Buying new Dell Nehalem server - any tips/recommendations - R710 or 610

[foxy1977]

Hi folks,

I am looking at buying a new host machine and as we are a Dell shop we are looking at the r610 or 710. Has anyone got any recommendations? I am leaning towards the r710 as it can hold more ram.

I remember reading stuff about the nehalem processors and how they are very picky when it comes to the memory configuration. What should i be on the lookout for. I remember readying something about the new HPgeneration of servers that the memory/hardware setup gets around these issues. Anyone any advice or experiences?

[AndreTheGiant]

Both are good choice.

But R710 is more scalable, and there is a backplane version with less local disk and more local RAM.

Be sure to choose the best configuration of the RAM dimm, to have the max speed (check on suggested configuration).

Andre

[dnetz]

Hi,

I've got 8 R710's running ESX for about 9 months now and they're performing admirably, we're also investing in R710's for non-virtualized workloads (linux, windows). We've considered the R610 too but one of our datacenters isn't built for exclusively 1U servers (cooling- and powerwise) so we're better off with the R710's which as you say, also is more expandable.

Nehalem platforms are indeed picky on memory configuration, there are different memory speeds depending on DIMM population, some processors are limited to a certain speed, UDIMM vs. RDIMM etc. This article seems to explain the difference pretty good (http://www.delltechcenter.com/page/04-08-2009-NehalemandMemory+Configurations) and don't hesitate to ask your Dell sales rep before purchase.

Hope it helps!

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[foxy1977]

Thanks for the posts

Are there any problems running Nehalem server as part of a DRS cluster alongside xeon 5400 series CPUs

[dnetz]

I haven't mixed X5400 and X5500 hosts in a cluster but you should probably enable EVC on the cluster and set it to the "Intel® Xeon® 45nm Core™2" mode for proper vMotion.

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[sketchy00]

I would echo those same thoughts about EVC mode. It tripped me up a bit at first, but since then, my M600's and M610's are working fine in the same DRS cluster, and all things vmotion fine. I'd also make sure your BIOS settings are correct before you move forward with the ESX build on the host. ...I did post some annecdotal performance numbers comparing the two, in case you are interested. http://itforme.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/comparing-nehalem-and-harpertown-running-vsphere-in-a-produc...