Can anybody recommend a vendor for rack mountable servers to be used in dedicated hosting scenerios? I've used valinux before for linux servers (not, bad but a few issues with their hardware). Since they are no longer in the business of hardware, I need to find a replacement. I am also looking for a good Win2K platform as well.

Thanks,

Lars

We always recommend Dell servers. We have had nothing but awesome luck with them. They are a little more money than some of the smaller houses, but it is worth every penny! (no hardware conflict, awesome support, system speed, etc.)

If you have several systems to build and have experience in hardware configuration, you might want to consider building the systems yourself--it usually turns out to be less expensive.

I went so far as to get quotes for having the actual rackmount chassis made at one point through a local metal shop. In the end, I decided that unless I was going to have 20 or more built at one time, that it wasn't really worth it... but the cost in bulk (50+) was as little as $89 (exclusive of power supplies, front handles, and LEDs, but including the brackets for rackmounting).

I've seen some relatively inexpensive pre-built systems out there and recently built a 1u server (Celeron 800/512MB/20GB IDE all name brand parts) for under $650--less than I could have gotten it through any reputable place I've seen yet. Auctions of dot-bombs are also an excellent source. I picked up several complete 2u systems at an auction a month ago for less than I would have paid for the chassis retail.

--Erika