Do I have a static IP?
The reason I added this to the list of questions is because of the extra cost. Money seems to be a problem for you currently and you need to consider the fact that just having a domain name registered is only halve of the battle. You need to either obtain a static IP from your ISP or use a dynamic IP to static IP conversion service like www.no-ip.com

Best of luck in your build I hope this helps :good:
 
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