I was thinking more of an architecture comprising either: 1. more servers with less capacity (CPU,RAM,Disk) each 2. same number of servers, but six + Hard Dri

I was thinking more of an architecture comprising either: 1. more servers with less capacity (CPU,RAM,Disk) each 2. same number of servers, but six + Hard Drive Raid0 in each Both of which could be better for other apps but include their own set of problems and, as you pointed out, could result in higher costs. I think I was misunderstood. I was not questioning the architecture chosen, sorry if I sounded that way. I want to learn why was it chosen since I don't see many like it. So far you have provided me with some very satisfying answers, and for that I thank you.