[X-Unix] New Mini / Old Mini -- As a server

[Kevin Stevens]

On Wed, 1 Mar 2006, Dave Higgins wrote:

> Any thoughts on what the differences might be with the Core Solo or Duo (vs. 
> PPC) when it comes to underlying UNIX operations, like Apache, PostFix, FTP, 
> and shell or perl scripts? And would there even be much advantage to using 
> the Duo over the Solo for UNIX chores?

It's always nice to have a second processor around to distribute load on a 
server.  In my experience it results in more even response under load - 
but that's at traffic levels quite a bit beyond your described use. 
Likewise, the Gb interface would make quite a difference under the same 
conditions.

> Or would we do just as well to simply grab one of the PPC Minis that will 
> soon be showing up on E-Bay and save a couple / few hundred?

All I can tell you is that I replaced a G5 PowerMac with a Mini (with 
external RAIDed FireWire drives) for my similar server needs, with no 
discernable performance hit except in LAN (Gb connected) backup speeds.

In the unlikely case you were planning to run OS X Server, AFAIK it isn't 
available for Intel yet.

Unless you need the Gb for local LAN transfers, I'd go with the cheaper 
PPC and spend the money on faster external drives.

KeS