Upgrade suggestions

[elcamino74ss]

I'm trying to consolidate/upgrade some rigs.

My current web/email/work desktop is

AMD X2 5050e, Biostar 690 mobo, 4gb ddr, and an 8800gt
I want to move this set up minus the video card to replace my old 2.4 xeon file server

I have currently been running the VMs on an old dual 3.6 xeon box

The new setup with be for email, web, and running VMs for my testing
For the new setup I am looking at a few options that all seem to be in a similar price range.
For ram I want to get 8gb either ddr2 800 or 1066 depending on the combo.
For cpu I've been looking at either an Intel Q8200, AMD Phenom II 920
I've also looked at getting a P2 X3 720 or 550be and hope to unlock the cores.

Any suggestion on which would handle running multiple VMs with VM Workstation better?

 

[Denithor]

Q8200 does not support virtualization.

Unlocking cores is a crapshoot. Expect three cores if that's what you pay for (don't buy a triple if you need a quad).

Minimal real-world difference between DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066. Just get some good-quality DDR2-800 (1.8V is the best) and you'll be fine.

 

[elcamino74ss]

is the gains of hardware/cpu virtualization support noticeable? if so that narrows down my options on cpu choices.

 

[Lunyone]

Personally I think the PhII 720 BE is a good setup to start with, depending on options needed and your budget (which you haven't stated). I'm not sure if virtulization is a big thing for you or not, but I believe Win7 will have that for backward compatibilty, IIRC. So it can be a big deal, depending on what software you run. Personally I believe AMD on the lower-mid end has a better coverage of options and abilities over Intel. It's up to you, but depending on your budget, you can get either an AMD based system or an Intel one.

 

[M0RPH]

I see you live in TX.. if you happen to live near one of the Microcenters you can get good deals on Intel quads, like the Q8200 for $120 and Q9550 for $170.

 

[elcamino74ss]

Budget is somewhat open. Still looking at options and wanting to get a good bang for the buck.

Since the machine will be mostly running VM's I am concerned on the virtualization but not sure if the cpu support is really a worthwhile performance gain.

Yes I do drive past the Dallas Microcenter going back and forth to work every day.

 

[elcamino74ss]

Have a deal pending for a Q9400 still new in box for $140 local sale