Better Server Performance

[wferg1971]

I am currently using a MacPro from 2008, with 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon and 2 GB of Ram, running Mac OS X Server 10.5.

My debate is; do I upgrade the RAM on the MacPro, or Get a new MacMini 2.66 GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5.

It's pretty much, just a file server. No applications or mail accounts are being used.

My goal is to upgrade the software and performance due to a "laggy response" when accessing the server via Finder through other computers on the network.

All computers are Macs, wired via Cat6 ethernet, but are also utilizing wireless communication via an Airport Extreme.

Which of the two afore mentioned computers will offer the best performance with new server software?

 

[pigoo3]

I vote for upgrading the server software & a ram upgrade. That Mac Pro is way more flexible than a new Mac-Mini…especially in a server capacity (internal storage, expansion slots, etc.).

- Nick

 

[wferg1971]

Thanks. I think I'm leaning in that direction.

 

[pigoo3]

Thanks. I think I'm leaning in that direction.

This should be the less expensive route as well. Depending on what server demands are being put on this Mac Pro currently…that 2gig of ram is probably a BIG bottleneck. I would personally upgrade it to at least 8gig if not 16gig (depending on ram prices).

- Nick

 

[wferg1971]

I was thinking of going 8gig. I have enough slots, I can leave the 2 gig in there as well. I assume the procesor is more then adequate for the new OSX Server software.

 

[pigoo3]

I was thinking of going 8gig. I have enough slots, I can leave the 2 gig in there as well.

Yes…all depends on what density sticks of ram you purchase.

I assume the procesor is more then adequate for the new OSX Server software.

The version of the server software it's running is very old (OS 10.5 based). It should have no problem running newer server software.

- Nick

 

[wferg1971]

I was thinking of two 4gig sticks of RAM. Currently there are two 1gig sticks.

 

[pigoo3]

I was thinking of two 4gig sticks of RAM. Currently there are two 1gig sticks.

Sounds like a good plan! Leaves you 4 empty ram slots for another ram upgrade (or two).

- Nick

 

[wferg1971]

Thanks for help Nick.

 

[pigoo3]

Thanks for help Nick.

You're welcome! Please let us know how things turn out.

- Nick

p.s. By the way. You could start with just the ram upgrade…and see if that helps. Reinstalling/installing new server software is probably a bit daunting or a hassle. And I'm assuming that the Mac Pro is setup & running well otherwise (except for the lagging). So maybe more ram will do the trick. But if newer server software also offers more wanted features…a great reason to upgrade as well. Plus newer server software is probably more secure.