| Depending on your server's form factor, you may have two ways to improve its performance: Keep the current motherboard but add or upgrade components such as memory, processors, or system BIOS. Replace the motherboard with one that supports faster and newer processor, RAM, and I/O technologies.
The options available to you depend in large measure on the server's form factor. If the server uses a standard form factor, such as ATX or SSI, many motherboard upgrades should be available. However, if the system uses a proprietary form factor (as with RISC-based servers and some large x86-based servers), you can upgrade components but not the motherboard itself. If your server offers both types of upgrade options, what is the best option to choose? The following sections discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Memory, CPU, BIOS, and Component Upgrades If you replace components such as memory, processor(s), system BIOS, or other components with faster or more capable versions while keeping the current server motherboard, you need to consider a number of advantages and disadvantages. Consider these advantages: You can probably keep the current preloaded operating system and applications. These files are sometimes referred to as the server image, or preload. You probably won't be required to purchase a new operating system license unless you add additional processors or switch from single-core to dual-core processors. (Contact your operating system vendor for details.) You can get your server back into action more quickly because you don't need to reinstall the operating system (unless you move from a single processor to a two-way or higher configuration).
Consider these disadvantages: You will not be able to move to faster technologies that are often integrated into the latest systems, such as Gigabit Ethernet and SATA RAID unless you use add-on cards in PCI, PCI-X, or PCI-Express slots. You might be limited in your choice of processors and memory modules if your server no longer uses current-production processors and memory.
Motherboard Replacement If you replace the motherboard, you need to consider a number of advantages and disadvantages. Consider these advantages: If you choose a motherboard that's compatible with some of your existing components, you can move toward better system performance at your own pace. You can move to newer I/O technologies such as SATA, SATA RAID, PCI-X, and PCI-Express. You can move to faster processors, including dual-core processors. You can move to faster memory technologies, such as DDR and DDR-2.
Consider these disadvantages: You will probably need to replace a preloaded operating system license with a new license. (Most preloads are tied to a particular motherboard.) You will need to perform at the very least a repair installation and, more likely, a complete reinstallation of your operating system because of changes in the chipset and components. It will take substantially longer to put the server back into working order than with upgraded components because you must back up data before swapping the motherboard, remove components and the old motherboard, install the new motherboard, replace components, and reinstall or repair install the operating system.
The bottom line is that for shorter downtime and fewer hassles, you should upgrade your existing server motherboard. For a longer operating lifespan and greater access to new technologies, you should replace your server motherboard. |
