As the systems I use become - outdated, I'm looking to replace the PEx950 systems. The point of my post was that for many years they have been reliable workhorses. I don't expect that anyone would run out and purchase "new" PE x950 systems. Besides, I don't believe they will support the "new" 6 + core cpu's. If they wanted Dell, and if they wanted a new 1U server, the R620 would be a better selection.
Degrading the topic only slightly more:
o As the PE1950 was available from 1.6 to 3.0 GHZ (in single or dual cpu ... with dual or quad core); stating "it went faster" has no meaning. If you were to post some system stats -- & CPU speeds.
o You don't indicate if your application(s) were single or multi-threaded enabled.
o The initial release (system I) date for the PE x950 is not the same as the latest release date (system III).
Also, having older can be better: the software has had a chance to stabilize out, any (both software and hardware) issues can be researched BEFORE you buy it - the buyer is not just depended on the seller glossy advertisement. A system that is "significantly" faster - isn't any faster if it isn't running (or running properly).