$2000 Server

[zer0net]

Hi everyone

I am looking to build a Server for office on which i can evaluate software etc before putting them on production server.

Approximate Purchase Date: Jan to Feb 2011

Budget Range: $2000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Running 3+ virtual machines at the same time ( each VM running MS Server 2008)

Parts Not Required: Speaker, OS, Keyboard and mouse, monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: ncix.com, newegg.ca and whatever else you can recommend.

Country of Origin: Canada

Parts Preferences: by brand or type : N/A

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: doesn't matter

Monitor Resolution: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200)

Additional Comments: The budget may change, at this moment I'm trying findout from all the experienced people out there what kind of hardware am i looking at to accomplish all that. Please advise.

Thank you

 

[gkay09]

^ You can go 2 ways...

1. AMD's Opteron - which will offer more for the money

CPU -
2x AMD Opteron 6128 Magny-Cours 2.0GHz 8-Core Server Processor

Mobo -
ASUS KGPE-D16 Dual Socket G34 AMD SR5690 SSI EEB 3.61 Dual 8/12 Core AMD Opteron 6000 series Server Motherboard

RAM -
2x Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Registered DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Server Memory Model CT2KIT51272BB1339 - In total 16GB

CASE - A good Server chasis or a standard case which supports eATX mobos

PSU - A quality 500-600W PSU from Antec EA or TP or ECO series/ CM Real Power or Silent PRO/ Corsair/ PCP&S/ Silverstone/ Seasonic
And if the PSU doesnt come with 2x 8Pin CPU connector, then get this - It splitts the single 8 pin from PSU to 2x 8pin which can be connected to the board...
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812198019&cm_re=8_pin_splitter-_-12-198-019-_-Product

2. Intel Xeon - But this would be costlier and I doubt it would offer better value for money than the Opteron...

But anyways you can expect AMD to launch their newer Bulldozer based CPUs by Q1 2011, also Intel their Sandybridge CPUs, so keep your options open...

 

[zer0net]

Thank you for reply gkay09. That looks like a 10x better and cheaper build than my current 2 year old Dell server. I'm definately keeping my options open, lets see what the new intel and AMD cpus will offer.
Thanx again.