Re: largest amount of RAM cache (non ECC or ECC)

On Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:08:15 -0800, lbrtchx wrote:

(Rodney) If you post specific questions
what *you* mean by optimising the io-subsystem
~
(lbrtchx) I would like to
data transfers to be fastest I could afford
~

Since you said it is to be an Internet server, you will need a fast
internet connection, maybe even faster than residential broadband. How
much traffic are you expecting per hour. The ability of the Internet
connection could become even more important than anything on the server
in terms of "optimising the io-subsystem". Do you get my point, you have
to describe better what the system will be doing (and how much of it) in
order to get better advice on how to acheive your goal. Note: Everyone
wants their data transfers to be the fastest they could afford.

(Rodney) What is it you specifically need to optimise?
~
(lbrtchx) Speed. That is why I was mostly interested in internal memory
and
caches as well as RAM speed
~

Which speed? The speed at which a system runs is determined by a
combination of 'what' and 'how much' it is doing, as well as, the
speed of the memory buss. The 'speed' can be throttled by bandwidth
limitations of the connection, a busy CPU, not enough memory and probably
some other factors which I haven't mentioned here.

(Rodney) When you write something like "X86-based box" I'm not sure why
you want
to limit to Intel hardware
~
(lbrtchx) My mistake AMD is obviously fine too. I meant commercially
available
~

Exactly, that's why you have to detail your needs clearly so those of us
who don't know you can figure out what you mean. Remember, not everyone
reading this has English as a first language, even though they might have
lots of computer knowledge and experience and good advice.

(Rodney) Are you trying to build a normal desktop system, a gaming
system, an
Internet server?
~
(lbrtchx) Internet server
~

You can probably buy one already set up and tested more cheaply than you
could build one from scratch, but I don't mean to discourage your project.


(Rodney) Is there a budget?
~
(lbrtchx) Around $800 but I could through in more if I see the benefit
~

Okay, that's a start. Not very definite. Someone reading this may however
know of one that is good and in the range and mention it.

(Rodney) The distro you want to use on the system can even influence
things, as
some are better at using newer, more modern, hardware right "out of the
box", but that depends on your OS skill.
~
(lbrtchx) Linux and/or FreeBSD
~

No, I meant which 'distro' not 'operating system', I assumed you were
going to use GNU/Linux and some distros are easier with really new
hardware. Since you're building an Internet server, you don't need sound,
or a high end video card since you likely won't be running X, and it will
be cabled to the connection so you don't have to worry about the
difficulties with some wireless cards. I recommend Debian stable, Etch,
for your OS, lots of Internet servers use it successfully and the
developers keep security up to date. In addition, there is lots of
information on the Internet regarding server administration. However, it's
your choice, please pick the OS that you can become familiar with so that
you can properly secure a system that is going to be Internet connected.

(Rodney) Note: You will not necessarily get a 'cheaper' computer by
building it
yourself, but it is possible to build one that matches your needs
better than one "off the shelf"
~
(lbrtchx) Well, yeah! and the options out there are?
~

Well gee lbrtchx, you haven't said anything about where you are so the
best advice about that is use your favourite search engine, thousands of
online stores if you don't live near a city with computer shops or big-box
stores. Alternately, after you've decided on components, someone in the
newsgroup here might know the best place to buy a specific product.

I will advise reading this somewhat long document, it could help you to
get more and better answers in newsgroups in case you need more help while
you are building.
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
.