Processor Queston.

[futts]

Hello,

I wanted to inquire into the Processor of the machine that will be hosting the server. I will be using a gutted PC. I was wondering what sort of Processor would be best, because I have heard talk that Dual Core and the like are better when the server itself and the database are split.

In your experience, does it really matter or would a regular Pentium do the job just fine? I'm looking for something in the Intel line, but if you have good experience with AMD please give your input about that. Thank you.

[william_hunter]

I've hosted with dual core, single core pentium and AMD, and so far, to my experience, the dual core machine (PD 925) has been the best, by far, of the group. I have had a few small issues with the database, but i suspect that performance is not affected by the database being on the same box as the server process.
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The Realm of Tharagon NWN PW

[futts]

Thanks for the reply!!!

I have the choice between a cheaper duo core or a same price 3.0ghz+ Pentium 4 with a few more benefits to it, such as more RAM. I'm just not sure which to get.

Any advice on NIC, too?

[william_hunter]

There is one place I have had issues. Make sure you don't skimp on the NIC. Thats the one spot you are likely to get lag, because if your connection to the internet is poor, you have laggy hosting. I use reputable cards in all my machines, not the $9 specials from newegg. Look through the reviews on newegg.com and tigerdirect.com to give you some insight on that one.
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The Realm of Tharagon NWN PW

[futts]

What do you think? Would it be better to get a lower-end Duo Core 2 or something else such as a 3.0+ gHZ Pentium 4?

[william_hunter]

Even a low end core 2 is going to beat the P4, but I wouldn't forget the pentium D class processors. They beat the P4 but you can get a PD 925 from anywhere for about $60 at most right now as they are selling them off. Make sure you get the largest cache available if you go that way.
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The Realm of Tharagon NWN PW

[Tempest]

yeah I can tell you that I spent the extra $$$ on a 1GB NIC that has its own CPU to off-load the processing and man is my server fast!