Hello once again! Earlier in the week I posted this message asking for help in finding a good test bed host system. I would like to thank everyone for their responses, which have been very helpful. We are currently investigating several suggestions which I received from you in reference to this matter. I am confident that these suggestions will lead us to a good solution.
Another point which I need to address is that my original message could be taken as a bash on Dell Computers. This is not the case. I have used a Dell P-90 test system for the last 2 years with excellent results. Our company purchases more Dell computers than all other brands combined, due to the fact that they cannot be beat in cost effectiveness, service, warranty, reliability, technical support, and durability. Due to the fact that we test PCI network cards that operate at frequencies above 1 GHz, our needs for a test bed system are somewhat unique. Dell has moved from a all metal cover to a plastic cover with a solid metal shield connecting the shield to the chassis with fingers. In a typical environment, this could perform as good or better than the previous cover (the metal cover can bow, exposing long RF emitting slots - the fingers eliminate this.) However, in my case the fingers provide short 1.5" slots which could potentially create problems for me when testing to the higher frequencies. Also, due to the high-frequencies of our boards (clocks above 1 GHz), we need card slots with fingers, again for the same reason. Keeping in mind that Dell designs their systems for compliance to the standards in a typical operating environment - NOT to be used as compliance test beds which are opened 10 times every day, I would have to say that Dell has probably gone above and beyond what was needed to meet the specifications. So, in closing, I would like to offer my apologies to Dell Computers, and assure them that I was not attempting to bash them or their products. My personal view is that Dell offers the best all around Computer value for the money. Sincerely, Randy Flinders EMC Test Engineer Emulex Network Systems ---------- From: Flinders, Randall To: emc-pstc; EMFLDS-L Mailing List Subject: Host Computer (Test Bed) List-Post: [email protected] Date: Tuesday, April 29, 1997 5:00PM Hello Everyone! We are currently looking for a Desktop Host PC to use for testing High Frequency PCI Adapter Cards. I am looking for something that has a complete metal enclosure, with a metal cover. (Not a plastic cover with a metal shield). I have looked at a couple of new Dell systems and was very unimpressed with their chassis design. I am also hoping that the system will provide fingers at the card slot openings of the chassis, to ensure good contact to my card's bracket. I have found that when testing products that run at clock speeds greater than 1 GHz, the host chassis becomes critical. Any suggestions on manufacturers and/or models that you may have had good results with would be appreciated. Thank you, Randy Flinders EMC Test Engineer Emulex Network Systems
