[ale] [OT] Monster PC < $500

[JK]

Shane McKinley wrote:
> Do you really want to run production virtualization on a custom built
> PC?


This is for development and test, not production. And learning --
it's been a long while since I built a PC (last one was a
700Mhz Celeron, I think), and I want to get some experience with
virtualization. But assuming I can make it work, it will allow
me to eliminate or repurpose several other dedicated boxen on
my home LAN.


> I have always had good luck with Gigabyte boards.
>
> Everyone knows that AMDs are reliable (for the most part).
> 
> Never tried OCZ memory, but the faster the memory seems like the more
> probable you will have a compatibility issue, unless specifically stated
> by motherboard manufacturer that they support the specific memory. 


That MB supports 1066 memory.  Memory confuses me; can I use
slower RAM on a MB whose specs state that 1066 is supported?
(Though all other things being equal, faster is better.)


> I bought this case like 4 times and I love it:
> 
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068
> 
> Here is a 580W for $20:
> 
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817709011


Ah hah.  Thanks for the pointer.


> Can't go wrong with the hard drive.
> 
> Overall, I would worry about being able to load ESX on this machine.


Why exactly?


> (Does Xen even do Windows yet?)
> 
> Where is your DVD-ROM?


Knew I was forgetting something... Thanks.


-- JK


> 
> Shane
> -----Original Message-----
> From: JK [mailto:jknapka at kneuro.net] 
> Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 1:24 PM
> To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
> Subject: [ale] [OT] Monster PC < $500
> 
> [Marked OT because not directly Linux-relevant, although Linux will
> certainly be run on this machine.]
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I'm looking at putting together a machine to run some virtualized
> servers (maybe under Xen, maybe VMWare, maybe something else; haven't
> decided yet).  I've put together a parts list for a 2.3Ghz quad-core
> Phenom/8GB RAM/250GB HD machine from newegg.com, totalling $465.  Does
> that seem reasonable, or am I (a) paying too much for something, or
> (b) lowballing something critical?  I'm especially concerned about
> cooling; I've actually never built a machine before where heat
> dissipation was at all an issue, and cheap stock fans have always worked
> fine for me. I suspect that won't be the case with a CPU that draws
> 165W. (At least I won't have to run my heater as much this winter.)
> 
> I'd like to be able to run four virtual machines each equivalent to
> perhaps a 500Mhz P3 with 1GB RAM or thereabouts.
> Exact performance is negotiable.
> 
> Here's the list. I may invest in another HD for RAID, but for now I'm
> trying to stay under $500:
> 
> 
> MB      $ 85   GIGABYTE GA-MA78G-DS3H AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI ATX AMD 
> Motherboard (this board has 4 DDR2 slots and accepts up to 16GB)
> 
> CPU     $120   AMD Phenom 9600 Agena 2.3GHz Socket AM2+ 95W Quad-Core 
> Processor Model HD960ZWCGDBOX - Retail
> 
> RAM     $130   2 x OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 
> 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P10664GK -
> Retail ($65 per 2x2GB kit)
> 
> Fan     $ 40   COOLER MASTER GeminII S RR-CCH-PBU1-GP 120mm Sleeve CPU 
> Cooler - Retail (or comparable)
> 
> Case    $ 35   Linkworld 3230-18 c2228u Black Steel ATX Mid Tower 
> Computer Case 430W Power Supply - Retail (Is 430W sufficient for this
> rig? The CPU draws 165W alone, but I think it's the most power-hungry
> component.)
> 
> HD      $ 55   Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500AAKS 250GB 7200 RPM 
> SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
> ------------
>          $465
> 
> 
> Any opinions appreciated.
> 
> -- JK
> 
> --
> I do not particularly want to go where the money is -
>   it usually does not smell nice there. -- A. Stepanov
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> 


-- 
I do not particularly want to go where the money is -
  it usually does not smell nice there. -- A. Stepanov