ESXI SFF Build

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Hello,

I am after some advice with a build for a lab machine to run ESXi on. Up to now I have been using to vmware for workstation to run a lab environment. I have about 5-10 machines with a DC, SQL server, Application servers, and a number of workstations. I mainly use it for testing application builds or problem solving work issues with a freedom to screw it up rather than the companies one

I want to move this off my main computer on to a new machine but I want it to be slightly more portable so I can take it off to the customer sites. Hence why I am looking for a SFF build.

I like the look of the BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Cube Case, looking at a 500w modular cool master power supply, with about 16 gig of ram, and a 2TB WD Red drive. I have a spare SSD I can use with a plan to upgrade as required.

What I am struggling with is the choice of CPU or the number of cores I can present to the VM's. I would like to keep the cost down go for an Icore 3 CPU. That has 2 cores but with hyper threading it would give me 4 in total. However for a bit more the AMD FX8350 Black Edition 8 Core Processor has double the number.

I am planning on sticking with the GPU on the chip rather than a separate graphics card if that makes any difference. I might upgrade in the future to consider a steam stream box for when staying in hotels

I also want to ensure the CPU and motherboard are fully supported by ESXI so any advice would be useful and any thoughts on a core issue. What I dont want to do is create any future bottlenecks on the CPU usage.

 

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Sounds like OP will be configuring networking so that won't be an issue.

For general use or on remote sites I will be taking a laptop with me to act as the vm client.

However Little_Crow I think was referring to me using it as a steam box in hotels. I was thinking that I could dual boot the machine or simply run an OS off a USB disc. I have not tried it but I assume I could use Linux as an os to stream from my windows PC. That is a nice to have rather than critical at this stage.

In terms of CPU I was thinking about Intel i5 4590 Quad Core CPU or the Intel i3-4160 Dual Core Processor

I was looking at Asus H81I-PLUS Motherboard to support them.

I heard the stock coolers are rubbish but I am not going to be over clocking it so I dont want a water cooler. I was thinking something cheap but small to fit in the ITX case like a ARCTIC Alpine 11 Rev.2