New Job, new PC

[sourceninja]

So I recently took a new job. It's moving me into the heart of windows and I honestly have little windows experience. I manage 120 linux servers and a few macs with about 10 windows servers that I help our windows admin support (100% virtualized).

Part of this new job is a written in bonus for getting some microsoft and vmware certs as fast as possible. My current laptop will go with my current job, so I'm left with nothing but a mac mini and a 24 inch apple display at home. It has become apparent to me that this simply is not going to help me with my new job. I need to dive into windows again, setup multiple virtual machines, networks, etc.

Luckily I'm getting my vacation paid out so I should have some money to use to build a nice desktop. So i'm looking to build a desktop that focuses on a lot of power/memory/storage performance for virtualization (so I can run multiple vm's at once) with the ability to also use it as my home desktop (so a good video card for running games).

I'm not sure if this should be two computers (a pure esxi box and a gaming machine) or just one computer using vmware workstation virtualizing esxi and vcenter for the vcp exam training and windows servers inside that for windows training.

So I'm looking for advice. Right now I'm looking at the one PC approach. I can probably put $1500-$2000 into a computer. The budget is flexible but that is where I'd be comfortable. I figure a solid processor , 16G of ram, a decent video card and I'd be set. I'd also need to pickup a cheap 24 inch monitor as my wife would really like to take this mini off my hands.

So what would you do? I don't have any hardware preferences in regards to processor or video card companies.

 

[mfenn]

Quick question: If work requires you to get these certs, shouldn't they be paying for the machine as well?

You don't really need to spend $2000 to do what you want. Take a look at my freshly-updated midrange builders guide. You can make the following changes:

Double the memory to this G.Skill DDR3 1600 16GB $100 (+$40)
Add an ASUS 23.6" 1080p monitor for $130 AR AP (+$130)

That's really all you need besides software. I could also see adding a couple more 1TB drives to spread out the VM I/O load.
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2192841

 

[sourceninja]

Quick question: If work requires you to get these certs, shouldn't they be paying for the machine as well?

You don't really need to spend $2000 to do what you want. Take a look at my freshly-updated midrange builders guide. You can make the following changes:

Double the memory to this G.Skill DDR3 1600 16GB $100 (+$40)
Add an ASUS 23.6" 1080p monitor for $130 AR AP (+$130)

That's really all you need besides software. I could also see adding a couple more 1TB drives to spread out the VM I/O load.
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2192841

I wouldn't say they are requiring me to get the certs. They have provided a large financial advantage for me to get these certs (as well as paying for the certs). So basically they have said "We will pay for these certs if you pass and will give you a bonus for each one of these certs you get."

I will look at the midrange guide. I'm all for not over spending. I appreciate the advice.

 

[mfenn]

Ah ok, I suppose that's a little different.

 

[sourceninja]

Just an update. I mostly bought what was recommended in the midrange guide. I did make a few changes. I changed the case to something a bit nicer (imho) and went with a antec P280. I went with a i7 3770 for the hyperthreading (useful when running multiple virtual machines), and finally upgraded the HD to a samsung 840 500GB drive. I have mac mini to hold my media so it should be enough. If not I'll toss in a 1TB drive at a later point. I also added a well reviewed wireless N card (no cabling to my office).

I ended up buying everything from amazon because I wanted it all by friday and I have amazon prime. Saved me a lot on the shipping costs. The plan is to try to leverage my apple 24" display because the 7970 has mini-display on it. At some point in the future I think I'll pick up a larger display (I so want a 27 inch display). I picked up a copy of Windows 7 and windows 8 from my current employer using our discount (I work in education).

Hopefully everything will arrive on friday as amazon says and I'll have a kick ass new system.

 

[jaedaliu]

Just an update. I mostly bought what was recommended in the midrange guide. I did make a few changes. I changed the case to something a bit nicer (imho) and went with a antec P280. I went with a i7 3770 for the hyperthreading (useful when running multiple virtual machines), and finally upgraded the HD to a samsung 840 500GB drive. I have mac mini to hold my media so it should be enough. If not I'll toss in a 1TB drive at a later point. I also added a well reviewed wireless N card (no cabling to my office).

I ended up buying everything from amazon because I wanted it all by friday and I have amazon prime. Saved me a lot on the shipping costs. The plan is to try to leverage my apple 24" display because the 7970 has mini-display on it. At some point in the future I think I'll pick up a larger display (I so want a 27 inch display). I picked up a copy of Windows 7 and windows 8 from my current employer using our discount (I work in education).

