HP power supply - hot-plug

Advantages: Pro: Slinky, power-packed server for cramped datacentres.
Disadvantages: Con: No 64-bit PCI slots, not enough PCI expansion slots.

...drives, a slower bus and older 500MHz Pentium III processors. Inside the casing everything looks easy to swap out. The top covers fold out to allow easy access to the interior. The two redundant hot-plug power supplies are a doddle to pull out quickly if needed. The hard drives are hot-swappable too, but a metal lock will stop anyone pulling out a disk drive accidentally. The chassis weighs in at 22.7kg and has a 2U rack height with a depth of 66.6cm, this is important for IT managers looking to pack as much processing power and storage space in a cramped datacentre or server room. The memory modules could prove finicky to remove if you have big fingers and cabling got in the way when trying to take out the fan. However, setting up the server was nice and quick with the minimum amount of fuss. The PowerEdge 2450 is the first in its... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: High Density, excellent availabilty
Disadvantages: Default SmartArray5i does not have option to add battery cache

...We have 12 of these machines, all with dual 2.8Ghz Xeons. The thing I like most about them is that almost everything is hot-plug. From the drives, to the fans, power supplies to the pci cards. Opening the top cover leads to an incredibly well laid out system. PCI cards can be installed and de-installed (assuming the OS supports it) while the system is up and running. I'd highly recommend you invest in the redundant fan option kit. If you're installing another processor then you really need to have this. On a downside, the only thing that springs to mind is there is no front USB port available. With floppy discs disapppearing these days, it would have been nice. HP seem to have realised this and on the G4 servers there is now a front USB, and no floppy drive. Managability wise these servers are fantastic. We went from using... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Modular power connectors, good design, solid build, designed in the UK.
Disadvantages: Large

...for the power supply[1]. ATX 2.2 includes changes to the main power connector (20pin to 24pin), removed auxiliary power connector and includes a need for a 3.3v tolerance. Effectively ATX2.2 is a a new standard variant based on older designs looking to power newer technologies but also to provide increased power modulation and better tolerances to power deviation. Intel BTX, another form factor standard that talks about heat sinks, finalised about a year ago. From the point of view of the consumer it makes it harder to have a very small case that complies to all specifications however it should also improve tolerance to heat substantially. From the point of view of the manufacturer it is difficult as it means doing some simple redesigns. SLi (Scalable Link interface), this is the interesting specification that's going to take some time... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful