Game server for hosting 50 computers?

Hi, I'm interested in getting a server that would be able to handle up to 40-50 computers in networked gaming and was wondering what would be a good setup in terms of specs and components. The server doesn't initially have to be internet capable, but perhaps in the future.

I was thinking of a dual chip configuration of PIII 866 with 512mb of ram. Is that good enough or overkill? I'm not too familiar with RAID so any help in terms of RAID components(hard drives, controller) and configurations would be helpful. Also, what would I need in terms of switches and hubs? Do I need a 1GHz switch? If any gaming or networking experts could throw in their opinions of what would be needed for this type of setup, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

I would build a dually with scsi and at least 512meg of mem. Raid would be helpful because stripe sets are faster. you would have to run Win2k or linux to take advantage of the multithreading.

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BP6 with dual 366@550 and loving it

A dual or quad bonded(?) ethernet controller with 8/16port fast ethernet switch and second tier of fast ethernet hubs should be fine. Depends on how data intensive the games are though.
-MKC

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Originally posted by 7:
Hi, I'm interested in getting a server that would be able to handle up to 40-50 computers in networked gaming and was wondering what would be a good setup in terms of specs and components. The server doesn't initially have to be internet capable, but perhaps in the future.

I was thinking of a dual chip configuration of PIII 866 with 512mb of ram. Is that good enough or overkill? I'm not too familiar with RAID so any help in terms of RAID components(hard drives, controller) and configurations would be helpful. Also, what would I need in terms of switches and hubs? Do I need a 1GHz switch? If any gaming or networking experts could throw in their opinions of what would be needed for this type of setup, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

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I don't think a dual chip configuration would help much since most game are not configured to handle the multiprocessors. The OS can handle it if you use Win2Kpro, but the games will not utilize the 2nd processor. I think 1ghz stuff is way too expensive for what you want to do. stick with basics and push up from there. Start with 100mhz network cabling and cards. I would probably go with either a switch or a switching hub they are relitively inexpensive and stackable, so you can expand with growth.

What the hell kind of games are you going to be playing, that you would have 40-50 people on at a time? https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/.../2005/06/5.gif

If I remember correctly QIII is about the only game that will take advantage of a second processor.

If you were planning to run multiple games at the same time and on the same server then a second processor would come in handy. But, as mentioned earlier you will need to run Win 2K or some other OS that has been designed to take advantage of a second processor. You will probably see more performance by spending that money on a faster processor (fastest you can get your hands on) and more RAM (512 should be good for that number of connections).

For 40 to 50 connections (I am assuming you are doing something in house (like a large LAN party) you should be fine with a 100Mb network. Anything else would be expensive and over kill.

As for hooking it into the internet... That could get really expensive if you want to have 45-50 people coming in from the outside. Depending on how optimized the network code is a DSL or Cable modem will only handle have of that. (and that is being very generous and assuming that you are paying out the whazoo for the full up as well as down.

I really should start proof reading my post. https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/.../2005/06/5.gif DSL or Cable will hand about Half not have https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/.../2005/06/5.gif