Urgent Build - Server - VM host - SQL Box

[tspinning]

Hey all,
My old man is in need of a server and is consolidating computers and laptops (after a catastrophic failure of his core laptop/dev/sql machine) into one box for the house.

Anyway here's the questions/answers- the only real key is I need to get this built tomorrow so he can be back to work on Monday or Tuesday.

Luckily I live next to MicroCenter Cambridge - MA which should make this possible.


1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc

Near 24x7 operation as the core home server, hosting a few Server 2008 R2 VM's for SQL development. Running SQL Management Studio as the core app, MS Office, light photo editing and some very light video work. Also, music/media streaming to household devices (WiFi enabled TV, laptops, tablets).

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Aiming for $1100.00 (Including tax).

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
Cambridge, MA area, very near MicroCenter

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget?
Case
Power Supply
Mobo
CPU
Memory
HD x 2
SSD
CD/DVD Burner

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing?
Have Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor (22")

6) Will you be overclocking?
NO

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
22" 1680x1050 - Could see him going to 24" 1920 x 1200 w/in a year.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
This weekend. Yea, sorry bout the short notice...

9) What features do you need in a motherboard?
USB 3, SATA 6/GB - On board Video is fine. Thinking about RAID1 for the data drives, but also talking about using an external device running weekly backups so maybe not.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Yes, 64 Bit - have full access to MSDN licenses for Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, XP etc...



My ideas and question- Base OS... Windows 7 x 64 Enterprise running VM-workstation which will host Server 2008 R2 VM's for SQL development. Win7 will be local file server for house.

Here's my build thoughts:

CASE: Antec Performance One Series P280 ATX: $129.99
http://www.microcenter.com/product/383858/Performance_One_Series_P280_ATX_Mid_Tower_Computer_Case

PS: Corsair Builder Series 600Watt $69.99
http://www.microcenter.com/product/361423/Builder_Series_600_Watt_ATX_12V_Power_Supply

CPU: Intel Core i5 3570k $189.99*
*Might be out of stock.. had 10 yesterday... ahh! Maybe i7?
http://www.microcenter.com/product/388577/Core_i5_3570K_34GHz_LGA_1155_Processor

MOBO: Asus P8Z77-V Pro $209.99
http://www.microcenter.com/product/386887/P8Z77-V_PRO_LGA_1155_Z77_ATX_Intel_Motherboard

RAM: Corsair XMS3 16GB $109.99*
*4x4 or 2x8?? which will best be saturated by the processor?
http://www.microcenter.com/product/...l_Desktop_Memory_Kit_(Four_4GB_Memory_Modules)

HD (SSD): Vertex 3 Series VTX3-25SAT3-120G 120GB (OS/Base host) $109.99
http://www.microcenter.com/product/...te_Drive_(SSD)_with_SandForce_2281_Controller

HD (VM's data) 2x Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM :$105 each
http://www.microcenter.com/product/...0Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_WD1002FAEX_-_OEM

CD/DVD Burner: Sony AD-7280S-DB $16.99
http://www.microcenter.com/product/380574/AD-7280S-0B_24x_SATA_Internal_DVD_Burner_-_OEM

----
Total = $1045.94
but this CPU might not be available... sadness, I think MIT kids cleared out the stock on this and the 90GB SSD last night... will check in tonight.

::edit update price ($1100) and Base OS choice (Win 7 x64)

 

[Dangman]

From everything you've said so far, your father will be fine with the cheaper Asus P8Z77-V LK motherboard. If your MC doesn't have that motherboard in stock (remember that MC's website isn't entirely accurate a lot of times), the Asus P8Z77-V is an ok but overkill choice. Either way, don't go for the Asus P8Z77-V Pro.

CPU wise, if the Core i5 3570K isn't in stock, then go for the Core i7 3770K. Remember that MC still has that deal where the cost of any Z77 mobo purchased with a Core i5 3570K or Core i7 3770K will be knocked down by $50.

RAM wise, considering your father's usage scenarios, go for the 2 x 8GB route since it'll let him eventually upgrade to 32GB of RAM without having to take out any sticks of RAM. I recommend this RAM:
http://microcenter.com/product/3863...el_Desktop_Memory_Kit_(Two_8GB_Memory_Modules)

SSD wise, go for this more reliable, cheaper, and larger Crucial M4 128GB SSD instead:
http://microcenter.com/product/3645...lid_State_Drive_(SSD)_with_Marvell_Controller

Storage wise, for the external device running weekly backups route if you can't afford to do both a RAID 1 array and an external hard drive setup. Do not rely on RAID 1 alone.

 

[tspinning]

Thank you for your prompt and excellent assistance Danny! I've just finished some reading on the Vertex drives and agree with the swap (and the memory change). I've been running an OCZ V3 with great success (knocks on desk) but think I'll move to the Crucial. As for RAID 1, I won't build it if he won't get an external and explain his plan right away, I can't deal with another situation like this week

I'll come and post the build outcome and some pics tomorrow! Cheers.