I am getting a new computer. Haven't decided on one yet, but I'm currently looking at a dual-xeon (Dell SC1420). I'm would dual boot it with Windows 2003 Server, but I am looking for a Linux distro with good performance and reliability running mutiple processors.

I've been using Ubuntu on my current computer and it's served me well. But I haven't tried any Linux distro's using multiple processors.

I'm sure there are people with relevant experience on here. Suggestions? Advice?

5/10/2006 12:47:23 AM

I've used SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 (SLES9) and RedHat Enterprise Linux 4 (RHEL4) here at work, we use it on all our multi-processor servers. Those are two of the big name enterprise class linux distros.

why are you getting the dell dual-xeon machine? are you running it as a server?

5/10/2006 10:52:51 AM

just stick with ubuntu
it should be able to handle SMP fine...

5/10/2006 2:05:18 PM

^^It's going to be a MythTV backend (record, flag commercials, transcode) primarily. I may stick as many as 4 tuners in there. I will use it to run some scientific codes as well, among other things.

5/11/2006 12:00:22 AM

the kernel is the same for all of them, so any distro is gonna be fine

5/11/2006 2:30:56 AM

The SC1420 is louder than a desktop computer - the case is pretty large too. I wouldn't want that sitting next to my TV.

5/11/2006 9:18:51 AM

^ if it is a backend it should be "hiding" in a closet. I will have my MythTV backend in a closet - the frontend/client is what needs to be quiet.

Quote :

"just stick with ubuntu it should be able to handle SMP fine..."

I agree with that. Ubuntu offers SMP kernels and you can compile your own custom SMP kernel. It is ridiculously easy.

5/11/2006 9:32:43 AM