New ESXI Server 2013

[LiteForce]

Hello!
I am about to build an ESXi server that I intend to run a number of vm on. The server is going to run 24/7
ClearOS for Firewall
FreeNAS for storage
Ubuntu for Linux stuff
WinXp for windows things
Win8 same as WinXP and some win7.

The motherboard I think about is super micro X9SRH-7TF because it has dual 10gb nic Intel ® X540 and the card also has an LSI 2308 on board
it is cheaper to buy this motherboard than the NICs separately.

Now to my question Which processor should I choose? can not find much comparison between Xeon processors.
I am choosing between these.
e5-1620 = 4 cores 8 threads 130 Max TDP GHz 3.6
e5-2620 = 6 cores 12 threads 95 Max TDP GHz 2
e5-1650 = 6 cores 12 threads 130 Max TDP GHz 3.2

It leans towards e5-2620 due to lower TDP 95 Max and because it is the cheapest six core processor.
But will it be enough or do I need a more powerful processor for my vm's
ex e5-1650 .

Considering also the e5-1620 because the price is right but it has only 4 cores and 8 threads.
Is 4 cores enough? and 8 threads? or is 6 cores preferable on esxi .

How many virutiel machines can e5-2620 handle vs e5-1650 vs e5-1620 without getting tired

Hope someone here with experience can explanations for a beginner like me so i can choose the right processor for the task
thanks.

 

[m1abram]

Since the board you choose is a single socket, not sure you will really benefit from the e5-2620 or any e5-2xxx. The e5-2xxx are designed for dual socket use.

 

[m1abram]

Have you considered going the with one of the newer E3 v2 (ivy based). The have more power per watt. Course you would need to find a different motherboard though.

 

[LiteForce]

Since the board you choose is a single socket, not sure you will really benefit from the e5-2620 or any e5-2xxx. The e5-2xxx are designed for dual socket use.

Yes I know the 26xx is for dual socket use, but you can run it in single socket use also. The question is, will it do the job or not it's only at 2GHz. but it is energy efficient 95 watt max. The others are at 130watt but run faster in ghz

.
I'm trying to find out how much the different processors are capable of before i make the choice.If the e5-2620 can handle 15 to 25 vm's and zfs without problems. Then I most likely do not need a faster cpu.

 

[LiteForce]

Have you considered going the with one of the newer E3 v2 (ivy based). The have more power per watt. Course you would need to find a different motherboard though.

Yes I have looked at those too but with e3 I'm locked to 32gb memory.
The e5 has 40 PCI Express 3.0 lanes the e3 has not.
And I want the 10gb network cards that come with X9SRH-7TF. no e3 motherboards have these as I know.

 

[dave99]

You are most likely going to run out of ram or iops before any of those CPUs limit you.

 

[peanuthead]

Yes I have looked at those too but with e3 I'm locked to 32gb memory.
The e5 has 40 PCI Express 3.0 lanes the e3 has not.
And I want the 10gb network cards that come with X9SRH-7TF. no e3 motherboards have these as I know.

Assuming you are using the free Esxi version you are going to be locked at 32gb ram anyways.

 

[LiteForce]

You are most likely going to run out of ram or iops before any of those CPUs limit you.

Ok so if I understand you correctly. then one e5-2620 will be enough by a wide margin to 15-20 vm's guests.
I Thinking of running vm's from ssd for better IOPS to

 

[LiteForce]

Assuming you are using the free Esxi version you are going to be locked at 32gb ram anyways.

It depends. If I run ESXi 5 and up yes then I am limited to 32gb.
But if I run ex ESXi 4.1, I am not limited to 32gb.

And an alternative is to buy a license if I want to run 5 and up with more memory

 

[ND40oz]

Ok so if I understand you correctly. then one e5-2620 will be enough by a wide margin to 15-20 vm's guests.
I Thinking of running vm's from ssd for better IOPS to

Single processor board, I'd go with the E5-1650. No reason to buy a dual processor capable processor if you'll never use it.