Server Specs for Lab testing environment

Hi,

I would like to build a server (or buy one off the shelf if anyone’s aware of one that meets my needs). I subscribe to the Microsoft Action Pack service and have multiple OS’s and Tools that I’d like to be able to configure and play with to enable me to better serve my customers. I have just had a new home office built and I intend to use Windows Server 2008 Hypervisor as the basis for a multi installation of VM’s and OS’s.
The clients are likely to be 3x Wyse thin clients for users in the house (very light use – internet etc) and my main PC which is an AMD 64bit MESH PC running Vista Business.

I would like to be able to install the server in a 19” rack in the home office. The office will be air conditioned / warmed, but not 24 hours, so the server needs to run as cool as possible. It also needs to be as quiet as possible as I’ll be sharing the office space with it. I was looking at Dell’s Quad Core servers and think that these fit the bill, but they seem noisy and I’m not sure what their cooling is like.

Could anyone recommend a system / kit of parts for me that may be suitable?

For example, would a 2U case be better for cooling than a 1U which may restrict air flow?
Is one Quad core more energy efficient / cool than another (I’m new to Quad Cores and haven’t built a system for a few years).

Memory is obviously important. I was thinking of 4 or 8GB. Is there an optimum configuration for RAM to allow for expansion?

Disk space is less important as I’ll have a 1TB Buffalo Terastation connected on a GBE link. I guess some fast local storage for swap files etc would be beneficial, but capacity less important.

The server will ideally run a core OS delivering typical network services (File, Print, AD) and I’ll then add VM’s on top of Hypervisor to play with Office Communications Server, Exchange 2007, Sharepoint, etc.

As I mentioned above, it’s been a while since I built a system and this is my first Server venture. I want to make sure that it will run multiple OS’s and applications without performance issues in a Lab style environment. What else should I be considering? I’m hoping to come up with a shopping list of parts, or an off the shelf solution, and it would come in on budget up to £2,000 (is that reasonable)?

Many thanks in advance.

Pete.

Are you really sure you want a RACK Mount Unit.

I for one have never heard such a unit that is quiet.
(And I've head many many many systems in my day)
In general they sound quite a bit like leaf blowers and I certainly would not want one in my office.

Furthermore, they are likely going to require registered memory which is far more expensive.

The only advantage a server system would seem to have would be to let you expand to over 8gb.

If can work it in your physical layout, a standard system would suit you far better.

One key think to look for when buying a Mobo that will support 8gb of RAM is to get a board that supports tweaking RAM values. Usually you need to increase the voltage to get all 4 chips to work, especially for dimms with lots of memory as those required to hit 8gb.

You could possibly be able to build (2) 8gb Quad Systems.
You may want to consider waiting til the end of this month when the new 45nm Quads come out. It should help cooling and keep things quieter/cooler in your office.