Difference of "Server" versus just a high end computer

[smittywes38]

I would like to know what a server provides versus just a high end computer with plenty of HD space and Ram. It seems to me I can use a PC with 80 gig harddrive and 500+ Ram rather than spend the big bucks for a server. Any clarification is appreciated.
Also, we currently have an NT server but due to a software change that is not compatible with NT I will have to switch over to Windows2000 server. I would like to know, why can't I just clear the Harddrive on the NT server and load Windows2000 server?

 

[DestinysDream]

Really there is no functional difference. What is the server used for?

Just wipe the NT and load Windows 2000 Server

If anyone calls and says "I know a little something about computers" just tell them to reformat it.

 

[jonhowe]

the big bucks usually gets you SCSI interfaces built in which makes life a lot easier if you need to add more hard disks, DAT/DLT tape drives or use RAID controllers. It also tends to get you higher spec expansion slots such as PCI-X etc.

Its all about requirements. If you need to store files for a handful of people then a PC might suffice but once you start trying to serve files to a SME type organisation and large amounts of data like CAD files start getting transferred and backed up to tape a proper server is worth the investment.

In my experience never skimp on server hardware or network kit - if they can't handle the load you look an idiot.

 

[SimonDavis]

I agree. A fileserver is basically a beefed up PC.

It is worth the money though. If you spend less now, you will quickly find your bargain PC struggling to cope with any expansion, and will either have to get a proper server, or worse - start adding more cheap PCs.

I know this because we went the cheap route too, and 4 years later have 7 slightly unreliable fileservers, rather than the 2 high spec ones we should need - and I doubt we saved any money either when you consider each one also needs an OS licence. I also have 7 servers to maintain, not an insignificant task!

If you don't *have* the money for a decent server, a PC full of ram and hard disks will do, but it won't really save you any money in the long term.

 

[Griffyn]

I'm sure you've gotten the idea from the helpful posters before me - but there's a few more differences, just to be pedantic

- Servers generally use multiple CPUs (and therefore a different class of motherboard).

- Servers can (and should) come with a special chassis that can support nifty things like redundant power supplies (so if one blows, the other one takes over instantly). You can also do stuff like physically move a server to a different power source by only unplugging one power supply at a time.

- Servers use ECC RAM, (error correcting) which is more robust than standard PC RAM.

- Servers can be made small to fit into a 1U size for rack mounting.

So, in summary, there's more to a server than just how fast the CPU is, and how much RAM and storage it's got. There's lots of differences so that it's better suited to handling being on all the time and handling lots of users simultaneously (ie. SCSI and not ATA)