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wtango · October 18th, 2007

Hello. I'd like to get someadvice about the different requirements or benefits from a true server vs. a PC with XP that's just acting as sort of a file repository.

Our office is looking to purchase a new File Server. Currently we're using a peer to peer network to access a very old Pentium II machine with a big hard drive that is used to store all our working files. All 8 workstations access files on this "Server". Our network switch was recently upgraded to Gigabit capability, but file performance seems to be slowed by the current "server", so we're going to upgrade.

One option for the new "server" machine is to go with a Dell Server with Windows Server 2003 software.
Another option is to get a Dell Precision Workstation and use it as the file server.

Since we only have about 8 CAD users in the office, is there any real advantage to using a true server?
Also, would there be an advantage to having the processor of the file server Dual or Quad Core?

October 18th, 2007	#1 (permalink)
wtango Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 8 Name: Christopher Dickson	Need advice re. File Server Hello. I'd like to get someadvice about the different requirements or benefits from a true server vs. a PC with XP that's just acting as sort of a file repository. Our office is looking to purchase a new File Server. Currently we're using a peer to peer network to access a very old Pentium II machine with a big hard drive that is used to store all our working files. All 8 workstations access files on this "Server". Our network switch was recently upgraded to Gigabit capability, but file performance seems to be slowed by the current "server", so we're going to upgrade. One option for the new "server" machine is to go with a Dell Server with Windows Server 2003 software. Another option is to get a Dell Precision Workstation and use it as the file server. Since we only have about 8 CAD users in the office, is there any real advantage to using a true server? Also, would there be an advantage to having the processor of the file server Dual or Quad Core?