Upgrade halp!

[stealthgeek]

Hey guise....

Need some assistance, Im looking at replacing the rig-in-me-sig for something a bit beefier. Im planning on taking the new Microsoft MCSE exams, so need something flooded with RAM (32GB preferably), a CPU with more grunt would help as well.

So, looking at a mobo-cpu-ram swapout, Im a bit lost these days when it comes to the different socket types. Is 2011 the way to go? Seems pricey, I was wondering if 1155 might be OK, but just a bit worried about future-proofing. Ideally, this build will last the next 5 years, so room for upgrades is a must. I looked at the new 6-core CPU's as this might help when running multiple VM's, but they seem way overpriced at the moment. Does anyone have any experience of running 4 or 5 VMs on a 2600k?

No idea of budget really, I guess if it works for me I'll find the money.

 

[stealthgeek]

That looks great! I was actually just eyeing up this mobo, if only for the extra USB3/Sata3 connectors and extra pci slot (I have an Asus DX PCI sound card , not sure if my wireless card is PCI or PCIex...)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-063-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

Cheers

 

[stealthgeek]

Ahhh Thunderbolt! I hadnt even spotted that! I thought that was just for Macs??

Hmmm decisions....

 

[stealthgeek]

Just bought that spec

Fun weekend ahead!

Im wondering if sysprepping my Win8 install before upgrading is a good idea, or not needed?

 

[stealthgeek]

Just puts it into 'first use' mode, or OOBE to give it its correct name, where device drivers are detected and installed. In theory, a sysprepped build can be put onto any device and it should work. Just a bit concerned that Windows wont like having its boot drive on a different SATA controller, plus all the chipset drivers will be different.

Yes, Ive got 8 Pro thankfully, means I can use Client Hyper-V

My case is a Silverstone Fortress FT02:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-167-SV&groupid=2362&catid=1092&subcat=

 

[stealthgeek]

Server infrastructure and private cloud MCSE's need several 2012 servers. I also want a few win8 clients hanging off the domain to test image deployments/virtualisations etc. Its probably overkill, and I could make do with 16GB, but I'd rather pay a bit extra and assign at least 4GB per VM. These VM's will be stored on a regular magnetic disk, so reducing page swaps will help performance when running 3-5 VM's.

 

[stealthgeek]

Cool, was a bit worried about the cooler height but looks all right

(not my PC).

Thats the fella! The thing is like a tank and weighs a tonne when fully loaded...

 

[stealthgeek]

4gb per vm jesus that a lot of memory ^^

GL na d HF with your new build and GL in your exams

Well, I dont like to do things by halves

Cheers, im hoping this all isnt a big fat waste of cash

 

[stealthgeek]

no its not a waste, im studying for the 70-685 and doing some linux on the side. having your own virtual enviroments at home is a big help. easiest way to learn is hands on.

+ if your reading the official training books each chapter has exercises and you can go through and do them all in comfort of your home . and if you think your gunna break something when messing about take a quick snapshot first

GL with yours, I did the 680 and 686 last year

Its all arrived, tonight's the night to assemble and transplant!

 

[stealthgeek]

Surprised how smooth it went, left everything at stock for the moment, but its noticably faster than the Q9550, Ive seen a bump in my avg BF3 fps.

One thing that I wasnt expecting was just how well Windows handled being transferred - I saw a 'Installing Devices' message for a few minutes and then BOOM, desktop! I tried to sysprep before installing, but apparently sysprepping an upgrade install isnt supported...

Cheers Olivier for the advice!