IBM eServer xSeries 336

Management options get even better, as the motherboard has as standard an IPMI 1.5-compliant embedded baseboard management controller. The price also includes IBM's Remote Supervisor Adapter SlimLine II card, which fits into a proprietary slot on the motherboard. This offers remote browser access to the server and provides a similar feature set to HP's embedded integrated lights-out (iLO) controller. You have full control over power settings, the server can be remotely controlled and you can keep a close eye on system status and error logs.

With Intel's Dempsey and low-power Woodcrest processors on the horizon, we have to question the wisdom of buying into the Paxville DP, as it's likely to be superseded quickly. Even so, if you want dual-core Xeon processing now, you'll find the xServer 336 provides a good package with plenty of processing power, remote management capabilities and storage features.

Author: Dave Mitchell