Upgrade or Replace?

dmmikerpg · 10-29-2013, 01:20 AM

As part of our franchise requirements (Travelodge), we have to have a captive portal. I am considering using Untangle.

We have a (2004) Dell Dimension 2400 system sitting in the corner collecting dust. So my idea was to max out the RAM (to 2GBs) and install a new 10/100/1000 ethernet card. Everything would come out to about $80. Or I could build a cheapo for about $190 from NewEgg parts.

Which would make the most sense from a tech stand point?

druuna · 10-29-2013, 01:41 AM

Theoretically a nine year old machine could do the job, assuming it meets the specs for whatever you want to run on it.

From a practical point of view: The machine is nine years old and assuming it did do its job for a while before that, the chances of a component that fails has increased.

If this machine is important and the $ 110,= difference isn't a problem: Buy a new one.

Just my 2c.

cascade9 · 10-29-2013, 01:45 AM

$80 to get to 2GB on a Dimension 2400 vs $190 for a new system? I would get a new system. The 2400s use ancient, power hungry and slow P4s CPUs, slow old DDR1 RAM, etc..

Any curent x86 CPU is faster than the old P4s, RAM is a lot cheaper, power consumption/noise levels should be a lot lower, etc.

Are you sure about $190? There might be costs you havent counted on. The 2400 case is a huge pain/impossible to fit a new motherobard into. You'll probably need a new case. Its very hard to find a new motherobard with PATA support. So, you'll probably need a new HDD as well, and CD/DVD if you use one. I wouldnt use an old dell PSU on a new system as well.

dmmikerpg · 10-29-2013, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascade9

$80 to get to 2GB on a Dimension 2400 vs $190 for a new system? I would get a new system. The 2400s use ancient, power hungry and slow P4s CPUs, slow old DDR1 RAM, etc..

Any curent x86 CPU is faster than the old P4s, RAM is a lot cheaper, power consumption/noise levels should be a lot lower, etc.

Are you sure about $190? There might be costs you havent counted on. The 2400 case is a huge pain/impossible to fit a new motherobard into. You'll probably need a new case. Its very hard to find a new motherobard with PATA support. So, you'll probably need a new HDD as well, and CD/DVD if you use one. I wouldnt use an old dell PSU on a new system as well.

Yes, I have the new machine priced out on NewEgg ($190 after rebates). I don't forsee any additional costs as long as nobody messes with it. I agree that using old hardware increases failure potiential, and a router needs to be reliable.

EDIT: It would appear it is now $212 (plus S&H), either way, it shouldn't have a problem just routing. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.1243044

jefro · 10-30-2013, 03:46 PM

Some of those Dells are actually Rambus ram and pretty darn fast for their age. I still have one. Spent so much on the ram I have to keep it for another 10 years.

Problem is that to really run untangle you should have a newer system for your customers. I'd think that because there is so much cpu on nic that old system would simply bog down on 12 or 25 people. Not sure your $190 system would do much better even. I think the untangle site or other sites suggest how many clients can be on what type of system.

Many new nic's have checksum offload if the drive supports it. Many enterprise level nic's really make connections fast because of their design. Even modern cheap units with gig nic's and pci-e would outperform the old dell by a margin.

If you only need this system for a few users then I'd think it would be OK.

Mousepad123 · 10-31-2013, 12:27 AM

m0n0wall has excellent captive portal support.

dmmikerpg · 10-31-2013, 08:30 PM

It is for a hotel, there is the potiential for 100 devices. However, in practice it is usually more like 20 (including WAPs). I'm an employee of said hotel -- I know the owner won't want to spend very much.

Edit: I took a look at the website, it should be more than sufficient, the old Dell, however, would not be.