Re: Quad processor / server - recommendation ?

[Jon Payne <jgpayne@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Marcus,

I don't have any recommendations I'm afraid because I'm running an Athlon
CPU:

65W Athlon X2 (I couldn't get hold of the 35 or 45W versions at the time)
which levels off at ~90W consumpation at the socket with four HDDs (1 x
200gig boot drive, 2 x 300gig data disks, 1 x 80gig VM HD image drive).

Running WHS host OS, 1 x Windows XP VM for remote desktop (on a Viewsonic
Airpanel) running on Virtual Server (so available 24/7) and 1 x Windows XP
VM for HA development running on Virtual PC (because I want sound)

Note that I replaced the original PSU with a 80%+ efficient model (30quid
from ebuyer) which shaved 20W off the power consumption and is a lot
quieter.

Cheers,
Jon

----- Original Message ----
From: Marcus Warrington <marcus.warrington@xxxxxxx>
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, 26 October, 2007 10:16:03 AM
Subject: [ukha_d] Quad processor / server - recommendation ?


I'm beginning the process of combining the 2 PC's that I have running
24x7 into Virtual Machines running on a single more powerful PC.



The current  24x7 machines are ;



PIII 600 - handles reverese proxy access to TiVo  +  Torrent /MiRC/P2P
downloads

Duron800 - Touchscreen jjukebox running Xlobby - feeding music from a
NSLU2 NAS



My plan is to build a single PC probably based around a Quadcore (Energy
Efficient 95w GO) E6600 , and then use VMWare to have virtual machines ;



VM1 : External facing : P2P stuff running on own subnet - (imaged to
allow quick restore if infected or attacked)

VM2 : External facing : Reverse proxy / FTP access / Website to house

VM3 : Internal facing :  HA software / Xap Hub etc



Xlobby running on host machine (I don't think I can VM this as because
of the display / touchscreen) - 2 soundbalster cards running as 8 stereo
Zones

GB-PVR running from a dual freeview tuner (PCI-E). (I don't think I can
run in a VM since it needs access to the DVBT cards. Although I wonder
if USB based DVBT might be do-able in VM)



I'm hoping this will provide better resilience from attacks,/ virus'  -
allowing quick restore of image instead of complete reinstalls, and also
may provide more efficient power consumption since I'll only be using
one power supply (EE) , fan. chipset, harddisc etc



ATM I'm looking at a Quadcore processor running 4gig on a Gigbyte
GA965P-DS3 board (intel chipset), running XP professional as host and
guest O/S'



Has anyone gone down this route.. anyone have any advice or
recommendations on motherbards etc.



Marcus



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