[TriLUG] Custom PC suppliers

[matt at noway2.thruhere.net]

If I am not mistaken, we have several IBM servers in our control room, so
even though they may be more expensive, they are not out of the question.

I received word a few minutes ago, that some paper work was found on the
server that failed.  It turns out that we a few months left of warranty
left on it and may not need to purchase a replacement.  We are in the
process of restoring it as close as possible to factory conditions to call
their support line.

I wanted to ask, though, if for no other reason than future reference, is
there a local sales office for IBM or do I need to go to an
(inter)national web site / call center?

The purchaser would be UNC-Chapel Hill, Energy Services (which is
separated from IT when it comes to the control systems), but still a govt
purchase.

The reason we are geared towards servers in this case is because of
hardware differences that may not be as challenging as they were a few
years ago.  Specifically, the machine uses two PCI-express x 16 slots with
two dual video cards for 8 monitors.  I am told that this used to be
really difficult to find and they had to go with server hardware
initially, but this last weekend I was looking at some of the new P67
series motherboards for the i7 and even mid-line (sub $200) motherboards
supported 2-3 PCI express cards.

> I recommend IBM for servers simply because I work there and it puts food
> on
> my table.  But they're usually outside people's budgets, in which case I
> recommend DIY.  It's not any different from a PC, really.  Same
> components,
> just different shapes and stuff.  Supermicro is usually pretty decent.
>
> Also, I think we have a handful of IBMers in the group and we may be able
> to
> help you on the IRC channel if you ever run into problems...  Like
> Cristobal
> and his EFI problem.  I couldn't help him entirely but I did my best with
> what little I knew.
> --