Which configuration would be better?

[cm90]

I've recently been offered two great Windows Dedicated Server deals. I'm looking to run a bunch of CS:S and CS 1.6 public servers. Which option would you say is better?

Option A
Intel Pentium D 3.0GHz - Dual Processor
2GB RAM
250GB SATA HD
2000GB Bandwidth (100MBPS connection)

Option B
Intel Core2Duo 2.0GHz
1GB RAM (one less than the previous option)
160 GB SATA HD
1000GB Bandwidth (100MBPS connection)

Also, how many slots will I be able to run on a setup like one of these? Should I even bother with a Dual Core processor, or would a single core Pentium 4 do about the same job?

Thanks.

[Drocona]

The Core 2 Duo's are MUCH faster than the rest (Pentium4's)
RAM isn't a big issue, it will hold the maximum slots the CPU can support with ease (I run a C2D E6600, 2,4GHz with 1gb RAM, it runs great)

The thing I'm worried about is why a better server with less transfer?! (points at 1TB at the C2D)

Guess it all depends what you want to host really, can you tell us what you're aiming for?

[cm90]

Drocona Wrote:The Core 2 Duo's are MUCH faster than the rest (Pentium4's)
RAM isn't a big issue, it will hold the maximum slots the CPU can support with ease (I run a C2D E6600, 2,4GHz with 1gb RAM, it runs great)

The thing I'm worried about is why a better server with less transfer?! (points at 1TB at the C2D)

Guess it all depends what you want to host really, can you tell us what you're aiming for?

I was previously looking at deals from 2 different companies, which was why the configurations were a bit different.

I found a new deal from a respected company that I think I'm going with. Here's the set up:

Intel Core 2 Duo E4300
1GB of RAM (that can be upgraded, but if it isn't really needed for a bunch of servers, I won't bother)
100 MBPS port with 3300GB of bandwidth
SATA 3.0 HD

I'm looking to run at least 2-3 20 slot servers (maybe 32 slotters if I can run them) for my gaming clan. I'd like to rent out a few more servers to help pay the bills. I might also have a few IRC clients idling in the background if that doesn't take up too many resources (plus a website if it isn't stupid to run a website on the same server as game servers).

All in all, I'm hoping for at least 100 slots unboosted, though that may be unrealistic. Maybe I'll throw in a few 66/100 ticrate servers if I can run them.

Alternatively, I could go with a 10 MBPS unmetered package. Do you think that would be better? I didn't think so at first since I didn't think I'd hit anywhere near 3300GB of bandwith with the 100 MBPS option.

I could also pay a one time fee for a 10k Raptor HD instead of the SATA option. Do you think that would be worth it?

EDIT: I should add that I could also go with an Athlon X2 4200 setup for $15 less. I'm not sure how that CPU compares with the Core2Duo option, but I've read that they're somewhat comparable based on some old benchmarks I've seen. Would that be a viable option?

[andersonmat]

I would personally go with the P4 setup just because of the RAM that is included especially if you will be hosting a bunch of players! I know that my old dedicated server was always short on RAM when running multiple players!
The P4 should suffice to the current setup... If you aren't going to be doing a whole lot of hosting of players--then the Core2Duo would be good!

Hope this helps!

Matt

[Drocona]

If you want 100 slots you need Core 2 Duo E6600 or better
The 10k rpm raptor won't have any noticeable advantages other than a map change that's a wee bit faster (waste of money IMO)
You should be able to run 2x 30 slots on that machine mentioned above
Core 2 Duo rocks AMD X2's world

[Spartanfrog]

Get the Core 2 Duo. Yes Core 2 Duo rocks AMD X2's world but Opterons rock Xeon's world .

[cm90]

Thanks for the input. One question...

Quote:You should be able to run 2x 30 slots on that machine mentioned above

Were you referring to the Core2Duo machine or AMD X2 machine?

I think I'm going to order the AMD X2 machine since I can't really afford the higher price for the Core2Duo rig. I'm eventually hoping to get a Core2Duo configuration as well to run some servers on. [/quote]

[blik]

cm90 Wrote:Option A
Intel Pentium D 3.0GHz - Dual Processor
2GB RAM
250GB SATA HD
2000GB Bandwidth (100MBPS connection)

Option B
Intel Core2Duo 2.0GHz
1GB RAM (one less than the previous option)
160 GB SATA HD
1000GB Bandwidth (100MBPS connection)

As you have been guided by the other replies, the Core2duo would be the better option. However I find it bizzare how the GSP is creating the package, where the more powerful server is more likely to exceed it's bandwidth usage.

[Drocona]

That's what I asked too blik, the OP said that they were from 2 different companies.

cm90, I was referring to the C2D E4300 setup.