Hello all,

this starts as many other questions - I am looking for a hardware for a
new PostgreSQL server, running on FreeBSD.

Generally, based on advises from this group, I was considering dual
Opteron solutions, with a 3ware RAID controller. I was looking at Tyan
Opteron boards. But because of a limited current availability of these
motherboards from local dealers, I am considering another options too.
One of them is Dell 2900 with new Xeon 5000 processors. Fortunately
3ware site lists Dell 2900 in the compatibility list of their new
9650SE controller:
http://www.3ware.com/products/pdf/Mo...SE_2006_11.pdf
which is good.

Now, the issue of Dell and Xeon comes back in the context of
PostgreSQL.

Many posts could be found on this and other groups saying not to use
Dell hardware, generally, and not to use Xeon processors with
PostgreSQL. However these posts were based on experience with older
Dell products and older (means: completely different) Xeon processors.
So, maybe the general advice coming from there saying:
"stay away from Dell and Xeon"
is not as straight now, as it still could be a few months ago?

So my revisiting question comes here:

Could Dell 2900 w/Xeon 5000 be a good choice for PostgreSQL and
FreeBSD?

Thanks

Ireneusz Pluta