I7-3770 build for ESXi server

If it's a home server, you may want to look into RAID 10 arrays (4 drive minimum) so you get a striped array which means you get good throughput with back up. Though, you'll only really need something like this if your server gets a lot of action. If you just have one or two devices interacting with it then that's not an issue.

Though, if you're getting a Z77 mobo, why not get 1600 RAM? You likely won't need 16 GB worth unless you host applications on the server and use something like cirtrix on end devices. On the Z77 board, go H77. It's cheapter and doesn't have OC support but still has USB 3 and SATA III capability as well as 1600 RAM support.

Air cooling should be sufficient. Just try to maximize your air flow to get as many HDDs as possible, which shouldn't be an issue with most cheap "gaming" cases. The stock fan on the CPU should be fine.

thanks for the reply.

RAID 10 arrays (4 drive minimum) ? Can you suggest a model so I can take a look.
Never had RAID before. This means I need to buy a server casing to accomodate that?
or I can use NAS for this RAID HDD setup?

for this processor/mobo setup, any recommend PSU and casing?


I also have found another mobo/processor combo which is much cheaper.
AMD FX6100/Asus M5A78L-M

FX6100 also has AMD-V and RVI for virtualization purposes which is equivalent to Intel's vt-d and EPT.

anyone here mind to comment on FX6100/M5A78L-M combo vs i7-3770/ASRock Z77 Pro3 combo?

basically im using this desktop as ESXi server for education purpose only (create nested ESXi, create File server, Citrix server, DNS server, Exchange server etc) after testing, i might use it to create multiple VMs for myself. No gaming.

A RAID 10 array is two sets of drives. 2 drives a striped for a performance boost that striping provides and another 2 drives as back ups. There are no model numbers as RAID is often handled by the motherboard now and you can generally use any HDD (even SSD drives) so long as they're the same size and accept the same interface such as SATA 2 or 3. Most cases have enough room to hold multiple drives as is. Thus, the array is a software configuration issue done in the BIOS rather than relying specific hardware configuration.

I would look at mid sized towers or even mini towers so long as you have enough room for your drives since heating shouldn't be a particular worry. A 300 W PSU should be all you need.

I have changed my decision to go for AMD over Intel to bring down the overall costs. The FX-6100 does has AMD-V, AMD-Vi, and RVI for virtualization purposes. Feel free to comment on below setup, I'm open for other alternative. Thanks

Processor - AMD FX-6100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Motherboard -
MSI 760GM-P34(FX) [Micro-ATX] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
OR
ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


RAM - 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Network adapter - Realtek 8111E (embedded with Mobo)

HDD - WD Green WD10EZRX 1TB IntelliPower (do not plan for any RAID setup at this moment)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Casing - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Power Supply - COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power Plus 500W or COOLER MASTER GX 450W RS450
the 450W is more expensive but is 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified (higher efficiency)

I do not go for RAID setup for my HDD. I shall go for one HDD and may add more later for RAID setup or setup NAS RAID later.