I've run Win2k3 Server on a dual-core Atom. Mostly just file serving. Runs
fine. SuperMicro makes some server class Atom systems, so it's not a crazy
idea. Just depends on what you need to do, how much you want to spend, and
how much headroom you want for future needs.
There are limitations, though. First, you're sacrificing a lot in clock
speed over most desktop or server class processorts. You're limited to 4GB
of RAM, with no support for ECC. Unless it's a purpose-build server
motherboard, you're limited to two SATA devices. Virtually all
motherboards, including those from SuperMicro, are mini-ITX form factor,
so you generally have just one PCI-E slot.
Small size and low power usage are usually the biggest reasons to use an
Atom (or AMD Fusion) solution as a server. Makes a nice little application
server (such as a music server) for the home that can be tucked away
almost anywhere.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew W. Ross" <[email protected]>
To: "NT System Admin Issues" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 12:46 PM
Subject: How much processing power do you need? (WAS: So, my Mac Mini
server arrived today...)
So, since this has come up, I'm curious on how much processing power is
actually needed for most services?
I have some Quad-Core Xeons which are absolutely underutilized. They are
doing their jobs (usually serving user home folders and standard Active
Directory duties) with plenty of horsepower to spare. So it makes me
wonder: Has anybody tried Windows Server on an Atom?
Take all the other bottlenecks out of the equation: Plenty of RAM, fast HD
or SSD... does the 1.8 dual core Atom (or the Socket 1155 Celeron) handle
most tasks just as well as a Dual 6Core Xeon? Aka, could I be getting away
with less expensive hardware to do the same duties?
I realize if I'm encoding or rendering, the hefty Xeon is a much better
bet. Or if I'm trying to run VMs, the Atom's not even an option.
~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~
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