Message-ID: <5064AD5C.4010403@boreham.org>
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:47:40 -0600
From: David Boreham <david_list@boreham.org>
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To: pgsql-performance@postgresql.org
Subject: Re: hardware advice
References: <5064A4DC.5090304@turnkey.bz>
	<CAFwQ8rf4Cnt9Ksd+3GbkkWtZ3NM+hYukd1gKRLmsihXnKzVteA@mail.gmail.com>
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On 9/27/2012 1:37 PM, Craig James wrote:
> We use a "white box" vendor (ASA Computers), and have been very happy
> with the results.  They build exactly what I ask for and deliver it in
> about a week.  They offer on-site service and warranties, but don't
> pressure me to buy them.  I'm not locked in to anything.  Their prices
> are good.

I'll second that : we build our own machines from white-label parts for 
typically less than 1/2 the Dell list price. However, Dell does provide 
value to some people : for example you can point a third-party software 
vendor at a Dell box and demand they make their application work 
properly whereas they may turn their nose up at a white label box. Same 
goes for Operating Systems : we have spent much time debugging Linux 
kernel issues on white box hardware. On Dell hardware we would most 
likely have not hit those bugs because Red Hat tests on Dell. So YMMV...