ESXi Whitebox - ML110 G5 or ML115 G5

[madman045]

I am currently looking to get either a ML110 G5 or ML115 G5 to use as a ESXi Whitebox to assist in my studies and allow me to play with various packages, however I'm looking for some feedback from existing users with regards of ease of install (onboard controller) and performance (this being the key part)

Im looking to run the following

2x 2003 Domain controllers
1x 2003 File & Print
1x 2003 Terminal Server (will eventually be 2008 with a 2008 TS Gateway)
1x Sharepoint
1x VPN
1x Web Server
1x Exchange 2003

Is the dual core box up to the task or will the extra cores benefit?

I already have 8GB (4x2GB) OCZ Gold PC6400 spare that I will put in and 4x500GB Seagate ES drives

I will also be putting in a single PCI-E Intel Pro 1000 PT network card

Thanks

 

[madman045]

So are we in agreement that the AMD Quad Core Opteron would be the better option?

Or the Intel Dual Core and maybe find a cheap quad to upgrade it to

I also have a Perc 5i card with the LSI firmware to use as a storage controller.

 

[madman045]

The only reason I have found so far is that the performance of the dual is better than the quad and the option to upgrade to a quad at a later date.

I can find the HP ProLiant ML110 G5 for £188 inc vat and the ML115 G5 for £230

 

[madman045]

Ok i've found the ML115 G5 with 1yr warranty for £173 inc vat + P&P or with 3yr warranty for £230 inc vat + P&P

They have slight different configurations with memory, dvd drive and supplied hard disk.

Is the 3yr year worth the extra £50?