For those intrested, here are the tech specs for the new server (going to order it as soon as we reach 2000,- , we're currently only 200,- away from this target)

What are the current specs for MrBlonde? It would be good if we were able to compare.

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function printSig(){ print "Code is poetry!"; return true; }

The current specs read;

Tyan mobo with a Nforce4 chipset and equipped with a Opteron 180 and 2GB mem accompanied by a 7200RPM default sata interface hdd.

Looks good, however given my limited tech knowledge it could also be the tech spec of a ZX Spectrum

Is this farily top of the range for a gaming server?

One thing missing is the go faster stripes paint job - or at least flames

What does it mean once it has been purchased - how much is the running costs? I'm genuinely interested as I don't know anything about servers.

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The stats below lie. I'm actually much much worse.

But... It IS a ZX Spectrum! Nah seriouse, i think you can say its a pretty extreme kick ass server!

The paint job will be done afterwards

In a little more 'normal' laguage, the server contains a topline motherboard from a very good brand. In its serie its an extended motherboard so we have SAS ports to connect the uber fast, 15.000RPM harddisk to. On the motherboard will be fitted 2 Intel Xeon Quadcore CPU's. There not the most powerfull in their class, but they are from the latest designs and production method (if you go any higher you pay like 600+ per cpu). The Xeon's are special server cpu's, which will be supported by 8GB DDR2 1333Mhz ECC(error correction) memory, this means 1GB per availible core.

When the new machine is in place, it means we can host much more servers. It also would allow us to for example host 64 slot servers if we're come across games capable of this. I estimate, if you would compare it to TF2, the machine would be capable to host up to 16x24 slots TF2 servers. In terms of bandwidth and cost, we'll, i have no real figures yet, but its going to get pretty nasty. If the machine would be fully used, i think you'll require a 35Mbit pipe to the server. This would mean a monthly bill of 500 or so euro's. Currently, i am paying the bandwidth so we could save for the new machine. Now we're going to get it, i'll also use donations in the future to cover the extra bandwidth costs we're going to get. But if we'd get the whole machine to be competely used, we'll also have a factor 10 more players, which automaticly means more donations etc, which should allow us to save up for new servers AND cover the bandwidth costs.

Excellent - thanks for the explanation.

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The stats below lie. I'm actually much much worse.

I accidently pressed submit while posting, i wasn't done yet, so u gotta re-read it

Thanks Saint.

The thought of you having to pick up the bandwidth costs alone isn't so good - guess this is something SpA need to manage pretty carefully once the server is in place.

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The stats below lie. I'm actually much much worse.

Great news! I've ordered the server and will be able to pick it up on friday

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SaintK: I'm completely lost

damn nice

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M.A.S.K. , is the mighty power that can save the day

I just picked up the new server! Gonna play around it tonight when i'm done working. Will post some pics aswell

please don't forget to include your cat in the pictures

Knowing my cat it will prolly be the first thing she does when i unpack it

you got one awesome cat <3

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Sebas the avenging zebra's sidekick! <3

It's one hell of a sexy machine!

sexy o:

very nice idd, all that ram

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M.A.S.K. , is the mighty power that can save the day

NIce!

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DISCLAIMER: If you find a posting or message from me offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive, please ignore it. If you don't know how to ignore a posting, complain to
me and I will be only too happy to demonstrate...

Unfortunatly the server is DOA (dead on arrival). The mother board seems to be defect. CPU in socket 0 is not detected and there is no output power on the USB and PS2 ports. I'll be returning the server monday. Hopefully we'll have a working machine by the end of the week.

you'd think people would test it when they build it :S
this sucks, hope it'll be here soon~

That suckz... but what did they test? Haven't you wrote that there was a problem with the mainboard already in their test? So perhaps you didn't got a replacement?

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SaintK: I'm completely lost

They said they've tested it and found out the origional board was faulty. according to their story they drove to Tyan NL to have it tested and replaced. According to their story everything worked propperly after it...

Dead!!! Nooooooooooooo

You sure you didn't get over excited when it arrived and rubbed it too hard? (the server I mean....)

Bet you were gutted - what a bummer - have they given you a repair date?

As they say all good things come to those that wait

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The stats below lie. I'm actually much much worse.

Yea i'm quite sure of that

I just gave em a call and they said the server is ready, so i'm going to pick it up tomorrow after work!

So do we need to collect for the driving costs soon?

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SaintK: I'm completely lost

Nah, using the company car

Hope this time everything will work!

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M.A.S.K. , is the mighty power that can save the day