Hardware Discussions

[Synchronous Failure]

I need a server to run a lot of VMware and manage about eight computers in the household. It should be future-proof, full of cores, and a lot of memory. Basically, what do you guys use?

[dryfter_09_19]

I built my new server for work. Small business about 10 users and all the thing is is a file server and some space for me to mess with VM's and other OS's without needing another comp.

X6, 16 gigs of DDR3, 2TB's, Gigabyte mobo (i think). Nothing special, but it's going great so far.

[Synchronous Failure]

Okay, for clarification I'm going to be running VMWare's ESXi 5.0 and an a ton of different virtual instances. It'll also be a fileserver and handle about 8 different PCs in the house. So here's the hardware:

Intel Core i5-2500K

Corsair H60 (we just want something absolutely silent and yet cool enough to be stuck in an enclosed space running 24/7)

ASRock Z68 PRO 3

Intel EXPI9402PT Pro 1000

Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 16GB (4x4) DDR3-1600 CL9

Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 6.0Gb/s

Corsair Professional 650W 80Plus Bronze

Lian Li PC-A05

ASUS 24x DVD Burner

~$1200

[dryfter_09_19]

Looking good. I'm running 5.0 ESXI also. I only have 2 VM's set up currently and haven't seen any issues with hardware limitations. Though, neither see much HEAVY use, so thats probably why.

How many VM's you looking at running at once and have you used ESXI before? I found a few quirks with it (first time user setting it up on my own). Probably stuff that any one that had "training" on the class would be able to work around, but the softwares fairely easy to work around.

[Egglick]

You're way overkill on the CPU IMO.  I'd go with an AMD quad-core in the $100-120 range.  You could also get by spending half that on the PSU.  It's not like you're running a 250W videocard.  I guess the NIC and liquid cooling is personal preference.  I cringe at the hard drive price though.  Any alternatives?

[Synchronous Failure]

Not too concerned with the price. It's my father who's buying it and using it. Considering he was spending $1300 on a prebuilt i3 I'm actually rather happy. He'll be using it for a multitude of purposes so I figured I'd give him something that will last a while and take anything he can throw at it. I'll go with that PSU considering I wasn't certain how much power I needed. And maybe I'll drop down to a 1TB considering my father will be swapping in other hard drives from work a lot.

[dolynick]

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Synchronous Failure wrote:

Corsair H60 (we just want something absolutely silent and yet cool enough to be stuck in an enclosed space running 24/7)

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That is not going to be anything close to "absolutely silent".  I know it's a water block and rad, but a 1700 rpm, 74 CFM fan with a manufacturer rated "30 dba" is going to be rather loud - at least in my definition of "quiet".  You'll have to throttle that fan way down for it to be silent and that may well compromise the rad's cooling efficiency (No way to tell until you try it).

You could do a fan swap if you're stuck on the water cooling idea and are really serious about absolutely silent.  Otherwise I'd suggest looking at air cooling and specifically going with a good, quiet fan.  My personal favorite right now is the new Scythe Kama Flow II 800 rpm.  Damn near silent, decent air flow and will run forever with no fuss (100,000+ hour ball bearing).

-dolynick

[Synchronous Failure]

Well my current H70 fits my definition of "absolutely silent." I can't hear it at all. Compared to our current server which has a horrid stock fan this will be perfect for my needs. Anyways, my father bought all of the components already without my knowing so I can't put in your suggestions.

His money.