optimal opensuse 11 hardware

[freqflyer0728]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this group.

I've decided I want to have my own web server, and I'll be using the usual LAMP stack to implement it (Linux: openSUSE 11.1; Apache: latest version; MySQL Server: latest version; Php/Perl/Python). I found a great tutorial on how to install openSUSE as my OS and Apache as my server. However, for educational purposes, I actually want to build my hardware from scratch. I've been looking at various motherboard, cpu, and ram configurations, and have noticed that most 'build it yourself' stuff out there concerns the home user, rather than someone trying to build a server 'from the ground up.'

So, my question: I want to build a machine from scratch to be able to be a webserver for many domains (maybe 10 or more), but I want to be budget conscious about what motherboard and cpu I get, i.e. i'm not sure if I need to have all the extra graphics bells and whistles that so many mobo manufacturers tout as being selling points

Can you tell me a good (current) motherboard/cpu combo that would be useful as a server platform for the app stack described above? I'm basically looking to minimize costs (even if having to use older hardware) while maximizing performance for clients who are surfing my websites hosted on my machine.

Please note: there are probably things I haven't described that I should have, but that's because I'm a total newb... please be gentle. I DO know that you can make a server out of just about anything, simply by installing the right software and having the right network configuration, etc. However, like I said, I just want to have some basic motherboard/cpu recommendations for a webserver that will be able to host 10 to 15 domains, without having to spend extra for things I don't want or need -- for instance, I am not sure if I need to have a great graphics card (or even great support for a graphics card on the MoBo) to be able to still serve up pages.

Any input would be super greatly (an upgrade from merely greatly) appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

[D-cat]

You do not need monster graphics to run a server. It might be nice to have some sort of graphical console since Yast is so much more gentle to the admin that way, but it functions just as good in remote/text mode. Sparing the GUI for text mode will help with resources and allow service to a few more users at any given time. As the admin, it's your choice. There is absolutely zero need for a kickin overpowered gamer card.

Never mind domains, worry about bandwidth and expected simultanious users. Places where the money is worth it is in a half decent CPU that can keep up, enough RAM to run all the proposed daemons with constant users without having to constantly poll of the hard drive, and a good strong power supply. If you're going to run multiple domains, use gigabit equipment (net cards and switches); you don't want a network bottleneck.

UPS are a good thing. With several domains operating, uptime is a concern. Don't rely solely on the power company.

I don't have any specific brands or models to recommend, there's just too much stuff out there. Just do your research and you should be able to come up with some good equipment within budget.