Looking for a motherboard CPU and memory for a network virtualization lab

UnicornU · Dec 8, 2014

Hi guys

This is my second question on this topic, the older one was posted like an year ago.
For various reasons I had to postpone the buying that I was planning last year so here I am again resuming my search

Here is my goal: build a network vitalization platform for about 1500$. I would like to be able to add processor power and memory as y needs increase and more money become available. The platform will be used to simulate network typologies, the emulated network devices will work either under VMWAre or under other virtualization plaforms. (If you are curious about it please Google GNS3, Cisco VIRL, Cisco CML)

What I am looking for
I am looking for a motherboard for my virtual network lab. Here are the requirements:
-Processing power -moderate to high, 1 processor (ideally a second processor shout be added later)
-Memory: at least 64G (start with 32G and add more up to 64GB or more)
-network cards: minimum 2 (ideal 4)
-IPMI and remote KVM

Here is a good article for selecting a motherboard for ESXi & virtualization, that inspired me
http://wahlnetwork.com/2013/12/02/new-haswell-fueled-esxi-5-5-home-lab-build/
(the motherboard referred in this article is described here)

I like everything about the above setup but one: it supports just 32M of memory

Ideally I would love to have the option to install a second processor but this is not a must.
Also I am not sure how to go about my budget limitations, probably for start 32GB of memory and one processor would be enough but in time I would probably add a second processor and more memory up to 64GB

Considering the above I started looking for a better motherboard but I have to admit that I need some guidance since I am completely lost in so many options.
Here is a MB that I liked
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128644&cm_re=GA-6PXSV4_memory-_-13-128-644-_-Product

Intel C604
Supports 3-Way NVIDIA SLI/AMD CrossFireX
4 x GbE LAN ports (Intel 82574L)
4 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
Aspeed AST2300 remote management controller

Regarding the above described motherboard I have two questions:
-will a dual socket MB work with one processor only?
-I need some advice regarding the strategy that I should follow regarding buying and installing memory. I would like to be able to go like this:
-first year 32GB
-second year 64GB
-third year 128GB
-fourth year 256GB

According with the specs the MB supports this:

8 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64GB (UDIMM) and 256GB (RDIMM) of system memory
? Four channel memory architecture
? Support for 1600/1333/1066 memory modules
? Support for ECC memory modules

Here are the memory chip requirements for this MB
http://www.gigabyte.com/FileUpload/Features/101/Photo/3676.jpg
http://www.gigabyte.com/FileUpload/Features/101/Photo/3675.jpg

I have to admit that I don't understand these very well and I would need your advice on how to achieve my target in regards to gradually adding memory to my system without throwing away the already installed modules

thanks a lot

Uni

PS: if you have suggestions about a better/cheaper motherboard that would help me to achieve the same goal I would welcome any advice in this regard.

Darkbreeze · Dec 8, 2014

Most AMD Opteron and Intel Xeons work fine with a single CPU in the correct socket, only a few oddballs and long in the past (P4 Xeon era?) required a special passive module or whatnot in the second socket if it was unused, but you want to verify this in each motherboards documentation to be sure.

I haven't used a dual socket board recently and am unsure as to what is currently available but I'll take a look for you and offer MY opinion after considering all the information you've posted above. Probably not until this evening though so I can take a good look at some options that fit your criteria.

For what you've described, I'm uncertain that the board you've listed above would provide the expected performance. Another thing to consider when choosing your hardware is going to be whether or not the memory controller of the board or cpu chosen can actually support the amount of memory installed. There are many boards that are capable of supporting, for example, 64GB of RAM, however, not all of the CPU's that are compatible with that board are necessarily capable of it.

UnicornU · Dec 8, 2014

Darkbreeze :

Most AMD Opteron and Intel Xeons work fine with a single CPU in the correct socket, only a few oddballs and long in the past (P4 Xeon era?) required a special passive module or whatnot in the second socket if it was unused, but you want to verify this in each motherboards documentation to be sure.

I haven't used a dual socket board recently and am unsure as to what is currently available but I'll take a look for you and offer MY opinion after considering all the information you've posted above. Probably not until this evening though so I can take a good look at some options that fit your criteria.

For what you've described, I'm uncertain that the board you've listed above would provide the expected performance. Another thing to consider when choosing your hardware is going to be whether or not the memory controller of the board or cpu chosen can actually support the amount of memory installed. There are many boards that are capable of supporting, for example, 64GB of RAM, however, not all of the CPU's that are compatible with that board are necessarily capable of it.

