PC for a testing/learning environment

[PacificGeek]

I want to build a testing/learning computer that will be capable of handling a few virtual pc's (a primary domain controller, secondary domain controller, exchange server, and 2 workstations).

I was hoping to build it in a small case (such as the Apevia X-QPack or the ThermalTake LanBox) so that I can transport it fairly easily between work and home. Even a case like the Antec Three Hundred might work well.

Where would the bulk of the money be spent... RAM, HDD, or CPU?

Can you recommend a decent setup (cpu, motherboard with onboard video, ram, hdd, case and psu) for under $500?

Never worked with virtual pc's so I have no idea on the requirements. I figure virtual pc's would be the way to go then to have 5 separate computers.

Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Denithor]

Under $500 and you want to run multiple virtual systems off it? Ouch.

You're going to want as much CPU & RAM as you can afford. Q9400/4GB DDR2 at the mimimum. Meaning you're not going to have much cash left for the rest.

Qpack Black $75 - $20MIR
Q9400 (4x2.66GHz, 6MB cache) $230
ASRock G41M-LE $62
Corsair 2x2GB DDR2-800 $45 - $25MIR
WD6401AALS Caviar Black $80
HP DVDRW $23
BFG 550W PSU $55 - $15MIR

Total: $570 - $60 = $510 + ~$10 shipping

Good luck beating that price with a quad-core CPU that supports virtualization.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Under $500 and you want to run multiple virtual systems off it? Ouch.

A kid can dream can't he? :laugh:

I'd like a quad core rig, 16GB memory running 4 x VelociRaptors in RAID 6 for folding and heavy video editing...
Budget is $246.72

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Under $500 and you want to run multiple virtual systems off it? Ouch.

You're going to want as much CPU & RAM as you can afford. Q9400/4GB DDR2 at the mimimum. Meaning you're not going to have much cash left for the rest.

Qpack Black $75 - $20MIR
Q9400 (4x2.66GHz, 6MB cache) $230
ASRock G41M-LE $62
Corsair 2x2GB DDR2-800 $45 - $25MIR
WD6401AALS Caviar Black $80
HP DVDRW $23
BFG 550W PSU $55 - $15MIR

Total: $570 - $60 = $510 + ~$10 shipping

Good luck beating that price with a quad-core CPU that supports virtualization.

You can shave off a few bucks by ditching the DVD drive as he probably has one already,
Case wise ditch the Apevia and BFG psu and go with an Antec Minuet350 It's small and gives you a 80Plus 350W PSU which is plenty for your set up. They're $100 so that's another $30 off.
OCZ Gold 4GB kit saves another $7.
Gigabyte GA-g31M-ES2L motherboard is a good low cost mATX board. It's $53 so $9 savings
giving a total savings of around $70

 

[imported_wired247]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Denithor
Under $500 and you want to run multiple virtual systems off it? Ouch.

A kid can dream can't he? :laugh:

I'd like a quad core rig, 16GB memory running 4 x VelociRaptors in RAID 6 for folding and heavy video editing...
Budget is $246.72

maybe it will all fall off a truck

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
You can shave off a few bucks by ditching the DVD drive as he probably has one already,
Case wise ditch the Apevia and BFG psu and go with an Antec Minuet350 It's small and gives you a 80Plus 350W PSU which is plenty for your set up. They're $100 so that's another $30 off.
OCZ Gold 4GB kit saves another $7.
Gigabyte GA-g31M-ES2L motherboard is a good low cost mATX board. It's $53 so $9 savings
giving a total savings of around $70

Good call on the Minuet350 if the OP likes the look.

I'd stick with the G41 board I recommended, newer chipset is more efficient with slightly improved GPU.

I wouldn't touch OCZ DDR2 sticks with your floppy drive...
(Not kidding here - bad experiences personally with two different sets of OCZ DDR2 years apart. Plus a lot of issues/problems around the forums. I'll never buy/recommend OCZ DDR2 again.)

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: Denithor

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
You can shave off a few bucks by ditching the DVD drive as he probably has one already,
Case wise ditch the Apevia and BFG psu and go with an Antec Minuet350 It's small and gives you a 80Plus 350W PSU which is plenty for your set up. They're $100 so that's another $30 off.
OCZ Gold 4GB kit saves another $7.
Gigabyte GA-g31M-ES2L motherboard is a good low cost mATX board. It's $53 so $9 savings
giving a total savings of around $70

Good call on the Minuet350 if the OP likes the look.

I'd stick with the G41 board I recommended, newer chipset is more efficient with slightly improved GPU.

I wouldn't touch OCZ DDR2 sticks with your floppy drive...
(Not kidding here - bad experiences personally with two different sets of OCZ DDR2 years apart. Plus a lot of issues/problems around the forums. I'll never buy/recommend OCZ DDR2 again.)

Get you're hands away from my floppy drive.
I've never had a problem with OCZ. Now, G.skill is another story. and I've had 1 Corsair crap the bed on me. But everyone has their own experiences.