HP ProLiant ML370 G5 Performance

.../> The Proliant range from HP has been around for a few years but the latest generation takes advantage of shrinking sized parts and components and power saving methods to evolve an already successful product.

We have both the G5 and G4 models of this server and the main obvious change is the disk size. The hard disks (and it can take up to 8 of them) and the newer slimline serial SCSI type rather than the Ultra SCSI in the G4. Faster ...
...and is best suited for HP cabinets. Shallow depth racks will not give you the clearance to close the doors on it.

Software that comes with it is really limited to the Array software and principal set up software. This allows you to set up the hard disks into the RAID format you want should you so desire. Its quick and simple to set the disks exactly as you want them before installing the operating system.

Uses? Well ... more

Fantastic performance , flawless reliability and reassuringly pricey is a good way to describe one of our Proliant ML370 servers here in the office.
If you need your server to deliver cutting edge technology with bulletproof backup, this is a must for any self respecting IT guy.

The Proliant range from HP has been around for a few years but the latest generation takes advantage of shrinking sized parts and components and power saving methods to evolve an already successful product.

We have both the G5 and G4 models of this server and the main obvious change is the disk size. The hard disks (and it can take up to 8 of them) and the newer slimline serial SCSI type rather than the Ultra SCSI in the G4. Faster and with the same lightning response time, they obviously draw less power resouce from your server and power supply.

Inside the Box you can expand the RAM up to 4Gb thanks to the expansion slots and there are 2 slots available for dual Core Xeon processors. Normally they ship with one and I will mention prices for additional processors later.

On the front of the server, there is a great LED display that gives a simple and effective method of telling shat is plugged in, working or faulty on the server. Handy for diagnosing hardware issues.
Alson on this panel are 2 handy placed USB connectors so you can "front access" devices such as mice and keyboards when setting it up before loading into a server rack.

Weight of it is HEAVY. It takes 2 of you to load and lift this into the rack and it comes with the bolts to attach it to the front of the rack but not the sliding mounts. These are available separately for about £150 a set. It also comes with its restraining arm.

Size. Very large! It needs great depth in the rack and is best suited for HP cabinets. Shallow depth racks will not give you the clearance to close the doors on it.

Software that comes with it is really limited to the Array software and principal set up software. This allows you to set up the hard disks into the RAID format you want should you so desire. Its quick and simple to set the disks exactly as you want them before installing the operating system.

Uses? Well we use ours for running Virtualised servers. That means we can have lots of software servers running on 1 actual piece of hardware. To do this you need something with plenty of resources, processor power, disk space and memory. The G5 copes admirably with 5 servers running on it. Virtualisation means i can replace 5 physical servers with 1 new one. Fantastic for space saving, power saving and modernisation.

Our G4 server that is 6 months older runs Exchange only on it and is also bulletproof. This gives you some idea of the family background it has and how fantastic a product it is.

Prices?
Well you can pick up the base model for around £1200 but for this you get.
1 Hard disk.
1 Processor
1Gb Ram
to give you an idea what we have.....
6 Hard disk (£150 each)
2 Processors (additional £750!)
4 Gb Ram (additional £350)
Rack Mounts (£150)

Add to this the Microsoft Windows 2003 SErver licence and you wont get any change (as we didnt!) from £3500!

But if you look at the savings we are making by virtualising, we wont need 4 extra servers!

A great product! 

...less