Question - Is an old PE2850 any good for a games server?

Well Splattered · 26 Apr 2009 at 21:53

As title really, I am really in the dark when it comes to servers and networking.

Is a basic spec Dell Poweredge 2850 capable of running Steam game servers. E.G TF2 and DoD;S ?

Thanks
WS

iaind · 26 Apr 2009 at 21:56

Depends entirely on the spec and what sort of load a games server will place on it.

If its just for hosting a few matches, I would think it would be overkill and if you're putting it in your house its going to be LOUD

VeNT · 26 Apr 2009 at 23:17

3.0GHz? overkill tbh
1. GHz with 512MB is able to run a 20man 33tic server. but it's bandwidth that you need.

Well Splattered · 26 Apr 2009 at 23:18

Agree on the loud bit. I have heard it at work! They have replaced it with something new and shiney and I am hoping to aquire it cheaply and use it for a clan server. It will be cohosted somewhere else.

I cant tell you much about it. I have looked at the tag number on Dell's site and it does not tell me much (that i understand). It has three scsi drives, 137gb each. It has a DAT72 drive, 2gb Memory and a 2.8 Xeon.

Think it has been upgraded by work, but staff have changed recently, its remotely managed and all the contact I have with it, is too change the tape on a daily basis.

If you say its overkill, I am hopeful it will power a least two 24 slot servers

Thanks

iaind · 27 Apr 2009 at 13:20

easy - provided youve got the bandwidth i'd say

CGrieves · 27 Apr 2009 at 13:22

2850s are good workhorses, I used to run a BF2 and Ventrilo server on a dual 2.8Ghz Xeon with no issues at all. In fact it barely broke idle. As already mentioned, bandwidth is the issue (upstream as well as down), and they are loud. Depending on the revision you may be able to tone the fans down somewhat though. If there's no BIOS option for it, install Dell Openmanage and it may give you some fan options.

Well Splattered · 27 Apr 2009 at 17:20

Thanks for the replies. My next question will be on to how to manage the server, but thats actually when I have cohosted it out. Again, im completely in the dark with servers and remotely accessing them!

Is it worth me using a SATA SSD disk as a Boot drive (c: ), providing there is a SATA port?

iaind · 27 Apr 2009 at 19:34

You'll need a DRAC card to do remote KVM, remote power etc.

No SATA on those, U320 SCSI only which will be more than quick enough

Well Splattered · 27 Apr 2009 at 21:09

Thanks, will no doubt post more questions when I actually have the unit in my front room and able to take pics!
Time to start searching the bay for memory for it!