I posted this on the tech forum, too.

Hi All,
Had a few questions about a possible server I may build for 24Kbps MP3 streaming (live and pre-recorded).

1.) If I get a dual CPU motherboard and only start out with a single CPU, does the empty CPU space have to be terminated somehow?

3.) Also, if I have a dual CPU board, does this mean that I must buy CPUs of the same "stepping" or "lot?" Or can I just buy the same model CPU at anytime without worrying if it was stepping SZZ1324, or some such thing?

3.) Also, is there any reason why I should buy Ultra 160 SCSI over UltraATA 100 IDE drives for MP3 streaming (broadcasting) server? I've seen 100GB UltraATA 100 drives with 8MB cache which supposedly perform about the same as SCSI counterparts in many instances. The 100GB drives are only about $300.00, whereas the SCSI is already $200 for 20GB only.

4.) Finally, do most services use these 1, 2 or 3U cases, or can I just make the server in a server tower case? The tower allows for better cooling and expansion, and I'm familiar with towers but not 1 or 2U cases.

Any help is greatly appreciated. These forums are very helpful. Thanks!

-Ken Bagwell

1) Nope, just empty as far as I know. Not very experienced with working on actual dual boards though.
:) 3) They don't have to be the same stepping.
3) The 120GB WD special edition drives with 8MB cache can be found for around $120-$140. If you want to save some cash, I'd go with these. Maybe in a raid 5 if you want performance and reliability.
4) You'll find a cheaper price for 1u-2u server cases, and more options of places to put your server, but It will cost about the same if you go any bigger compared to a tower. If you have the cash I'd recommend a 2u, you can get better cooling, and more expansion.

some older boards may require a second CPU terminator, I had a PIII Asus motherboard 933Mhz with dual CPU power and there was a CPU terminator in second CPU slot by default..
From the space perspective (tower or rackmount) - depends how much $$ your provider will charge you for the space monthly rent... I suggest you go with rackmount at the very beginning

you do not want to do this - you will have to buy matched cpu's (from the same lot) to get them to work correctly all the time. Any good dealer will tell you this - you can not go back and add a second cpu later - will most likely spell trouble.

If you can afford SCSI, it is much faster than IDE for a web server. If you need the space though, IDE is a much better value.