Server question

RockyMarcRockyMarc Join Date: 2009-11-24 Member: 69519Members, Reinforced - Shadow
<div class="IPBDescription">rackmount</div>G'day,
I haven't been up to date with the computer hardware for a long time, especially servers. It seems that by reading these threads that the intel i5 2500k / i7 is the way to go with the NS2 servers.
Is there such thing as a rackmount i5 / i7 server? I ask because the rental servers I can get hold of are only dell r210s which won't cut the mustard with NS2 server, and I ask about the rackmount because if I were to colocate it, it would probably have to be a rackmount as most colocation places only let you rent out 1RU/2RU/4RU in their racks and not a tower space.

I'm wondering because I know that the rackmount PSU are only small, and of course the space inside them isn't the best for overclocking (with huge fans etc). I'm struggeling to find anything on the Google (I know right) about it.

Anyone shed some light for me? Cheers.

Comments

  • ScardyBobScardyBob ScardyBob Join Date: 2009-11-25 Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
    <a href="http://www.ns2servers.com/" target="_blank">NS2Servers</a> is running OCd i5's in 1U rackmounts afaik and Team156 is currently in the process of coloing an OCd i5 in a 2U. Its entirely doable, though its a bit more work.
  • RockyMarcRockyMarc Join Date: 2009-11-24 Member: 69519Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1982280:date=Sep 24 2012, 02:50 PM:name=ScardyBob)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ScardyBob @ Sep 24 2012, 02:50 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1982280"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><a href="http://www.ns2servers.com/" target="_blank">NS2Servers</a> is running OCd i5's in 1U rackmounts afaik and Team156 is currently in the process of coloing an OCd i5 in a 2U. Its entirely doable, though its a bit more work.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Oh wow never thought that was possible. Obviously something not off the shelf but tweaked by knowledgable hands? :)
  • RockyMarcRockyMarc Join Date: 2009-11-24 Member: 69519Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    Crap something wrong with the forums or my pc? Think I sent a PM and replied but nothing seems to be showing up...

    As I said (I think I did!) before, would it be possible for you to give me some more info on the specs of the server you guys are doing? Either the 1U or the 2U for the i5 2500k, I'd love to try and get one going up for the West coast of Australia on release of NS2.
  • syserrorsyserror Join Date: 2007-08-09 Member: 61840Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited September 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1982281:date=Sep 24 2012, 07:52 AM:name=RockyMarc)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RockyMarc @ Sep 24 2012, 07:52 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1982281"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Oh wow never thought that was possible. Obviously something not off the shelf but tweaked by knowledgable hands? :)<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    A supermicro motherboard and chassis, half-decent LGA 1155 heatsink and you're off to a good start :-)

    Of course there are other makes out there, just an example really.

    If you aren't interested in the up-front overhead and would prefer to just rent instead of co-lo, you can pick up a UK-based i3/i5 or equivalent at around 3.3Ghz from <a href="http://www.rapidswitch.com/servers.aspx" target="_blank">sites</a> <a href="http://www.ukservers.com/servers.php" target="_blank">like</a> <a href="http://www.eukhost.com/dedicated-server-hosting.php" target="_blank">theese</a> for about £100/month, although overclocking likely isn't an option. Prices may vary, likely less expensive in the US and rest of EU.

    <i><b>Disclaimer</b>: I did some google searching, and do not recommend or endorse any of the links I provided, they are merely examples.</i>
  • RockyMarcRockyMarc Join Date: 2009-11-24 Member: 69519Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1982293:date=Sep 24 2012, 04:10 PM:name=syserror)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (syserror @ Sep 24 2012, 04:10 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1982293"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->A supermicro motherboard and chassis, half-decent LGA 1155 heatsink and you're off to a good start :-)

    Of course there are other makes out there, just an example really.

    If you aren't interested in the up-front overhead and would prefer to just rent instead of co-lo, you can pick up a UK-based i3/i5 or equivalent at around 3.3Ghz from <a href="http://www.rapidswitch.com/servers.aspx" target="_blank">sites</a> <a href="http://www.ukservers.com/servers.php" target="_blank">like</a> <a href="http://www.eukhost.com/dedicated-server-hosting.php" target="_blank">theese</a> for about £100/month, although overclocking likely isn't an option. Prices may vary, likely less expensive in the US and rest of EU.

    <i><b>Disclaimer</b>: I did some google searching, and do not recommend or endorse any of the links I provided, they are merely examples.</i><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Cheers syserror (love the disclaimer) I've looked into renting in my local area (sorry UK is a bit far :P) and the only rentals available are either mini apples or the dell r210, if it's going to be a NS2 server, might as well have it working well so players will play on it, so that only leaves me with the colo option :|
    Cheers for the help though.
  • syserrorsyserror Join Date: 2007-08-09 Member: 61840Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1982294:date=Sep 24 2012, 09:13 AM:name=RockyMarc)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RockyMarc @ Sep 24 2012, 09:13 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1982294"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Cheers syserror (love the disclaimer) I've looked into renting in my local area (sorry UK is a bit far :P) and the only rentals available are either mini apples or the dell r210, if it's going to be a NS2 server, might as well have it working well so players will play on it, so that only leaves me with the colo option :|
    Cheers for the help though.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Ah sorry, I missed your location (I was writing the post while the forum was down so couldn't check). I hear Australia can be difficult for hosting so good luck!

