Server to run Windows 2008r2 Hyper-V

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onehundredwatt

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# 36975 5-Jul-2009 20:21

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for a low end server to build a test lab at home. I'm particularly interested in Windows 2008R2 Hyper-V. Currently I have a few virtual machines running Windows 2008r2 but I need real tin to run Hyper-V.

Basic requirements would be the ability to have at least 16GB RAM, 1 x Quad core CPU (must have Virtualisation extensions)

Anyone got a good system at home or suggestions for an affordable system?

Window 2008r2 reasons to get excited

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Cheers
Steve

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# 231349 5-Jul-2009 22:16

we run windows 2008 hyper-v on several developer workstations at the office - mostly on gigabyte or intel desktop motherboards. all runs fine, but finding a board that supports 16GB ram is the hardest part - all our are 8GB max from memory.

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Ragnor

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# 231357 5-Jul-2009 22:28

What's the budget range for this, can't really make any appropriate suggestions without knowing that.

onehundredwatt

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# 231414 6-Jul-2009 07:01

Current front runner is the HP ML150G5. The G6 is out and has great specs, but I just want to make sure I'm not spending more than I need too.

I'm looking for something under $3000 but might pay a little more if the specs make it a superior option.

Ragnor

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# 231472 6-Jul-2009 10:49

IBM X3400 would probably fit in that budget also depending on the cpu/disk choices etc.

onehundredwatt

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# 231750 6-Jul-2009 18:26

Ragnor: IBM X3400 would probably fit in that budget also depending on the cpu/disk choices etc.

Thanks for the suggestion. Specs look good, I'm getting a quote tomorrow :-)

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# 233115 9-Jul-2009 16:55

i just ordered a new developer box consisting of:

Q8400 Quad Core CPU
8gb ram
Intel BOXDQ45CB uATX motherboard
2 x 320gb hdd

all for around $1000 (ex gst).

A lot cheaper for 'test lab' machine than an ML150 server (and a lot quieter too!)

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Scuzzy2010

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# 234379 12-Jul-2009 17:13

I am also interested to build a server at home for Hyper-V, my budget is around $600-700 for the motherboard, RAM and CPU. I am concerned about getting the right motherboard and RAM otherwise it will be a waste. Has anyone managed to run Hyper-V on Gigabyter or Asus motherboards ? If yes, could you post the model number and the CPU/RAM details ? Thanks.

Ragnor

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# 234405 12-Jul-2009 19:07

You need a CPU that supports hardware virtualisation either AMD-V or Intel VT. Almost all modern CPU's have this and you can quickly check the specifications of any CPU model online from AMD or Intel to double check.

Only the very cheapest lowest market segment motherboard chipsets don't support Hyper-V. For intel any P35 or P45 chipset board will which is what most people go for with an Intel CPU. For AMD I'm sure the 720 and newer chipsets would be fine.

rhysb

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# 234436 12-Jul-2009 20:51

I've got both a Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3P and a GA-MA790FX-DQ6 running Hyper-V here. The intel board has 16GB, while the AMD has 8GB but is supposed to support 16GB. They both have dual Gb ethernet too which is useful.

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# 234491 12-Jul-2009 22:45

Ragnor: You need a CPU that supports hardware virtualisation either AMD-V or Intel VT. Almost all modern CPU's have this and you can quickly check the specifications of any CPU model online from AMD or Intel to double check.

You also need a BIOS that enables Hardware Virtualization and enabled Hardware DEP. This limits the more consumer oriented motherboards to only certain models.

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# 234517 13-Jul-2009 00:07

Hmm really, pretty much every P35 and P45 intel chipset board I've seen supports hardware virtualization.

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# 234806 13-Jul-2009 16:58

AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH: apparently the Q8200 CPU *does not support hardware virtualisation* (but the Q8400 does).

so there is a lesson for you all :) (at my expense)

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rhysb

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# 234819 13-Jul-2009 17:32

This may have been helpful ;-)

http://processorfinder.intel.com

exportgoldman

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# 234836 13-Jul-2009 18:08

A good tool I use to check if a machine you already have is able to support Hyper-V is Securable from GRC, no install required...

http://www.grc.com/securable.htm

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# 234918 13-Jul-2009 20:43

rhysb: This may have been helpful ;-)

http://processorfinder.intel.com

yeah, i was in a hurry and made a dumb assumption that the newer quad core had virtualisation support too (all the older ones of the same 'calibre' did)

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