The collected works of Feelies

Hey guys, as the title says I'm thinking about collecting some computers. Specifically I'm leaning towards some UNIX workstations.

So far my dream list is:

SGI Fuel
Sun Ultra 25 or 45
HP c8000
G5 Quad (I know this isn't a workstation or UNIX-based)
IBM Intellistation 185 or 285

I have some questions mainly regarding purchasing these. I know that single processor models are generally cheaper, but can I upgrade to dual processors on the Fuel and HP c8000? If some of these do not come with the native OS, at least in the interim, which Linux distributions play nice with the somewhat exotic architectures? Currently I'm thinking of using gentoo, I'm just a bit worried about the power consumption and heat on some of these if they need to compile updates over night.

Also, I have seen some very high pricings on the Sun models. I understand that they (and the rest of the computers on my list) are relatively recent machines, but all of the Sun Ultra 45's on ebay are listed at several grand or more, while I have seen listings for most of the others for under 1000. Is this a sane price for these? If so, I guess I will cross that off the list. But if ebay is highly inflated, where should I be looking? Intellistations and HP workstations also seem to be very scarce on ebay, could any of you guys point me in the right direction to look?

Thanks for your time.

Wow, thanks for all of the great replies.


It looks like Utra 40s are at least an order of magnitude cheaper than 45s. Now I'm tempted to give up on SPARC and snag a 40. I really like the look of the Ultra 20/25/40/45 case, so that's why I'm hesitant to get a Blade 2500.

The Quad-core models have some of the lowest failure rates across the board compared to any of the G5's. The majority of problems was from the earlier liquid cooled models.

Oh I know that linux isn't ideal for these machines, I was just asking because if they don't come with a hard drive or OS installed I'd like to play with them before I get a hold of their proper OS.

I live in Nebraska. What model of Intellistation do you have?

I have to ask...why shit post?

You see there's a lot of logical jumps you're making in your post. First of all I never said I only care about looks it's merely a factor and it's silly to think that not wanting to spend 3k+ is being a cheapskate. You're also implicitly stating that a collection cannot or at least will not be used, which is also ridiculous. I do plan on using these computers, but I'm glad you've decided to project your own insecurities/guilt onto me. I very much doubt you are making full use of any computer you own, luckily no one here has decided to shit on you over that fact.

I don't care if I'm new, I won't put up with your shit.

Hamei, can you please stop shit posting? I'd rather not have to see ramblings about Icelandic dragons and you crying over consumerism in a forum dedicated to owning non-essentials items.

I have no idea why they find you amusing.

Yes, because it's just so awful for someone to not want you to post off topic, incendiary garbage.

Being helpful to some doesn't justify being an ass to others. I never mentioned the TOS, it's just generally understood that being a dick to someone who hasn't said anything to you is pretty crappy. But since he has 8k posts he has a nice little defense force that is determined to justify awful behavior. Sorry for interrupting the circlejerk.