Quote:
Originally Posted by given2fly  Hey Folks,
I am looking to build a workstation for running VMware & other Virtualization technologies with commodity hardware as I can't afford the expensive Dell / IBM wares. I need to simultaneously run more than 4-6 VMs and hence the requirement.
Currently I am considering the following configuration.
Processor - Q 6600/6700 or Q9450 (Adv. - 12 MB L2 cache) (Can they be used as dual processor as in MP)
RAM - 4 GB (G-Skill / OCZ / Corsair Performance Chips)
Mobo- Need help on this one. Not sure about GigaByte / Asus / Tyan.
Storage - Can SATA2 do the job for me or I need to go for SAS?
Power Supply - ??
I am not looking to use this for gaming much. I am also considering booting it with RAID-0 with an option to boot from LAN using iSCSI with another comp working as storage server and taking off the I/O overhead off the server leaving it for pure processing job.
I will be keeping all my imp. data separate on USB and other hard drives just so VMs don't mess up.
I am sure I am leaving out many imp. details. Please keep them coming as I need to start building it soon. |
Processor - Q 6600/6700 or Q9450 (Adv. - 12 MB L2 cache) (Can they be used as dual processor as in MP) ---> go for Q9450
RAM - 4 GB (G-Skill / OCZ / Corsair Performance Chips)-----> Good 4GB kits will be slightly expensive.You should get a VFM kit rated at 800 CL5 from Corsair,Gskill etc. Corsair 2GB x 2 C5DHX DDR2 800 is going for around 5.9K
Mobo- Need help on this one. Not sure about GigaByte / Asus / Tyan.-----> Gigabyte boards solid and reliable.Asus is also good.
If you do not wish to overclock, you may want to consider Intel Original boards based on X38/X48 chipset.I would prefer sticking to Intel chipset,taking into consideration your application.
Models - Asus Maximus Formula - 14k, Gigabyte X38 DS5 - 13K, Abit IX38 QuadGT - 12k, Intel DX38BT - no idea.Abit is a good board, have had opportunity to get hands on experience with it.
Storage - Can SATA2 do the job for me or I need to go for SAS? ----> SATA 2 is pretty fast.I seriously dont have much idea about Storage requirements in Professional setup.You are in a better position to decide on that.
Power Supply - Seventeam 700-800W PSU will suffice and should cost ~7-8k
You can also contemplate Corsair TX750 for 7.5k or Even Corsair HX620 for 6.5k
I hope this helps you in making your decision.