Hopefully everything will arrive on friday as amazon says and I'll have a kick ass new system.

I LOVE Amazon! The only time I've ever had something show up late was when the attempted delivery was during a blizzard and the state shut down the roads. (clearly not Amazon's fault)

edit: oh wait, I need to add some info about your build. You can hook your new computer up to your HDTV (assuming you have one) as a temporary monitor until you get your 27" display. If you live near a microcenter, I believe they have the Korean generic 2560x1440s there. Otherwise, ebay is decent (and a lot cheaper than buying from a reputable american company)

 

[mfenn]

Just an update. I mostly bought what was recommended in the midrange guide. I did make a few changes. I changed the case to something a bit nicer (imho) and went with a antec P280. I went with a i7 3770 for the hyperthreading (useful when running multiple virtual machines), and finally upgraded the HD to a samsung 840 500GB drive. I have mac mini to hold my media so it should be enough. If not I'll toss in a 1TB drive at a later point. I also added a well reviewed wireless N card (no cabling to my office).

I ended up buying everything from amazon because I wanted it all by friday and I have amazon prime. Saved me a lot on the shipping costs. The plan is to try to leverage my apple 24" display because the 7970 has mini-display on it. At some point in the future I think I'll pick up a larger display (I so want a 27 inch display). I picked up a copy of Windows 7 and windows 8 from my current employer using our discount (I work in education).

Hopefully everything will arrive on friday as amazon says and I'll have a kick ass new system.

Sounds great, let us know how the build goes!

 

[riversend]

I recently changed over to a P280 (from a P182), and was very happy except for one thing that does not look like it should affect you too much. Vibrations in the hard drive cages tend to travel to the top of the case and can cause some annoying vibrations. I seem to have gotten the HDDs arranged so that it is no longer an issue, but just something to think about if you get that. If you are just using an SSD than this will not be an issue.

 

[frozentundra123456]

I LOVE Amazon! The only time I've ever had something show up late was when the attempted delivery was during a blizzard and the state shut down the roads. (clearly not Amazon's fault)

edit: oh wait, I need to add some info about your build. You can hook your new computer up to your HDTV (assuming you have one) as a temporary monitor until you get your 27" display. If you live near a microcenter, I believe they have the Korean generic 2560x1440s there. Otherwise, ebay is decent (and a lot cheaper than buying from a reputable american company)

I would love to have a display like that for my work. Wonder if the boss would bite?
I do a lot of spreadsheet and data base (access) work. Unfortunately we are limited to the units provided by a pre-set vendor.

 

[sourceninja]

I have to say this computer is amazing. It is probably the fastest computer I have ever used. I'm also pretty impressed with how far windows has come. I could get used to this. Played a little planetside 2 and it was crystal smooth. Tomorrow I'll download some games from steam that can push it a bit harder.

It's quiet as a mouse too which is a good thing. My mac mini sounded like a jet engine when playing minecraft. The only thing I know I need to do is replace the keyboard. I hate the softness of the keys and I miss my apple keyboard (hell I might even just use the apple keyboard).

Best money I've spent on tech in a long time.

I also don't think I'm going to buy a new monitor. Windows 8 detected and setup the sound card and webcam in my apple 24" display and the video cards mini-display port worked perfectly.

 

[Sleepingforest]

That's excellent to hear! I had a similar feeling of improvement when I built mine. It's a really enlightening experience, and I think you'll feel a better connection to your computer than before.

The only problem now is resisting the upgrade itch.

 

[mfenn]

Glad you like it!

 

[Chapbass]

Well, I came in here to post about mfenns mid range guide, but apparently that is all taken care of! Good choice on the few other parts you went with (I mightve missed it, but how much ram did you end up with?)

If you need any help with your certs, especially the VMWare ones, drop me a pm!

 

[sourceninja]

Well, I came in here to post about mfenns mid range guide, but apparently that is all taken care of! Good choice on the few other parts you went with (I mightve missed it, but how much ram did you end up with?)

If you need any help with your certs, especially the VMWare ones, drop me a pm!

I ended up with 16G of ram. I'm going to start working on my certs monday. For now I'm using the weekend to play though Bioshock Infinate ;-)

Thanks for the offer of assistance.