Thanks DarkBreeze, no rush, answer when you have the time.

Darkbreeze · Dec 8, 2014

Will do.

UnicornU · Dec 8, 2014

I came across this configuration
http://thehomeserverblog.com/esxi-lab-specs/

Motherboard: ASUS KGPE-D16 Motherboard (dual G34 sockets) — $299 (eBay)
IPMI/KVM Module: ASUS ASMB4-IKVM IPMI/KVM board for remote management of ASUS KGPE-D16 — $15 (eBay)
CPUs: 2 x AMD 6128 Magny-Cours: 8 Cores, 2.0Ghz, 512K L2 Cache, 12MB L3 Cache, 115W — $75 each (eBay)
Power Supply: Silverstone ST85F-P 850W Power Supply w/2 x 12V EPS Connectors (the ASUS KGPE-D16 Motherboard requires a power supply w/2 x 12V EPS Connectors) — $139.95
Memory: 16 x 4GB Elpida 4GB DDR3-1066 ECC Memory (Total 64GB) — $160 (eBay)
CPU Cooler: 2 x Dynatron A5 Socket G34 CPU Coolers — $29.95 each (eBay)
Case: Athena Power 3U Rack Mount Case RM-3U3F55 — $49.95 (eBay)
LAN Card: Quad Intel Pro/1000 PCI-e Gigabit NIC — $50 (eBay)
Video Card #1: HIS Radeon HD6670 Low Profile Video Card (for HTPC VM) — $69.95 (Amazon)
Video Card #2: HIS Radeon HD6670 Low Profile Video Card (for HTPC VM) — $69.95 (Amazon)
Host 1 Cost: $958.75

I could pick the MB from ebay (2 processors AMD Opteron 6128 included) for 305$
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-KGPE-D16-motherboard-CPU-combo-dual-2-AMD-Opteron-6128-CPU-Server-system-/331393640840?pt=US_Server_Boards&hash=item4d2899a988

Darkbreeze · Dec 9, 2014

That's probably not a bad configuration at all, and the price is extremely reasonable if you feel the hardware is going to be sufficient for your needs. Personally, I've seen nothing but troubles with Elpida modules, but those were all of the non-ECC variety so I can't say with any certainty how reliable their ECC modules are.

Also, that configuration was from September of 2013, and their may be much better components to choose from now that were not at the time. Consider, at that time, nobody had even heard of a Haswell Refresh CPU and overclocking LGA 1150 chips on non-Z boards was still considered to be an impossibility at that time. Much less a dual core Pentium processor capable of 4.8Ghz on air. Basically, just trying to show how fast things change.

I probably would be inclined to go with a Xeon based system, despite having been an AMD guy for years and years. The AMD chips just don't offer the same potential anymore that can be achieved with Intel silicon. They are also much, much less expensive as we all know though, so that might be an important consideration too.

UnicornU · Dec 9, 2014

Darkbreeze :

That's probably not a bad configuration at all, and the price is extremely reasonable if you feel the hardware is going to be sufficient for your needs. Personally, I've seen nothing but troubles with Elpida modules, but those were all of the non-ECC variety so I can't say with any certainty how reliable their ECC modules are.

Also, that configuration was from September of 2013, and their may be much better components to choose from now that were not at the time. Consider, at that time, nobody had even heard of a Haswell Refresh CPU and overclocking LGA 1150 chips on non-Z boards was still considered to be an impossibility at that time. Much less a dual core Pentium processor capable of 4.8Ghz on air. Basically, just trying to show how fast things change.

I probably would be inclined to go with a Xeon based system, despite having been an AMD guy for years and years. The AMD chips just don't offer the same potential anymore that can be achieved with Intel silicon. They are also much, much less expensive as we all know though, so that might be an important consideration too.

So based on my requirements what motherboard would you recomend me?
Also I am still unclear on the strategy that I have to follow when I buy memory.

Darkbreeze · Dec 9, 2014

What kind of budget do you have to work with for the initial build and do you have an actual preference regarding AMD versus Intel?

UnicornU · Dec 9, 2014

Darkbreeze :

I don't have preferences regarding AMD or Inter
The start budget is mentioned in my first post: 1500$

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