Servers have come a long way over the past few years. The last time we looked at servers under $5,000 in our June 1, 1996, issue (see NetworkComputing.com /709/ 709 /rev2.html), our test servers shipped with an Intel Pentium 133-MHz processor, 32-MB RAM and 2-GB SCSI hard disks.

To view the Report card. Today these systems are equipped with super-fast Pentium II processors and 64 MB of RAM--all for less money. These vast improvements in performance and price prompted us to revisit low-cost Intel servers in our San Mateo, Calif., lab.

We requested servers that housed an Intel Pentium II processor, 64 MB of RAM and two 4-GB SCSI hard disks, as well as one 10/100-Mbps Ethernet adapter. We also required that each server be capable of running Microsoft NT Server and Novell NetWare. The two hard disks were mirrored using NT to provide fault tolerance. This is the minimum hardware configuration necessary for many NT-based applications, such as Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes. Mirroring the hard disks under NetWare is a good idea as well.

All of the servers we tested are strong choices for any workgroup environment. However, each of the servers fulfills different needs. If you have a file I/O-intensive application, such as a video server or a document-management server, you should choose a server with exceptionally fast disk drives and SCSI controllers, like SAG Electronics' STF 333-LVD. If you require tremendous memory, Tangent Computer's Enterprise X-D is a viable option. If you need additional CPU power, any of these servers, with the exception of the HP NetServer E50, would be sufficient, since they support an additional Pentium II processor.

The HP NetServer E50 earns our Editor's Choice in this review. Even though it did not generate the best performance results, it excels with the automated install of its HP Navigator install program, its Top Tools management solution and low price. Our Best Value award goes to the Gateway NS-7000. It was the lowest-priced unit, yet it fared well in our performance testing, especially in the memory tests.

SAG Electronics' STF 333-LVD features superb disk expandability, a high-speed Adaptec Ultra-2 LVD (Low Voltage Differential) SCSI controller and 10,000 RPM drives, but it is more expensive. The Digital Server 1210 was the only unit that shipped with two Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces. Tangent Computer's Enterprise X-D had a hefty price tag, but included room for 10 drives, eight DIMM memory slots and support for up to 1 GB of RAM, giving it maximum flexibility.

Keep in mind that the machines we tested are equipped with a 66-MHz bus for memory. Newer Pentium machines, due out by the time you read this, will feature a new 100-MHz bus to main memory, which could account for a substantial increase in performance. If you anticipate using memory-intensive applications on your server, you are better off going with these new 100-MHz memory bus servers. In addition, systems with CPUs running at 350 MHz and faster are on the horizon and likely will be shipping by press time. (See "Technology 101" on page CQ8 for more information on Intel's processor roadmap.)

Offerings from Dell, IBM and Compaq are not included here because they either were in development or exceeded the $5,000 price limit. An update on these products is provided online at www.NetworkComputing.com/911/911wgr1update.html.