Lowest-end virtualization-enhanced system?

[Dooling37]

Hi all,

I'm looking to build or (more likely) buy a system to be used on my home network solely for purposes of playing/testing with virtual machines. I don't need the fastest CPU on the market, nor do I have the funds to pay for it. What I do want, however, is a system with Intel or AMD virtualization extensions to improve performance to a reasonable level.
I've read a bit more about Intel VT, but I am not totally opposed to AMD-V. What I haven't been able to find out is at what level Intel & AMD begin including these technologies in their products -- in other words, what is the lowest-end CPU I could possibly get that includes the virtualization extensions?

FWIW, I'm planning for probably 4GB RAM & ~250GB HDD, if anyone has any (cheap!) recommendations!


thanks much,
Bob

 

[Dooling37]

(would this be better asked in the CPUs-Overclocking forum?)

 

[Roguestar]

The E6**0 series of processors are the cheapest intel processors that have hardware support for virtualisation.

 

[Dooling37]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
The E6**0 series of processors are the cheapest intel processors that have hardware support for virtualisation.

Thank you very much.

 

[QuixoticOne]

http://processorfinder.intel.com/
Yeah get the E6xxx or better.

Here's 4GB (2x2GB DDR2 kit) of CL6 RAM for $45 after $30 rebate + 5 shipping.
http://shop1.frys.com/product/5530560

Looks like they just jacked up the price.. it was $40 after rebate earlier today.

Somewhat slow RAM, but for virtualization it'll do the job inexpensively.

I'd put 8GB RAM into the box if you really want the Host and the Guest to both have significant amounts of free memory. Otherwise you'll have about 1GB used for the OS & stuff in the Host, 1GB used for the OS & stuff in the guest, and only 2GB free if you had a total of 4GB installed. Not bad for some duties, but if you're doing lots of stuff you could run out of RAM for the host / guest easily enough.

I'd go with an inexpensive but quality made P35 or P45 chipset motherboard of some type. Maybe see what Gigabyte offers .. GA-P35-DS3 or something if that is cheap now.

 

[Dooling37]

QuixoticOne -- thanks a bunch. I'll look into your suggestions..

 

[Dooling37]

Any opinions on this white-box system for the needs stated above? ~$730, shipped.

Intel CPU : Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz, 1066FSB (Quad Core) 8000K
Intel CPU Fans : Cooler Master Intel Heavy Duty fan
Intel Motherboards : Gigabyte GA-P35-S3G P35, PCI Express, Sound, 1Gb LAN
DDR2 memory : 4GB (2x2GB) PC6400 DDR2 800 Dual Channel
PCI-Express Video cards : GeForce 8400GS 256Mb PCI EXpress 16X dual head, tv out
Hard Drives : 320.0GB Western Digital 7200RPM SATA2 UDMA 300 16m cache
Hard Drives : 160.0GB Western Digital 7200rpm SATA2 UDMA 300 8m Cache
DVD Recorders : Samsung 20x DVD Recorder Dual Layer +R/RW -R/RW (black)
Sound Cards : AC 97 3D Full Duplex sound card (onboard)
Network Cards : Ethernet network adapter (onboard)
Cases : Nikao Black Neon ATX Case w/side window & front USB
Case Fans : Dual Case Fans 80 mm DC fan (two fans)
Power Supply : Okia 400W ATX Power Supply
NO OS
NO monitor

Quad Core Q6600, with VT technology. 4GB RAM, with mobo support for upgrades to 8 GB. CPU & case fans, as cooling is a concern in this environment. Two HDDs to allow for easy OS re-install of host system while retaining data on separate drive.

Items I'm particularly unsure about:
- video card. I don't need anything special for gaming, graphics, editing, etc., but I understand I should probably get a dedicated card to avoid taking away shared memory from the rest of the system. Plus, I may go with a dual-monitor setup at some point. So, I went with the cheapest dedicated video card option..
- power supply. sufficient?


Do these specs seem appropriate? Is this a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for your feedback..