[Server-devel] XS procurement recommendations (new hardware - Nosy Komba, Madagascar)

Tue Apr 17 09:46:06 EDT 2012

I might sum up here from recent additions (replies) on this mailing list
regarding current low-power server options (x86/32bit) for XS:

1) FitPC2i - Dual Ethernet, fanless, poss heat-issue (heat sink),
 PhoenixBIOS (no Wake-on-LAN), 12W draw (poss ~5W idle)
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/fit-pc/fit-pc2i-specifications/

2) SolidLogic - (VIA C7, 25W draw) current sys in use not available for
purchase, EU options in links below
http://www.logicsupply.eu/systems/intel-atom/
http://www.logicsupply.eu/systems/fanless/
deployment sites: Jamaica

3) MSi WindBox - '10 Atom D510, 4GB DDR2 - ~35W, drawback single Ethernet
NIC (USB WiFi adapter)
http://fr.msi.com/models/Wind%20Box%20DC500
deployment sites: Nepal, Haiti, Philippines

4) EPC-AT270 - Dual Ethernet (Wake on LAN), fanless, drawback '08 model
Atom N270 (2GB DDR2) -
http://www.avalue.com.tw/products/EPC-AT270.cfm
deployment sites: PNG, Oceania?

These solutions generally haven't changed in the last two years, in Q2,
2012 now these are the current stable options for low-power x86?

If that's the reality, I assume we can make a decision around these
options, taking site specific considerations into account, and plan for
possible involvement (replacement) down the line (1-2+ years) with any
future server development for ARM/plug/etc and what suitable working model
is devised around it.

Regards,
Mitch

On Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 11:07 PM, George Hunt <georgejhunt at gmail.com> wrote:

> I like the Fitpc2i, which has two ethernet ports.  I recently purchased
> one and would be happy to do whatever testing makes sense. (haven't yet
> purchased the sata drive though). I can atest to the 5 watts, idle.  The
> blurb that came with it says it's capable of 2 watts standby, but we'd need
> to see if it can do "wake on lan".
>
> George
>
>
> On Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 1:59 PM, Sameer Verma <sverma at sfsu.edu> wrote:
>
>> On Sun, Apr 15, 2012 at 7:48 AM, Mitchell Seaton <mseaton at ekindling.org>
>> wrote:
>> > Dear all XS Server devel's,
>> >
>> > The OLPC France team is looking to provide a new XS server machine for
>> their
>> > deployment in Nosy Komba. The current XS is not functional due to a
>> current
>> > failed disk (cause to be discovered). Myself, and Adam Holt are planning
>> > work with Xavier (OLPC France), to help support the installation and
>> final
>> > configuration of this new machine during June this year. We thought it's
>> > important to consult the community here ahead of this purchase decision.
>> >
>> > Firstly, we'd like to seek some clear hardware suggestion(s) for a
>> potential
>> > new XS. Solar/batteries are current powering method at the deployment
>> > site. XO volume to be currently supported is 160, and should allow room
>> for
>> > additional deployments. I believe, the investment should be positioned
>> for
>> > min. 5yrs lifespan, and to cope in local heat, humidity, salt, dust,
>> > conditions.
>> >
>> > We're aware of some hardware that has been working in the field - I've
>> > particular noted MSi (WindBox) machine has been working successfully in
>> > Nepal, Haiti and Philippines (George's donation). This is also a
>> follow-up,
>> > in some ways, on George's previous thread although more for deployment
>> than
>> > testing/dev. We're not looking at any XO-1.5/XO-1.75 for form-factor,
>> or ARM
>> > as a platform (know this will come and be more stable in future
>> releases to
>> > come). Low-power is a priority, this will help conserve more power
>> supply
>> > for XO charging. I assume we are still looking at 32-bit x86 arch and
>> > potentially preferring Atom processors (unless otherwise advised). Any
>> > current models in the marketplace for recommendation?
>> >
>> > Purchase of requirement machine looks to be possible from France/EU for
>> > deliver to Madagascar by the deployment/volunteer team (end of May).
>> > It's crucial to identify the hardware choice relatively soon (during
>> next
>> > month period). The machine will likely be pre-configured by Xavier
>> prior to
>> > deliver.
>> >
>> > Look forward to your comments here.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Mitchell Seaton
>> > eKindling Technology Support
>> > mseaton at ekindling.org
>> > www.ekindling.org
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Server-devel mailing list
>> > Server-devel at lists.laptop.org
>> > http://lists.laptop.org/listinfo/server-devel
>> >
>>
>> We use a SolidLogic box (OLPCorps box) in Jamaica at both locations.
>> Its no longer sold (not sure why?) but uses a VIA C7 processor and is
>> fanless. Draws 25W at the AC end of the power brick (DC 19V). Here's a
>> list of what they offer.
>> http://www.logicsupply.com/categories/fanless_systems
>>
>> A FitPC2 should work as well. It pulls 15W at the AC end of the power
>> brick (DC 12V). The only concern I had with a FitPC2 was the heat.
>> They do sell an after market heat sink that helps. If you wall-mount
>> the box, you could fashion a chimney on the heatsink to create a
>> continuous draft of air (hot air rises and will create an air column
>> that pulls in cool air from the outside) to pull the heat away from
>> the sink.
>>
>> We tested a FitPC2 (See appendix
>>
>> http://wiki.laptop.org/images/4/46/Testing_the_OLPC_School_Server_Benjamin_Tran_SFSU.pdf
>> )
>> and while the tests were aggressive (all 160 XOs will hit the server
>> in 60 seconds!), the FitPC2 should be ok.
>>
>> http://www.fit-pc.com/web/fit-pc/fit-pc2-models/
>> http://www.fit-pc.com/web/fit-pc/accessories/
>>
>> cheers,
>> Sameer
>> --
>> Sameer Verma, Ph.D.
>> Professor, Information Systems
>> San Francisco State University
>> http://verma.sfsu.edu/
>> http://commons.sfsu.edu/
>> http://olpcsf.org/
>> http://olpcjamaica.org.jm/
>>
>
>

-- 
Mitchell Seaton
eKindling Technology Support
mseaton at ekindling.org
www.ekindling.org
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.laptop.org/pipermail/server-devel/attachments/20120417/9743d148/attachment-0001.html>