Looking for Windows Server 2012 lab/storage server

[gus6464]

Started a new job and my company has sent to me to class for Server Infrastructure 2012 MCSE. I got hired as network engineer but they want to learn Windows Server as well. Got an MSDN account and want to build a hyper-v lab at home. What would be something solid without breaking the bank as far as specs go? While I am studying for the exams I need something that can handle around 8 VMs running at the same time. After that I am going to turn the machine into a storage, vpn, and dc server still running hyper-v.

This is what I have in mind:

AMD FX-8120
BIOSTAR A880GZ
8 or 16gb of ram?
3x 3TB HDDs (raid 5)
cheap case
500w PSU

Total without the ram comes out to ~$500. This sound like a good plan?

 

[mfenn]

That seems fine in general, though I'd rather have 16GB of RAM and a 6 core than 8GB and an 8 core. Lab environments don't need much CPU power, but Windows VM's gobble RAM like crazy.

FX-6300 + MSI 970A-G43 $160
Crucial DDR3 1600 16GB $115
Toshiba 2TB x3 $255 - 4 TB should be enough with thin provisioned disks
Corsair CX430 $20 AR
NZXT Source 210 $40
Total: $590

 

[gus6464]

That seems fine in general, though I'd rather have 16GB of RAM and a 6 core than 8GB and an 8 core. Lab environments don't need much CPU power, but Windows VM's gobble RAM like crazy.

FX-6300 + MSI 970A-G43 $160
Crucial DDR3 1600 16GB $115
Toshiba 2TB x3 $255 - 4 TB should be enough with thin provisioned disks
Corsair CX430 $20 AR
NZXT Source 210 $40
Total: $590

That all looks good thanks. I was going for the 3TB because I was going to use the system afterwards for storage.

Only thing is that the mobo doesn't come with onboard video. I am going to RDP into the machine whenever I have to get into it anyways but need some kind of video for initial install.

 

[mfenn]

You're right, I guess I'm too used to Intel boards where everything has onboard video. Here's a combo with a Biostar A960D+ which does have video. It works out to $5 more.