[Solved] Low heat/energy, reliable, non-gamer, for running VMWare under Linux

(Still working on this...will update when final...)
(Updated after even more feedback!)

What I would like is a highly reliable, low heat machine that is capable of running 2, or maybe 3 VMWare VMs. None of these VMs will be very high usage, but will each need about 1GB of VM Memory.

It will sit in a room with poor to middling cooling; unfortunately I have no idea which CPUs etc are low-heat. In the absence of any real understanding of the heat/energy requirements, I was heading down the following line:


- ASUS P8P67-M PRO ASUS P7P55-LX Motherboard
- No GPU ASUS ATI Radeon HD5570 Silent 1GB (Not sure I need this; probably something cheaper as long at it is reliable)
- G.Skill Ripjaws F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 G.Skill ECO F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO (2x2GB) x 2 (8GB)
- Intel Core i5 2xxx Intel Core i5 760 Intel Core i7 870
- CoolerMaster HAF 922 with Window
- CoolerMaster V8 CPU Cooler
- Antec Signature Series SG-650W PSU Antec Signature Series SG-850W PSU
- Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB WD1002FAEX x 3 (2TB Raid 5)

which is $1220 $1070 $1250 ex tax.

Any (more) help or suggestions would ge breatly appreciated!


Approximate Purchase Date: this week

Budget Range: $AU/$US 1000-1500 ish

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Running relatively idle VMWare VMs (2 of them)

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, Graphics card(?), OS (Linux)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, http://www.pccasegear.com/, or any other

Country of Origin: Australia

Parts Preferences: VERY mild pref for intel/asus

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1280x1024

Additional Comments:

See above; don't really need overclocking, probably dont need graphics card if on-board will do basic graphics (1280x1024).

Nice recap there...

Well for the re-recap Here's what I think:

For the GPU, if VMware doesn't require any GPU specialized features such as texture processing, video acceleration, etc. Then a mere HD5450 with a very low power consumption would be your best option. Then again, since an i5 already has an integrated graphic processor built-in the chip, The performance difference will be insignificant. Might as well use the i5 built-in graphic.

By saying "highly specced", I assume you're thinking that the HD5570 is one of them. But the truth is, it's not. There's still the HD5670 which is a bridge between HTPC GPU and gaming GPU, where the HD5570 is in the HTPC category. Although I don't quite agree, since at low resolution, any games is playable using it. But it's a matter of benchmarks and personal standards in the end.

I suggest to stick with the HD5570. But if you want, get the 5450, or don't use a graphic card at all.

Entry level doesn't mean that they're not reliable. But the features are minimum. For example, they have only 2 slots of RAM, max. 4 SATA connectors, no HDMI otuput, and so on. They're basically using the same components as the standard ones. Just look for features such as: Duracap, Military Grade, Solid Capacitors, etc. if you're looking for reliability.

Besides, if you're not OCing, durability is not an issue. But if you're really into this "reliability" concept, find products from ASUS, Gigabyte, or EVGA. Those are the brands well known for their quality.

For low voltage, Kingston's low power RAMs might be an interest for you. The Ripjaws are usually for gaming rigs with its high speed, aggressive timing and heatsink. Kingston is also a reliable brand. But Ripjaws are fine, if you're already familiar with the brand.

As for the PSU, does it have to be an Antec's Signature? I'm starting to think you're a brand loyalist here... Just kidding. Everyone's in title of their own opinion. It's a very good PSU, but as I said before, it's still an overkill. But if you got the cash to spend, you can get practically anything you want.

I agree on the manufacturer's confidence perspective. It's just that it's odd to see gaming components for a VMware use rig.

If reliability is you're main concern, make sure to have a decent power surge protection for the rig. Since even the best components simply dies over a simple electrical surge.

Which makes me curious, have you build a virtualization PC before?

Missed the model number...

Here's something to consider:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_i5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_ [...] 2832_nm.29

The prices are relative, but in my opinion, the cheapest model should be more than enough for your needs.

Oh, and here's a motherboard that just might fit your needs, and more.

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P [...] templete=2

You're going for the Sandy Bridge? I see...

Well, I just want to suggest to get the most ideal setup for your needs.

But that motherboard sure is an overkill and anti-logical... You don't plan on using a single graphic card, yet you went for a 3 slots PCI-e x16 motherboard? And you might want to check whether or not it supports the integrated i5 graphic, since I don't see any monitor output on the back panel.

I'm starting to think the motherboard you chose is incompatible with the SB i5. I'll run a check on that issue.

Hint: ASUS don't name their product "PRO" without a reason.

Well, Sandy Bridge is still quite a new platform, thus the options are still limited. You might wanna check ASUS subsidiary, ASRock for common usage motherboards. Gigabyte and MSI also makes good motherboards.

I'll see what I can find.

BTW, it's a definite. Your current choice doesn't support the integrated graphic. You'll have to find another one.

This:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.ph [...] s_id=16447

might be promising.

What is the deal with ASRock? Are we taling lower/higher quality ASUS products?

Wise choice indeed... That should answer your question for a reliable motherboard.

Rambo amongst motherboards... For real?

Here's some insight on durability and reliability:

- It would take at least 2-3 years for a tier-3 capacitor to leak under normal usage and room temperature. Tier-1 capacitors (usually solid) are practically infinitely indestructible under the same environment. They use top quality capacitors to accommodate enthusiasts and overclockers lust for speed, in exchange for heat and electrical torture on the components.

- Reliability issue is usually on the software half, instead of the hardware. Since I'm not familiar with Linux, I'm not in title to comment. But for comparison, 32-bit Windows XP crashes more frequently after days of idle compared to the 64-bit version.

- Do you know Intel's $70 Atom motherboards has 5 years warranty for non-stop usage?

- Don't take brands hierarchy so strict. Even the best brand has its rotten egg. Get reviews on a particular part for a consideration factor would be wise.

But if you still persists on going for the expensive and famous ones, then it's your decision. We at Tom's can only suggest, not telling you what to do.

Best answer selected by pjw.