New Server Hardware Recommendations?

[Dennis Muhlestein]

Kimball Larsen wrote:
> So, my elderly (4+ years old) home server is banging on death's door, so 
> I need to figger out what to use to replace it.
> 
> It's been a while (uhm, 4+ years) since I've had the pleasure of trying 
> to build out my own linux box rather than buying something 
> pre-configured for windows and just slapping linux on it.  So, I've got 
> some questions:
> 
> What processor family will offer the best bang for the buck?  Should I 
> go with an AMD or an Intel?  What are the advantages of Phenom vs 
> Athalon vs Opteron?  Do various flavors of linux like one processor 
> family more than another?
> 
> How's about motherboards?  I assume that after I pick a CPU, I should 
> mate it with a well-supported motherboard.  Any that you can recommend 
> as having solid linux support for all their doo-dads?
> 
> I prefer to make this thing be as small as possible (think media center 
> pc sized), but have space for a typical ATX case if need be.
> 
> Thanks!
> 

Why host your own?  If you're going to spend $$$ on a server, why not 
just spend $ on a good virtual server.  You can do an Amazon E2C cloud 
virtual server for around $50/month I think.

50/month * 4 years = $2400.  Slightly more than the 1500 an adequate 
server will cost but lots less than the 3-5k a server that could rival 
what you get for the price would be.

I'm sure there are other many hosting options with many different price 
points.

-Dennis