On Wed, 18 Nov 1998, Peter Nann wrote:
>
> We are about to make our first foray into linux SMP, and we are looking at
> the Dell PowerEdge 2300 server line (Dual PII, 100MHz bus).
>
> The SMP FAQ is (understandably) not perfectly up to date with new PC
> releases, so although the 2200 is mentioned, I was wondering if I should
> worry about any problems with the newer 2300.
>
> Apparently, SCSI support is integrated with BOTH Adaptec "AIC-7890
> Ultra-2/LVD SCSI" AND "AIC-7860 Ultra/Narrow SCSI-3". Will these be OK for
> Linux? (Or should that question go to the Kernel list???)
>
> Also, there is a choice of 100Mbit NICs between "Intel Pro 100B" and "3Com
> 3C905". Any preferences between them for linux support, SMP behaviour, or
> just general behaviour?
>
> Thanks very much in advance.
We have a few newer Dell boxes around here (6100 quad-processor and some
single processor boxes, can't remember the exact model number) and Linux
works pretty well with them. I had a *lot* of trouble getting all four
processors to fire on the 6100 for a long time -- then suddenly one of the
2.1.x kernels came out and all was fixed and I was happy.
I believe the AIC-7xxx driver will work with both of the integrated scsi
controllers you mentioned.
As far as Ethernet cards go, I believe that the Intel card is better, but
I don't know that there is an appreciable advantage to either. Both are
well-supported by the Linux kernel.
-- jf
