IBM eServer xSeries 226 8488 (Xeon 3GHz)

Setting up even the most basic server requires technological know-how, and the eServer xSeries is no exception to this rule. However, IBM takes some of the hassle out of the process by providing extra setup assistance. First, the well-written hard-copy installation guide lends a hand with seating hardware essentials such as hard drives and memory modules; the document also helps you make sense of the multiple driver and application CDs that ship with the server. One of those discs includes the IBM ServerGuide, a useful application that walks you through the complex process of configuring the server's hardware components and installing the operating system you choose for the machine. Another CD features IBM Director, the comprehensive management program that allows you to monitor and alter all of the systems on your network. From within the program's neatly arranged Console window, you can drill down to any cluster of computers on the network, and then observe or manipulate it (or an individual system) in numerous ways: conducting an inventory scan; evaluating the performance of specific system components, such as processors and memory; watching for potential system failures; or updating drivers and firmware. The program's massive 424-page user guide explains each of the application's features in detail and even provides a glossary that covers important networking terms and acronyms. Like many other SME servers, the xSeries 226 we tested has the look of a high-end tower computer. Its blackish-grey case lends it a professional air that will make it appear at home in most office environments. After simply using your fingers to untwist a couple of screws, you can easily slide the side panel off, revealing plenty of expansion slots and bays inside the case. The selection includes five different varieties of PCI slots: two 33MHz, 32-bit PCI; two 100MHz, 64-bit PCI-X; one 133MHz, 64-bit PCI-X; and one PCI Express x16. Six more slots accommodate DIMM memory modules. The case also features either four SATA hard-drive bays or six hot-swappable SCSI drive bays, depending on which storage type you order. Secondary storage drives fit inside three additional bays, one of which also supports yet another hard drive. Upgrading each of these bays is quick and convenient due to their toolless installation design. The xSeries 226 offers just about every component flavour available. You can configure it with one or two Intel Xeon processors running from 2.8GHz to 3.4GHz; PC2-3200 DDR2 memory beginning at 512MB and maxing out at 16GB; 7,200rpm SATA hard drives with 80GB to 250GB capacity; 10,000rpm or 15,000rpm SCSI hard drives from 36GB to 300GB with corresponding RAID 0, 1, or 5 support; various optical storage drives, including CD-ROM, DVD-ROM/CD-RW, and DVD+/-RW; and the usual operating-system suspects, such as SuSE and Red Hat Linux, Microsoft Small Business Server 2003, and Novell NetWare. Every xSeries 226 configuration includes an Intel E7520 chipset, an ATI Radeon 7000-M graphics chip with 16MB of VRAM, and a Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet chip. The xSeries 226 that we reviewed includes a respectable list of parts with a £1,142 (ex. VAT) price. The list features a 3GHz Xeon processor, 512MB of RAM, a single 7,200rpm 80GB SATA hard drive, a CD-ROM drive and the Windows Server 2003 operating system. Although this configuration's price is tolerable, the costs rise quickly once you start adding components, such as another processor and more RAM -- which you should consider doing if your company includes a dozen or more employees. Otherwise, you may notice a performance lag when everyone uses the network simultaneously. IBM supports the xSeries with a three-year parts and labour warranty that includes convenient on-site service. Toll-free technical support is available 24/7 throughout your warranty period.

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