[ale] [OT] Monster PC < $500

[Jeff Hubbs]

VMware ESX basically *is* a Linux distribution, so you're constrained in 
several ways especially with hardware...you aren't going to be able to 
use some device just because its module just made it into the tree on 
kernel.org.

JK wrote:
> 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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>>     
>
>
>