MB ??s for daily use and VM

[slipperypete]

Howdy - I need to build a new PC for myself at work (40 person law firm - I'm the only IT guy). I need it to be as fast as possible without over-clocking. I need the PC to also function as a VMware server (the free version) for a few old XP images we need to keep around but don't get used much.
Right now, I'm leaning toward an ASUS Z68 board. I plan to put an LSI raid card in to handle the images and storage, mirror the boot hard drives, max out the RAM, get an med-low cost video card, and buy an i7-2600K.
The question is: should I go with this config or buy a server MB for the platform?

Thanks!

 

[lehtv]

What do you need the discrete video card for? Isn't SB graphics good enough?

If you don't OC, get the non-K version of 2600 for $15 less.

Can't really comment on the mobo choice...

 

[DaveSimmons]

It might be easier and offer better performance to build 2 less fancy boxes, each with just an i5-2500, H67 or Z68 motherboard and no RAID controller.

Server - 8 MB RAM, 2 x HDD as either separate drives or software RAID-1, use onbaord video. mATX motherboard and case, good <400 watt PSU. If only 1-2 VMs are in use at a time you could even just use an i3-2100 as the CPU. With just 1-2 you'd also only need 4 GB RAM.

These would also work, if you add an external HD to backup the boot/VM drive:
Lenovo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883108582
Gateway SFF - quiet - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113181

 

[Ken g6]

I need it to be as fast as possible without over-clocking.

Why? For what applications? Aside from the VMs, about which listen to Dave.

Also, please answer the rest of the questions in [thread=80121]the stickied thread[/thread], such as budget.

 

[mfenn]

Please don't build your own work PC. You do not want to be tinkering with it when the boss is breathing down your neck. Even your run of the mill Optiplex 990 can handle the occasional VM use.

Now, if you really need the VMs to be sitting on a server (i.e. accessible to other people), buy a separate server. That way you can run ESXi (free) and have a much better experience than trying to host them from your own box.