Requesting input.

CaptainHaplo · 05-14-12, 02:28 PM

Ok - I posted before about a server conversion (into a screamer game machine) I was working on. Ended up solving the question - but now I have another.

Here is my situation - I have 2 servers.

HP 350 G6 - single core, rack mount "standard" size server. (Thick enough to hold a full size video card).

HP 380 G6 - Dual core blade server.

Now, here is my struggle. When I am done - I must have both machines operational. However, part swaps are definitely possible.

Ideally, the 380 board and cpus would swap into the 350 chassis and vice versa. That however, may be problematic. The 350 has plastic air guides to assist with cooling, the heat sinks are different sizes between the 2, etc. It probably could be done, but I am not positive that I can justify the additional parts costs.

I REALLY want to have the dual cpu board - performance wise its a monster. However, if I leave it in the blade, I have to get 2 pcie x16 risers. That would allow me to put in a full size vid card, but it would have to be a single slot solution and would be hard pressed on airflow in the riser cage. I see serious temperature issues there as there is not a single card solution out there with enough power to do the job without generating some serious heat. Is there?

So - if you had the hardware - how would you propose moving forward? Questions welcome as well.

longam · 05-14-12, 04:11 PM

Is this the 380 G6? Because I don't think its a blade server, just a 2U server with a bunch of PCI slots.

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/q...a/13234_na.pdf

CaptainHaplo · 05-14-12, 07:39 PM

Yes, I misspoke - I am used to calling it "blade" due to its lack of height - but its not a true blade server by any stretch. It has its own enclosure. My fault.

And yes - its the G6 you listed. Sorry bout that.

*edit - I can get the cables to provide secondary 75w gpu power - but am I wrong being concerned about the heat buildup inside that chassis?

longam · 05-15-12, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo

Yes, I misspoke - I am used to calling it "blade" due to its lack of height - but its not a true blade server by any stretch. It has its own enclosure. My fault.

And yes - its the G6 you listed. Sorry bout that.

*edit - I can get the cables to provide secondary 75w gpu power - but am I wrong being concerned about the heat buildup inside that chassis?

With HP rack servers there is a bank of cooling fans across the mid section (overview, item 5) which should have no problem cooling the case. These are setup to increase RPM with temperature rise.

I have two 1U HP's servers that sound like a 747 taking off when the AC trips out in the server closet at work.

CaptainHaplo · 05-15-12, 05:58 PM

Well if I can get away with the heat - the next question 2 questions are:

Given that they will have to be in riser cages - what video card and audio card would you suggest?

Arclight · 05-15-12, 09:23 PM

A stock GTX560 Ti soaks about 150W, which that PDF lists as the limit on the 2 PCI-E x16 risers. Not familiar with this hardware, but that's what I understand of that document.

Also says it's limited to single-slot designs; not many of those around nowadays, none that deliver good gaming performance anyway.

05-14-12, 02:28 PM	#1
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	Requesting input. Ok - I posted before about a server conversion (into a screamer game machine) I was working on. Ended up solving the question - but now I have another. Here is my situation - I have 2 servers. HP 350 G6 - single core, rack mount "standard" size server. (Thick enough to hold a full size video card). HP 380 G6 - Dual core blade server. Now, here is my struggle. When I am done - I must have both machines operational. However, part swaps are definitely possible. Ideally, the 380 board and cpus would swap into the 350 chassis and vice versa. That however, may be problematic. The 350 has plastic air guides to assist with cooling, the heat sinks are different sizes between the 2, etc. It probably could be done, but I am not positive that I can justify the additional parts costs. I REALLY want to have the dual cpu board - performance wise its a monster. However, if I leave it in the blade, I have to get 2 pcie x16 risers. That would allow me to put in a full size vid card, but it would have to be a single slot solution and would be hard pressed on airflow in the riser cage. I see serious temperature issues there as there is not a single card solution out there with enough power to do the job without generating some serious heat. Is there? So - if you had the hardware - how would you propose moving forward? Questions welcome as well. __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo

05-14-12, 07:39 PM	#3
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	Yes, I misspoke - I am used to calling it "blade" due to its lack of height - but its not a true blade server by any stretch. It has its own enclosure. My fault. And yes - its the G6 you listed. Sorry bout that. *edit - I can get the cables to provide secondary 75w gpu power - but am I wrong being concerned about the heat buildup inside that chassis? __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo

05-15-12, 05:58 PM	#5
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	Well if I can get away with the heat - the next question 2 questions are: Given that they will have to be in riser cages - what video card and audio card would you suggest? __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo

05-15-12, 09:23 PM	#6
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	A stock GTX560 Ti soaks about 150W, which that PDF lists as the limit on the 2 PCI-E x16 risers. Not familiar with this hardware, but that's what I understand of that document. Also says it's limited to single-slot designs; not many of those around nowadays, none that deliver good gaming performance anyway. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

05-14-12, 04:11 PM	#2
longam Admiral Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,014 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	Is this the 380 G6? Because I don't think its a blade server, just a 2U server with a bunch of PCI slots. http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/q...a/13234_na.pdf