Suggest a card for a Compaq DL580

wfullert · 08-04-2009, 10:21 AM

I have a Compaq DL580 G2 server which I use to render 3D models in Google Sketchup. The Server running MS 2003 Server SR2 OS and has four 2.8Ghz hyperthreading processors and 4Gb Ram.

The server has six PCI/ PCI-X (extended) slots, not PCI-E (Express). The slots are PCI 32bit 33/66Mhz or PCI-X 64bit 66/ 133Mhz running at a default 3.3 volts.

I'd like to install a 1Gb card, but with old technology, life is not simple. Are there any PCI cards with decent RAM, or will a PCI-E card fit, but not have the through-put?

Please suggest/ advise...

Phædrus2401 · 08-04-2009, 03:52 PM

A PCIe card will not fit in a PCI slot, they are two different technologies.

Most of the PCI cards out there are low-end and incapable of using a full gigabyte of memory. The most powerful card I've heard of for a PCI slot is a Radeon 4670, which, again, can't really make the most of a gull gigabyte, so it's best to save some money and find a 512MB version. However, for a 4670 we recommend a quality 500w power supply, 450w at a bare minimum. Could you open up your computer and see what PSU you have? If it's a server it should be a quality one but let's make sure. Brand, model, and wattage please.

wfullert · 08-04-2009, 05:58 PM

The Power Supply Units are Compaq Hot-Swap units. It has two, primary and redundant, both rated at 800 watts, should one fail. Each unit has it's own fan to maintain performance, as well as there being another five on the chassis. At tickover it draws about 400 watts. It's another matter is the CPUs run at 100% for nine hours, then the fans get going, but the draw is still only 650 watts.

Phædrus2401 · 08-04-2009, 07:48 PM

So yeah, you should be able to run a 4670.

I recommend this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102820
There are 1GB versions, but the 4670 can't really use a full gigabyte, so you might as well save your money and use the 512MB version.

**emosun** · 08-04-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfullert

The server has six PCI/ PCI-X (extended) slots, not PCI-E (Express).

The card you linked is pci-e. The current fastest regular pci card is a 9500 1gb. Although once again the 512mb version will perform the same.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=9500&name=PCI

08-04-2009, 10:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
wfullert Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Server 2003SR2 SP2	Suggest a card for a Compaq DL580 I have a Compaq DL580 G2 server which I use to render 3D models in Google Sketchup. The Server running MS 2003 Server SR2 OS and has four 2.8Ghz hyperthreading processors and 4Gb Ram. The server has six PCI/ PCI-X (extended) slots, not PCI-E (Express). The slots are PCI 32bit 33/66Mhz or PCI-X 64bit 66/ 133Mhz running at a default 3.3 volts. I'd like to install a 1Gb card, but with old technology, life is not simple. Are there any PCI cards with decent RAM, or will a PCI-E card fit, but not have the through-put? Please suggest/ advise...

08-04-2009, 03:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,733 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Suggest a card for a Compaq DL580 A PCIe card will not fit in a PCI slot, they are two different technologies. Most of the PCI cards out there are low-end and incapable of using a full gigabyte of memory. The most powerful card I've heard of for a PCI slot is a Radeon 4670, which, again, can't really make the most of a gull gigabyte, so it's best to save some money and find a 512MB version. However, for a 4670 we recommend a quality 500w power supply, 450w at a bare minimum. Could you open up your computer and see what PSU you have? If it's a server it should be a quality one but let's make sure. Brand, model, and wattage please. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-04-2009, 05:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
wfullert Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Server 2003SR2 SP2	Re: Suggest a card for a Compaq DL580 The Power Supply Units are Compaq Hot-Swap units. It has two, primary and redundant, both rated at 800 watts, should one fail. Each unit has it's own fan to maintain performance, as well as there being another five on the chassis. At tickover it draws about 400 watts. It's another matter is the CPUs run at 100% for nine hours, then the fans get going, but the draw is still only 650 watts. Last edited by wfullert; 08-04-2009 at 06:16 PM.

08-04-2009, 07:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,733 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Suggest a card for a Compaq DL580 So yeah, you should be able to run a 4670. I recommend this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102820 There are 1GB versions, but the 4670 can't really use a full gigabyte, so you might as well save your money and use the 512MB version. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.