I have an opportunity to pick up a used HP DL380 G3 2U for $100. I'm looking for a basic entry level web server that I can host a small – medium size website on and more or less learn the ins and outs of running my own web server before I bite the bullet and spend a couple grand on a server. The specs are:
- Dual (2) Intel Xeon 2.4GHz 400MHz 512KB Cache
- 4GB PC2100 ECC Registered Memory
- 6 x 72GB 10K U320 SCSI Hard Drives
- Smart Array 5i RAID Controller
- Redundant Power Supplies
- DVD/Floppy, Dual Intel GB NIC's, USB
Or would I be better off spending a couple hundred bucks on something like: this new HP Seems like the only major difference is SATA and a bit of storage, but I will likely be implementing a separate storage system of some sort anyways.
I guess it also wouldn't hurt to mention that I plan on running a linux server distro, so would the hardware be likely to support linux with a system that is 4 generations old? I don't mind spending a couple hundred extra dollars if its a better solution, but as mentioned previously I am simple looking for a server to learn on and probably use for a year or so while I put together a small – medium size website.
Best Answer
Any Linux distro will support HP Proliant servers just fine; all the relevant hardware support has been in the mainline kernel for years.
If the disks are good, this is excellent value for money, and the only bottleneck you might encounter is if you want to run stuff besides web servers on it, such as busy PHP scripts and/or database servers.
As shown here, the box supports 6GB maximum, so there is not much you can upgrade there.
But for learning and trying stuff out - go for it, $100 is awesome value for money.
DO note that this machine will keep you awake 24/7 if you run it anywhere inside your house - these boxes are meant to run in datacenters and produce a LOT of noise.