HP Proliant ML350 G3

One of a clutch of new servers released following the Hewlett Packard (HP)/Compaq merger, the Proliant ML350 G3 is an affordable dual-processor system for both corporate workgroups and small businesses.

It's also one of the first Proliants to support Intel's Hyper-threading technology, capable of boosting performance by up to 30 per cent when running compute-intensive applications.

Hyper-threading enables application threads to run in parallel within each individual processor and is provided for by a combination of a new Serverworks Grand Champions LE chipset and the latest Pentium 4-based Xeon processors.

The processors can be clocked at 2 or 2.2GHz with no special software necessary; the operating system simply sees two virtual processors for every physical chip.

Supporting this can be up to 8GB of ECC-protected DDR SD-Ram. Storage too is well catered for on the ML350 G3, by an integrated Adaptec dual-channel Ultra160 SCSI controller plus a six-slot hotplug internal drive cage.

For companies looking for Raid performance and redundancy, a version of the server fitted with a Smart Array 532 controller is also available.

This plugs into one of four 64bit PCI-X expansion slots, all of which start out empty, as the network controller (a Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet device) is also integrated onto the motherboard.

The model we looked at was housed in a robust floor-standing tower which can be fitted with a pair of redundant 500w power supplies. The chassis can also be rackmounted.

You get loads of room for storage and the blue LEDs make the server easier to locate in crowded data centre racks.

It also ships with the usual management options, and a three-year on-site warranty, including the same kind of pre-failure warranty on both processors and disks as pre-merger Proliants.

SPECS

• Dual 2/2.2GHz Xeon processors
• Server-works Grand Champions LE chipset
• 256MB/ 8GB PC2100 ECC DDE SD-Ram
• Integrated dual-channel Ultra160 SCSI
• Optional 64bit Raid controller
• 4 x 64bit 100MHz PCI slots
• 1 x 32bit 33MHz PCI slot
• Six hot-swap drive bays
• Integrated Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet Lan interface
• Tower case with optional rack conversion kit
• 500w power supply
• Optional redundant second PSU

Price: £1,708.45 (£1,454 ex VAT)

Contact: HP 0990 474 747

See also:

HP Proliant DL380 G3

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