This page won't give you an answer; it is designed to help you consider all aspects so you can make the right choice.

The server decision matrix is meant to be filled in over time. Feel free to add your own content OR comment on what is already here, using the discussion threads on the bottom of this page.

Key System Tech Specs



 2-Socket 4-Socket Blades
Dell Systems 2950 III
R805 		R900
R905		 M600
M605
Processors 2950 III - Quad Core Intel
R805 - Quad Core AMD		 R900 - Quad Core Intel
R905 - Quad Core AMD		 M600 - Quad Core Intel
M605 - Quad Core AMD
Memory 2950 III - 8 DIMM slots
R805 - 16 DIMM slots		 32 DIMM slots 8 DIMM slots
Onboard NICs 2950 III - 2 Gigabit NICs
R805 - 4 Gigabit NICs		 4 Gigabit NICs 2 Gigabit NICs
PCI Slots 2950 III - 3 PCI Express
R805 - 4 PCI Express		 7 PCI Express 2 daughter cards (enabling 4 additional fabrics)

Two-Socket Servers


  • Better "Performance Per Socket" than 4-socket servers - Complete VMmark Results
  • R805 has large number of DIMM slots for 2-Socket server
  • R805 has 4 integrated NICs
  • 2950III has excellent performance results in VMmark benchmark testing results


Four-Socket Servers


  • Performance of 4-socket servers is excellent, best single system performance - VMwark results with R900 and R905
  • Most scalability within a single server—can start small and grow within the same server



Blades