I buy HP hardware for internal use and also sell to clients. I tend to narrow down the model of system based on the physical space and performance/storage/sizing needs. Okay, so you select a DL360 G7 because you are space-constrained in a rack, but need a two-socket server. From there, I will use the HP Quickspecs page for the selected model. For instance, you're outside of the US, so you'd use the Worldwide Quickspecs for the model at: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/13598_div/13598_div.html (I'll typically search online for the model number's quickspecs, e.g. "dl360 quickspecs")
Within the Quickspecs page, there will be a link to "Pre-configured models". That's the best baseline for comparison. HP will have several tiers of pre-configured models; Performance, Base and Entry (as well as Smart-Buys in the US). The part numbers listed are are also easily searched. - Performance models will usually have multiple CPUs, a good amount of RAM, all of the necessary redundant fans/power supplies and the appropriate battery-backed cache for the RAID controller. They rarely need any additional parts, other than RAM and disks. - Base models will usually be a CPU stepping or more lower than the performance model. They'll usually only have one CPU slot populated and will need the additional fans, power supplies and more RAM. Watch out for the RAID cache on these models, since they may not have battery or flash-backed cache. These models need to be built-up. - Entry models are stripped-down. No redundant features, the slowest CPU stepping and sometimes a compromised or inadequate RAID setup. It's often more costly to build these up than use a lower-end base model. In the US, Smart Buys are a quick way to obtain a good bundle of features. They'll usually have the features of the Performance models, but with either higher or lower CPU speeds or special add-ons like large-form-factor drives or additional drive cages. Below the "Pre-configured Models" section, you'll see a list of "Core Options". These are the add-ons that can be applied to the pre-configured models. You'd add CPUs, disks, RAM, NICs, riser card, power supplies, etc. at this point using the listed part numbers. Near the bottom of the quickspec page, you'll see RAM configuration rules and options and a wealth of information about the particular model. This is the guide I use for determining compatibility and is basically a one-stop source for all of the parts and options for an HP server. An example: I've been using DL180 G6 servers for ZFS-based storage. However, I had a situation where I needed more robust hardware. I used the HP quickspecs page to build a DL380 G7 performance model with an extra drive cage (16 total SFF 2.5" disks) and acquire the necessary riser cards to accommodate two raid controllers, 10GbE NICs and I/O accelerator. -- Edmund White [email protected] 847-530-1605 On 2/4/11 5:16 PM, "Simon Lyall" <[email protected]> wrote: > >So I'm an HP shop (mostly DL360s and a few DL180s) but I only buy at >most a dozen servers each year ( at around 2-3 times the "base price" ). > >The problem I'm finding is that I want to get a new server and I start at >a page like: > >http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF04a/15351-15351-3328412-241644-2 >41475.html > >and then I can spend a few hours checking the models, working out which >support which hard drives. > >After which I'm still not sure if I'm picking the best combination >for my load and budget (which is not great). > >I was wondering what others do? Should I just work through the >requirements and explicitly list them to my sales guy with my "best >guess" >as to what I need or is there a better route to go? > >Like I said I'm often only buy a couple of servers at a time so investing >huge amounts of time isn't really an option but buying unsuitable >hardware >is obviously something I want to avoid. > >Thoughts? > >-- >Simon Lyall | Very Busy | Web: http://www.darkmere.gen.nz/ >"To stay awake all night adds a day to your life" - Stilgar | eMT. > >_______________________________________________ >Tech mailing list >[email protected] >https://lists.lopsa.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tech >This list provided by the League of Professional System Administrators > http://lopsa.org/ _______________________________________________ Tech mailing list [email protected] https://lists.lopsa.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tech This list provided by the League of Professional System Administrators http://lopsa.org/
