Before 64-bit processors were widely available, 32-bit Enterprise and Datacenter editions of Windows Server were able to virtualize a 36-bit address space, which made it possible for the OS to use much more than 4GB of RAM (64GB).
So, you could utilize more than 4GB of RAM by installing 32-bit Enterprise or Datacenter versions of 2003, 2003R2 or 2008, but as the system does not support 64-bit processors, no 64-bit OS's (including 2008R2) will run on a 6G system.
Not sure where to start with the "dumb" question (it is not dumb), but did you have additional questions about it?
Also, keep in mind that not only are the processors not 64-bit, they also do not support hardware-assisted virtualization ... both are required for some virtualization solutions.
Thank you for the explanation of limit on RAM. That shouldn't be a problem about acquiring a 32-bit version of 2003 enterprise since the donor should be giving me the discs as well.
As far as my second question, I was looking at the List of Poweredge servers on wikipedia and saw that the 1750 is a 2U server and assumed the form-factor wouldn't work.
However, I'm not sure I would get much, if any of a performance benefit from it, especially in light of the fact that it can utilize that much RAM even at 32-bit. So that's why I retracted it. I'm looking at using it for a virtual machine host, so I imagine the more ram the better.
The form factor would be an issue, but each server's design usually calls for different configurations and connections. A couple of many examples why systems of different generations would have very little parts compatibility (besides drives):
- The 2850 and 2950 motherboards are not compatible, their shape is mirrored, shaped around power supplies on opposite sides.
- Memory in a 7G and an 8G server would not be compatible, as one takes DDR and the other takes DDR2 memory.
- The backplane in a 2650 connects via power and data cables to the 2650 motherboard, whereas the 2850's backplane connects directly through onboard connectors.
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
1
October 5th, 2011 13:00
Before 64-bit processors were widely available, 32-bit Enterprise and Datacenter editions of Windows Server were able to virtualize a 36-bit address space, which made it possible for the OS to use much more than 4GB of RAM (64GB).
So, you could utilize more than 4GB of RAM by installing 32-bit Enterprise or Datacenter versions of 2003, 2003R2 or 2008, but as the system does not support 64-bit processors, no 64-bit OS's (including 2008R2) will run on a 6G system.
Not sure where to start with the "dumb" question (it is not dumb), but did you have additional questions about it?
GorrillaMcD
3 Posts
0
October 5th, 2011 13:00
Cancel the last dumb question, I just answered it for myself.
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
October 5th, 2011 14:00
Also, keep in mind that not only are the processors not 64-bit, they also do not support hardware-assisted virtualization ... both are required for some virtualization solutions.
GorrillaMcD
3 Posts
0
October 5th, 2011 14:00
Thank you for the explanation of limit on RAM. That shouldn't be a problem about acquiring a 32-bit version of 2003 enterprise since the donor should be giving me the discs as well.
As far as my second question, I was looking at the List of Poweredge servers on wikipedia and saw that the 1750 is a 2U server and assumed the form-factor wouldn't work.
However, I'm not sure I would get much, if any of a performance benefit from it, especially in light of the fact that it can utilize that much RAM even at 32-bit. So that's why I retracted it. I'm looking at using it for a virtual machine host, so I imagine the more ram the better.
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
October 5th, 2011 14:00
The form factor would be an issue, but each server's design usually calls for different configurations and connections. A couple of many examples why systems of different generations would have very little parts compatibility (besides drives):
- The 2850 and 2950 motherboards are not compatible, their shape is mirrored, shaped around power supplies on opposite sides.
- Memory in a 7G and an 8G server would not be compatible, as one takes DDR and the other takes DDR2 memory.
- The backplane in a 2650 connects via power and data cables to the 2650 motherboard, whereas the 2850's backplane connects directly through onboard connectors.