Question : HyperVisor Study Server on a Budget

Hi All,

I am in the need of a budget server and I am prepared to build one using a vendor like MSY.com.au.

The “server” will be used to help me study my MCSA, I want to run Server 2008 64BIT with Hyper-V OR at least server 2003 64BIT with VMware server (free) and have at least 8GB RAM (or 16GB of RAM) for me to run multiple environments. I appreciate there are much better (expensive) ways to do this but with 3 Kids it is my only real option.

Is there anyone out there who has been in the same position as I am now and has successfully built a cheap budget server that supports the use of a Hyper Visor for study.

My Budget is $1000.00 or less, I definitely want to spend as little as possible.

A mini spec might look like

1.      64BIT 2.0 GHz CPU VT Enabled / Main board to suit
2.      8GB – 16GB RAM
3.      2 x 150-200GB HD SATA
4.      No Monitor, Mouse or Keyboard required.
5.      On Board NIC is fine
6.      Sound Not required
7.      On board VGA is adequate

I am interested in anyone’s comments or recommendations that are constructive.

Please rezone as needed for maximum response in minimal time.

Thanks

AI-SYD

Answer : HyperVisor Study Server on a Budget

Start with a workstation that is able to handle 16GB of RAM. Most higher end boards can handle 16GB. The catch will be the cost of the RAM.

You could get away with:
 Intel S3420GP (base board)
 Intel Xeon X3430
 16GB Kingston (4x 4GB) (can do 8GB 2x 4GB sticks too)
    - Later on move to 8GB Hynix sticks to give you more RAM.
 2 SATA drives RAID 0 (no redunancy but gives performance)
 Intel PRO series dual gigabit (add in later when $$ available)
 Decent 550Watt PSU

You can mount the MB on an old chassis cover (my first one went onto an old Compaq desktop case cover) using a tap & die set to bore the correct holes for the standoffs. A local PC builder will have bags of screws, standoffs, and the like for you to have or buy for a couple of dollars or a case of b**r.

By my reckoning, the above should meet your budget or therabouts.

Philip Elder