Which memory is best for this combination?

[ereed]

I cannot decide on which DDR2 1066 (pc2 8500) memory to get. I plan on using only 4gb because they do not make 2gb version of the pc2 8500. This is the server I'm building for a small business using Win 2003 Server. Also if someone wants to make comments or opinions on this setup that is fine.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 processor
Asus p5k-vm motherboard
WD caviar sata 320gb harddrives (two of them)
Antec Neopower 650watt power supply
Cooler Master case

[Alaron]

Why are you buying faster ram then you need? You only need DDR2-800 for that CPU. And you don't want to overclock a server because of stability issues.

[ereed]

I'm not going to overclock it or anything. I just noticed that the Asus motherboard said the standard ram was DDR2 1066 so I thought I needed that one and not anything lower. I just want it to be very fast and stable and not have any problems or compatibility issues.

[blue60007]

You don't have to use DDR2-1066. DDR2-800 is more than enough. You could use DDR2-667 as well. Also, I can't imagine a small business server would need tons of RAM speed, but then again, maybe it does...

[ereed]

Ok, I see what you guys are saying now. Looks like I'll be going with DDR2800. What brand model should I be looking at? Crucial, corsair, gskill, etc?

[blue60007]

Yeah, you can use DDR2-1066 but don't have to...

I'd go with Corsair. It has a history of working well and having few compatibility issues. Just go for the CAS 5 stuff.

[Krazeee]

I'd definately go with Corsair DDR2 800 ram. I'd also look into a quad core cpu since this will be for a server. The quad will be able to handle even more than the duo and the money you save on the ram can easily go towards the quad.

Also...is Win '03 Server a 64bit OS? If not, you wont see or utilize all 4gb of ram...I'm just not familiar with that OS so I don't know if it is or not.

[Katreat]

I would recommend dropping from the 6850 to the 6750 CPU. the 6850 is just not $100 faster than the 6750. There is very little performance gain for quite a big cost.

I am not familiar with server software, but if it can take advantage of multipal cores then I would agree with krazeee and suggest moving over to the Q6600. If the software will utilize the additional cores it will likely be faster in the long run and more future proof.

Also am not familiar with Win ' 03 server but like Krazeee said if it is not 64 bit you might as well stay at 2 g of ram.

Kat

[Ahura]

Patriot Extreme Performance?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220144

Really nice price right now, w/ MIR of course. Too bad I won't be able to purchase it anytime soon, pas the 45 MIR date.

[ereed]

Should I post how the server will be used in here or start another thread. Maybe it will help if someone understand what the server will be used for, nothing like a corporate server or anything that is running other pcs.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by ereed Should I post how the server will be used in here or start another thread.

Post that information here in this thread.

Cricket

[ereed]

Ok, lets see if I can explain how this will be used. Currently I have 6 computers all connected to the network via switch and are all sharing Internet using router and cable modem. All the networking is using gigabit adapters and gig switches, etc so all that is well. 1 out of 6 computers that happens to be my workstation is being used also as a server since all the computers are mapped to this computer. Basically I provide 2 programs such as database software and quickbooks for all comptuers to use and everything is updated to this pc/server. With me so far? All the computers are about 5 years old, Pentium 4 with 1 gig of ram. My pc/server has 2 gig of ram and using old pentium 4, and all machines including pc/server is Win xp. The network runs fine except when I'm on the pc/server using the program and it slows everyone else on the network like if its freezing up or taking too long to access/retrieve/update database, etc to my pc/server. Should I just build small pc and use it as server only and keep my pc as workstation or should I upgrade my pc/server to a faster dualcore type? I just want it to be fast as possible with no lag or anything when everyone is using the same program that is mapped to my pc/server. Am I making sense? So, should I build a standalone server and have everything mapped to that server or just upgrade my pc/server with newest technology and have it mapped to that? Or is there an easier way or better way to do all this?

[Gen.Ben]

I would 100% recommend you to build a whole new computer for your server. A server/main computer combo is a bad idea. Especially if you want your network to be lag free.

The Q6600 is overkill for a small network like yours. The E6750 is PLENTY power for home networks. 2 gigs of memory will also be fine for a small network like yours, also you wont run into any compatibility issues with 4GB.

Goodluck I always love seeing servers being put together

[ereed]

Its not a home network, its for my small business which we work on cars, etc. Yeah, I thought it would make sense to have seperate server. But should I still use Win XP and have it mapped there or go to win 2003 server or is that overkill? The only thing I can think of for win 2003 server I would use is maybe creating domains for other 6 computers. Is there another way to have pcs using software from server other than mapping to it? Also if I decide to go with XP should I choose 64bit version just so I can have up to 8 gig of memory down the road or go with Vista? Sorry, I'm kinda behind on OS these days and which is best for which application. Also the server will only have those 2 programs for all computers that need it, no word, games, etc will be on the server and no internet either. The program is Quickbooks and Mitchell on Demand which is database which we keep track of customers info, parts, etc that is on the server side and everything that all pcs change or add gets updated into the server. By the way I have built about 10 pcs so far but this will be my first server only pc I've built and it should be fun.