    Building rackmount servers from scratch isn't difficult (our 4U 24-bay SAN is built from parts), although it would be worth bearing in mind that the desktop line of processors (i3, i5, i7) can't use ECC (server) memory as this is one of the only thing likely to cause complications on a server build; well, that and possibly the overclocking options on server motherboards (or lack thereof).
  • eLboteLbot Join Date: 2012-09-13 Member: 159229Members
    edited September 2012
    What's the problem with R210's? The higher grade Xeon CPU's do infact perform just fine! (E3-1280 / E3-1280v2 or even the E3-1290v2 will all pull around 5 or so 18 slot servers with almost no issue holding tight to 30tick). Nudging against 20 slots or higher per server and you may indeed start to see tick degrade but thats over 160% competition play sized teams and starts to mess with the balance and res flow on default maps.
  • ScardyBobScardyBob ScardyBob Join Date: 2009-11-25 Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1982295:date=Sep 24 2012, 01:33 AM:name=syserror)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (syserror @ Sep 24 2012, 01:33 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1982295"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Building rackmount servers from scratch isn't difficult (our 4U 24-bay SAN is built from parts), although it would be worth bearing in mind that the desktop line of processors (i3, i5, i7) can't use ECC (server) memory as this is one of the only thing likely to cause complications on a server build; well, that and possibly the overclocking options on server motherboards (or lack thereof).<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    We've been using desktop mobo's in our builds so we avoid most of those issues. As long as you make sure the rackmount case supports ATX or mini-ATX, desktop mobo's will usually fit fine.
  • RockyMarcRockyMarc Join Date: 2009-11-24 Member: 69519Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1982406:date=Sep 24 2012, 10:38 PM:name=eLbot)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (eLbot @ Sep 24 2012, 10:38 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1982406"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->What's the problem with R210's? The higher grade Xeon CPU's do infact perform just fine! (E3-1280 / E3-1280v2 or even the E3-1290v2 will all pull around 5 or so 18 slot servers with almost no issue holding tight to 30tick). Nudging against 20 slots or higher per server and you may indeed start to see tick degrade but thats over 160% competition play sized teams and starts to mess with the balance and res flow on default maps.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Ahh okay well I might as well have all the options open to me, the place in mind I had if I was going to rent is this place -
    <a href="http://www.webinabox.net.au/dedicated-servers" target="_blank">http://www.webinabox.net.au/dedicated-servers</a>
    What do you think about those R210s?
  • DghelneshiDghelneshi Aims to surpass Fana in post edits. Join Date: 2011-11-01 Member: 130634Members, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited September 2012
    Keep in mind that eLbot's cited CPUs have clock speed of 3.5GHz or more. Pure clock speed is incredibly important due to NS2's heavy emphasis on single-core performance.

    The 2.8GHz CPUs from that provider are most likely not going to cut it (as of now, we'll see what the future brings). You might want to consider waiting until release to see how server performance holds up then before you make a massive investment right now.

    Edit: Traffic amounts are also laughable from that provider. I know it's a huge problem in Australia, but 100GB/month won't even be enough for a single server unless network optimization has done amazing things in the last few patches (numbers from half a year ago were around 400GB/month per server).

    It seems like it's not really possible for a normal private individual to host a NS2 server in Australia right now, unless you have good contacts and/or are extremely rich.
  • eLboteLbot Join Date: 2012-09-13 Member: 159229Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1982625:date=Sep 24 2012, 03:29 PM:name=RockyMarc)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RockyMarc @ Sep 24 2012, 03:29 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1982625"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Ahh okay well I might as well have all the options open to me, the place in mind I had if I was going to rent is this place -
    <a href="http://www.webinabox.net.au/dedicated-servers" target="_blank">http://www.webinabox.net.au/dedicated-servers</a>
    What do you think about those R210s?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    This ARK comparison may help: <a href="http://ark.intel.com/compare/42931,52278,65722" target="_blank">http://ark.intel.com/compare/42931,52278,65722</a>

    They're selling slightly older hardware running on different sockets than the current generation (LGA1156 rather than LGA1155). You're really looking for R210II's.

    Of those offerings nothing would quite cut it. BUT all is not lost, try asking people here <a href="http://www.webhostingtalk.com.au/australia-18/" target="_blank">http://www.webhostingtalk.com.au/australia-18/</a> for offers with the spec you're hoping for, and never be afraid to email any of these hosting companies with a custom spec asking for a quote! I found a group that offer E3-1270's (easily could run 16 slots/1.3cores with no trouble) but I know nothing of them and don't want to lead you to a company that could mess you around.
  • RockyMarcRockyMarc Join Date: 2009-11-24 Member: 69519Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    Cheers for all the help everyone, yeah it kinda sucks in Australia with dedicated hosting, and even worse in the West.
    There's just no competition, and so expensive with the GB usage. Heck we have third world internet speeds here :|
    I shall wait and see what happens on launch with the optimisation issue.
    Cheers once again everyone for your help.
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