beer planet

Updated: July 3rd, 2008

I want to get opinions from outside of my daily circle of people on the best server hardware to use for MySQL. I remember from the conference somebody (Pipes?) mentioning a particular Dell server with multiple disk RAID10 that could supposedly be had for about $6k but I completely misplaced the model number (Frank, did you get my email?).

I know that a multi-disk RAID array with a bunch of fast disks (15k RPM?) is probably the most important method of improving performance, followed by the amount of RAM, so I'm trying to find the best combination/balance of the two. However, server prices on the Internet range so much that I don't even know where to begin to tell a good deal from a bad one. I don't think SSDs can play a role here, because we need at least 200GB of usable space per machine. For comparison, we currently use the following spec: Dual quadcore Intel, 16GB RAM, 200GB RAID1 + 1TB RAID1 using SATA drives (eww?) in a 2U rack (a bit too chunky, isn't it?) made by Zantaz. It performs quite nicely but I think it chokes on the amount of writes way too early.

So, what does everyone think the best configuration is under $10,000? Bonus points if you can provide a link to the vendor site or at least a model number!

Spasibo.

Edit: so, here's the final configuration and quote I got from Silicon Mechanics, which I'm quite happy about. It is way under the $10k budget, so mission accomplished:

• RakX 2U chassis
• 2x Intel Xeon E5420 Quad-core 2.5Ghz, 12MB cache CPUs
• 32GB (16x 2GB) 667Mhz Fully Buffered RAM
• 2x integrated gbit NICs
• IPMI 2.0 remote management card with KVM over LAN
• 3Ware 9690SA-4I RAID controller with 512MB cache and battery backup
• 12x 74GB Seagate Cheetah 15K.5 15KRPM SAS drives
• redundant 700W power supply
• sliding rail kit
• 5 year advance component exchange warranty
• OS RAID: 73GB HW RAID1
• DATA RAID: 365GB HW RAID10

Total price: $6176 + tax, free shipping.

The trip to Mexico (May 22-26) was a total success. I absolutely loved everything about it (except the flight with 2 connections): the resort (link), the people, the ocean, free booze (hello tequila) and unlimited food, climate, service, the Mayan ruins - everything!

The highlights of the trip include:

• visiting Chichen Itza
• Cancun and the Coco Bongo club, (man, that was fun, I've never seen a show like that in a club, even in Vegas). $50-60 buys a ticket in with open bar (it's a good deal judging by the amount of tequila poured into me)!
• walking around Playa Del Carmen, there are a lot of little stores, with a ton of tequila and other presents to buy. The atmosphere on the beach at night, next to a beach-side club was amazing
• did I mention unlimited free alcohol and buffet at our Grand Sunset Princess resort?
• cost effectiveness: $400 plane ticket, $400 resort for 4 nights
• company of my awesome girlfriend and 3 friends (Andy, Sergio, and Serena)

Please proceed here for more pictures.

Our room in Grand Sunset Princess resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico:

2005 Honda Accord EX V6 4D Graphite Sedan Leather FULLY LOADED 29K miles

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/car/715723311.html

Private seller, NOT a dealer:

$17,900
Original owner
Still under Manufacturer's Original 36,000/3 Year Warranty until end of July
29,000 freeway miles (I used to freeway commute to work, use MUNI now)
Clean record - no accidents, absolutely clean
Graphite Pearl exterior / Gray LEATHER interior
An aftermarket iPod adaptor/charger that hooks directly into the audio system, professionally installed (see pics)
Save $$$ - Honda suggests changing oil every 5000 miles (not 3000) and fill up with only Regular 87 gas (the cheapest grade, not Premium), as the engine has been configured to use Regular gas best

VIN: 1HGCM66595A071143, feel free to carfax it

Additional Information:

5% Black tint on rear windows
5 speed Automatic transmission
6 Cylinder 240HP 3.0L SOHC VTEC engine - a V6 that's not a gas guzzler
Drive-by-Wire Throttle SystemÖ
Cruise control
Dual-Stage Front Airbags (SRS)
Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
Side Curtain Airbags
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Air Conditioning with Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System
Power windows
Power door locks
Power mirrors
Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
Driver's Seat with 8-Way Power Adjustment
Driver's Seat Adjustable Lumbar Support
Driver's Seat with Power Height Adjustment
Passenger's Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment
16" Alloy Wheels
Security System
Remote Entry System with Power Window Control
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
120-Watt AM/FM/6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer Audio System: with 6 Speakers, including a Subwoofer

Various points:

Very well maintained with all service records, performed mostly at the Honda Dealers.

There are no engine, body, etc mods - everything is factory installed except for the tint and the iPod adaptor.
You will definitely love this car, it drives really well and produces just the right amount of power for city driving. There is nothing wrong with the car, I'm selling it because I just bought a house right on a MUNI line and can't justify owning a car anymore.
Note that there's a small scrape on the left side of the front bumper, which can be see on one of the photos, but it's really quite minor.
Buyer (you) takes care of all financing separately - I need cash/cashier's check in my hand, again this is a private party sale, not dealer.

Take a look at the pics below! (click them to see larger size)

Contact me to arrange a test drive (serious buyers only):

Cell: (415) 366-0447 (any time) *preferred*
Email: use the contact form on the site