Spec Request -- Micro PC

KingBob · 15 Feb 2013 at 14:55

Hi folks,

Could someone spec me a micro PC?

This would be an always-on PC (server) to run a few Linux VM's.
Plenty of RAM and a decent CPU, not bothered about good graphics as the VM's would be CLI only (and headless 99% of the time).

Mass-storage isn't required as I have a QNAP NAS for that, but enough for local storage of the virtual-disks (and maybe room to upgrade to RAID 1+0 at a later date).

Quiet running would be good as there's not much room in the house and there's a baby on the way!

... this leads me nicely into mentioning that CHEAP would also be a bonus!

It would need at least 3 NIC's, as I'd like to run pfSense on one of the VM's with 2 dedicated adapters, while the other VM's bridge to the third.

Thanks,
KB.

snips86x · 15 Feb 2013 at 14:58

Do you have a budget in mind?

KingBob · 15 Feb 2013 at 15:46

Hmmm... No more than £500.
Cheaper the better.

Idleman · 15 Feb 2013 at 16:11

KingBob said:
Hmmm... No more than £500.
Cheaper the better.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18487648

Have a look through the link or post a thread, you might get some better ideas or advice.

KingBob · 16 Feb 2013 at 16:21

Thanks for pointing me in that direction Idleman.

I started with this guys build:

Gammawolf said:
Mines as follows:
Intel® Core™ i5-3470 (for the VT-x, VT-d, and vPro features)
4 x 8GB DDR3 1600Mhz corsair vengeance RAM
MSI Z77MA-G45 Intel Z77
Seasonic G series 360w '80 Plus Gold' Power Supply
Tower CPU cooler with very low rpm fan

Works a treat for me

... and modified it slightly to:

1 x Intel Core i5-3470 3.20GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor
1 x MSI Z77MA-G45 Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Micro-ATX Motherboard
1 x Lian Li PC-V351A Aluminium MicroATX Cube Case - Silver
2 x Corsair Value 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Dual Channel Kit
2 x Intel Gigabit PRO/ 1000 CT PCI Express Desktop Network Adapter

£469.40

snips86x · 16 Feb 2013 at 16:24

I would go with 1600 RAM, 1333 is not worth it...

YOUR BASKET
1 x Samsung Green (MV-3V4G3D/US) 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C11 1600MHz 30nm Dual Channel Kit £35.99
Total : £38.27 (includes shipping : £1.90).

KingBob · 18 Feb 2013 at 10:45

Good point snips86x.

So I think the final build will look like:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Intel Core i5-3470 3.20GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail £149.99
1 x MSI Z77MA-G45 Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Micro-ATX Motherboard £91.99
1 x In-Win BUC 101 Midi Tower Case - Black £69.98
1 x Corsair 2013 Edition Gamer Series GS 600W '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply (CP-9020063-UK) £64.99
1 x Samsung Green (MV-3V4G3D/US) 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C11 1600MHz 30nm Dual Channel Kit £35.99
2 x Intel Gigabit PRO/ 1000 CT PCI Express Desktop Network Adapter (EXPI9301CTBLK) £26.98 (£53.96)
Total : £479.50 (includes shipping : £10.50).

That's a bigger case and a good (quiet) PSU. These will be usefull when I inevitably canabalise this system in the future!

Think I'll get half this week and half next week (after payday)!

Idleman · 18 Feb 2013 at 11:22

Nice to see you got something sorted. Actually thinking of building one of these, but using socket 775 components that I have, doing nothing. With the Network Adapters, do you need one for the server and one for your PC, as I notice you have specced 2.