Messages in this thread | | | Date | Thu, 24 Sep 1998 22:48:39 -0400 | From | Jim McQuillan <> | Subject | Building Big Ass Linux Machine, what are the limits? |
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Hello all,
I need to build a big machine to replace a Compaq Proliant running SCO OpenServer.
The system needs to run several Progress databases (12gb and growing) and I am looking for maximum disk throughput for about 150 users accessing via Telnet.
Some are telling me that I should be looking at big hardware, such as HP9000, SGI or Sun. The type of equipment that would cost upwards of $100k.
I want to try it with Linux.
Here are my preferences:
- Intel 450 Single or Dual, the application is really NOT cpu bound. I need Intel because until Progress releases a Linux version I will be using the SCO version with iBCS. And, as a safety net, if Linux isn't stable in this setup, I can put SCO on it (I really don't want to do that).
- 512mb ram. Can I go bigger?, whats the max? Current system has 512mb and is only using about 300mb of it.
- 4 Adaptec 2940UW Host adaptors with 4-4gb Ultra wide disks on each. 16 drives total. Isn't there a limit on number of scsi disks? If there is a limit, I could change it to a total of 8 9gb drives. Progress has it's own Multi-volume support and can utilize as many drives as I can give it. I figure: more spindles + more heads = better disk performance.
Is Linux ready for the Enterprise Server market?
Will I run into a maximum on the number of processes that can run? I have about 45-60 days to do this, Should I be waiting for the 2.2 Kernel or do you think the latest 2.0.xx kernel can handle it?
I was hesitant about posting to the kernel list, but I figure that it is the kernel that has to handle the load, and I really need to know that Linux can handle this before I convince the customer to spend the money on the hardware.
If this works, I have several other customers who would also be good candidates for a Big Ass Linux Machine.
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Jim McQuillan McQuillan Systems jam@McQuil.com
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