2 replies to this topic

[Luretryne]

Just sold my watercooled high-end rig

So I am looking into building an new rig which is going to be small and powerfull. Dont need a lot of GPU power for this build. An GTX 560 will do more than enough.

The usage for the computer is mainly running Arch Linux and a lot of VMs. Virtual Machines.

I need to get an ASUS motherboard since I have an good deal with them.
Been looking at these:
P8P67M
Or
P8P67M-PRO

And as CPU
i5 2500
Or
i7 2600

I need the versions without "k" or else Virtualization isnt fully supported. Does anyone know if the Hyper Threading and 8MB cache from i7 will benefit a lot in Virtualization?

P67 is the chipset I have to go with since I don`t think Z68 is well supported for Linux with the GPU and SSD chaching system. Anyone have any experience with that?

And I want the build to be most silent as possible. I don´t have a lot of experience with passive cooling powerfull components. But a fan with low noise isnt bad either.

Im thinking of buying this case:
Define Mini
Since it has some sound dempening things inbuilt. Looks good and is small.

Will it be possible to passive cool the CPU? Alternative is to have an good aftermarket cooler with big silent fans. I also need some case fans that does a great work.

My biggest conern is the GPU. It will make a lot of noise for sure.
EVGA GTX 560 default with the big middle fan
or
ASUS GtX 560 Direct CU with 2 fans. Not the TOP version.

A GTX 550 will probably do the work also.

There might be possible to turn the clock speeds down and maybe turn off the fan and make it auto scaling or something.

The PSU will be an Corsair 850W 80Plus gold which I have good experience with.

Any advices appreciated

Edited by Luretryne, 27 January 2012 - 11:08 AM.

[Challenger]

Don't think those motherboards you picked out even support VT-d (however I could be mistaken). Apparently hardly any P67/H67 boards support VT-d. edit scrap that VT-d isn't even in the P67/H67 spec so no board supports it with that chipset.

For the GPU, DONT get a gpu for a VM Server just use the builtin one in the cpu - hence you need a mobo with support for the integrated gpu and VT-d.

you can also get a lower wattage power supply without a gpu so the rig will be much quieter and much less power hungry - not to mention cheaper!

Here is a list of intel boards that support VT-d: http://www.intel.com...b/CS-030922.htm

[Luretryne]

Thanks for the info. Well If this computer would have been used as running an dedicated Xen,KVM etc virtualization solution I wouldn't get an GPU. But since I am going to be using this computer as an normal computer and also run virtualization. Thats why I need an GPU.

I know the PSU is overkill for this setup but I was thinking of maybe running an SLI setup but I see that I need an total different motherboard.
I could get an 550W
http://www.corsair.c...wer-supply.html
Or 650W
http://www.corsair.c...wer-supply.html

I might not need VT-D since later on im going to be building an dedicated server for that. All I need is support for 64Bit virtualization.

So If I will get okey/good 64Bit virtualization with VT-X that is supported by the Asus motherboards and even the "k" processors ill be happy with that

Edited by Luretryne, 27 January 2012 - 11:51 PM.