Dual Core Intel ATOM 330

[paulrausch]

I've had a long standing love affair with Asterisk on these new Atom processors. So far it seems like they are plenty powerful to handle the routine functions of VoIP calling. I'm looking to package together a new PBX package for our local customers who aren't quite ready for VoIP. As of now we've been using Dell Poweredge Servers. Customers seem to feel uncomfortable with having a 'regular computer' running their phones. They like the idea of an appliance. It'd be nice to get a small form-factor Atom machine that we can be easily mount into a wiring closet, and slap a company decal on.

I currently have the single core version of this machine running in my closet now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856107043

I'm thinking of bundling one of these with a Sangoma card for FXO and selling them as a package deal with a few phones.

How many simultaneous calls do you think a Dual 1.6ghz ATOM processor could handle? The intended market for these phones are small businesses, 4-5 FXO lines and 5/6 SIP extensions.

greenwireit.com

 

[paulrausch]

After doing more research it seems like dual 1.6ghz is plenty. I'm looking forward to seeing how the dual-core performs on tasks like transcoding and recording.

Here is a good article I found

 

[znelbok]

Does anyone know of a rackmount version of these. Preferable one that can take one or two of the Sangoma cards (I need 5 FXO and 6 FXS)

Mick

 

[wardmundy]

Article on sizing and dimensioning Asterisk servers and performance is a great find. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[marlonbaez]

I recommend Shuttle K45 or SG31G2 barebones.
I'm using it successfully and I can install almost any Intel processor.

 

[nojstevens]

Here is a link to a 1U atom server on eBay. I am thinking of buying this for my pbxinaflash system

http://cgi.ebay.com/1U-Intel-Atom-3...66:2|39:1|72:1205|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

Jon

 

[krzykat]

Looks cool. Please post your results

 

[euser4life]

Here is a link to a 1U atom server on eBay. I am thinking of buying this for my pbxinaflash system

http://cgi.ebay.com/1U-Intel-Atom-33...3A1%7C294%3A50

Jon

I have bought from that seller before and was pleased. Although I didn't get that model but rather this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1U-Supermicro-D...N%2BUCC%2BIC%2BUCI%2BSI%2BLM%2BLA&otn=4&ps=58

If you get that model and plan on running an FXO or T1 card you will need to purchase a special riser (check with the seller as he may be able to get you one added for little cost - also may want to add another HD so you can at least do a software raid one)

One last item. Ask the seller to include the wallmount bracket that comes with that rackmount case (mine was left out). I like the option of being able to rackmount this one or mount it to the wall. The good thing about this case is that it is only 14 inches deep so regular telco /data relay racks work perfect for racking these servers (plenty of depth space).

Good luck....

euser4life

 

[gregc]

I'm looking to replace my Everex and the Jetway mini-bare bone with the 330 looks nice. The pictures look like it can take two PCI cards.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856107043

Can I run my Sangoma A101D and A200 on that riser?

 

[nojstevens]

Did you see the comments on that link about Linux?


This is an updated review from above. In addition to the NIC issues, there are some general problems running Linux on this box due to the BIOS. Under heavy load (e.g., from virtual machines), it seems to reboot using both CentOS 5.3 and Fedora 10. Fedora 10 also reports BIOS bugs on bootup so I suspect it's a poorly written BIOS. No BIOS updates from the manufacturer as of yet. Still playing around with it to try to get it to work...

Jon

 

[gregc]

I did see that.

One of the users here addressed it in this thread:
http://pbxinaflash.com/community/threads/hardware-recommendation-for-small-system.4722/?t=4722

Looks like for the network, you just add it in during the install. No biggy there. As for high loads, we use ours strictly for a PBX, so no issue there. 16 extensions with 12 concurrent calls at the most.

 

[Linetux]

I have this same board. Takes a PRI via PCI Digium card, then passes calls via SIP to main box.

Had all 23 channels eaten up with a conference call this AM, load was 0.5-0.7.

But again, no extensions, no recording, etc.

 

[foneman]

1U Rack

We offer a 1U rackmount as well to our resellers for a turnkey solution.
Works well for up to 100 calls. Bench tested for more.

 

[znelbok]

These servers all look great, but how do you get two PCIx (or PCI) cards in them.

For my install I need 6 incoming lines and a minimum of four analog extensions. This means I need two cards at least - the sangoma cards only use one slot with daughter boards, but the 1u case does not have the two brackets available.

The other issue I see is that there are only PCI riser cards and no PCIx.