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Over the past few years, the vast majority of server systems tested by InternetWeek have been designed and built by the giants in the industry. But let's face it. It doesn't take a Compaq or an IBM to build a good server. Nearly anyone can assemble servers using off- the-shelf processors, motherboards, power supplies, hard drives and disk controllers. True, those systems may not have the bells and whistles of the name-brand products, but if they are based on standardized components from recognized players, they should be more than adequate for the task.
To that end, after our last roundup of 2U-high rack-mounted servers was published (see "Rack 'Em Up," July 17, or go to www.internetweek.com/reviews00/rev071700.htm), we were approached by Siliconrax-Sliger Inc., a Bay Area company that specializes in building racks and enclosures, and also assembles its own servers based on Intel processors and motherboards. Siliconrax-Sliger asked us to take a look at its 2U-high offering, called the Rax2100, which is targeted toward the ISP/telecommunications market. We did, and found a solid, basic server. It lacks high-availability features and advanced management support, but it's a worthy contender for applications requiring a small, flexible and well-constructed machine.
Heavy Metal
Externally, the Rax2100 is a solid box made of thick sheet steel. The front reveals power and reset switches, as well as floppy and CD- ROM drives. The back has the usual complement of ports. When four recessed Philips screws in the front are removed, the cover comes off quite easily. Nearly all maintenance can be handled from the top, with only one exception which we'll get to shortly. Overall, the 17- inch deep server is well built and sturdy enough to stand on. Siliconrax-Sliger knows how to build enclosures, that's for sure.
Internally, the server is, well, vanilla. The heart of the...