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6 Replies Last post: Nov 8, 2009 3:36 AM by sanassasin  

Shuttle based ESXi box -suggestions & what do you have working? posted: Nov 7, 2009 8:20 AM

Click to view sanassasin's profile Lurker
sanassasin
4 posts since
Oct 9, 2009

I know that a few have put together SX38P2-Pro boxes for ESXi but has anyone got it working with any of the newer shuttle boxes?

I am looking to build a small box within a budget of 700 USD for the following uses:

1 - Virtual AD/File servers (replacing my NSLU2 domain controller and another ancient file server)

2 - Setting up some new servers for home automation

3 - Testing out VMs for work (Sharepoint, SQL and a whole slew of other things)

I want to avoid adding extra peripherals for basic functions but I am hoping to throw 3 to 4x 2.5" HDDs as opposed to 2x 3.5" HDDs in order to improve spindle count and also performance so what combination of hardware will work (maybe even an extra RAID card)?


Tags: shuttle, vmware, esxi4, small

Re: Shuttle based ESXi box -suggestions & what do you have working?

1. Nov 7, 2009 12:51 PM in response to: sanassasin
Click to view J1mbo's profile Expert
J1mbo
581 posts since
May 20, 2009
Sounds more like a job for an HP ML115 G5 to me B-)

Please award points to any useful answer.

Re: Shuttle based ESXi box -suggestions & what do you have working?

2. Nov 7, 2009 2:55 PM in response to: J1mbo
Click to view sanassasin's profile Lurker
sanassasin
4 posts since
Oct 9, 2009
If I could I would build something of that sort but my current place, my space is extremely limited. I know it can be done but I'm just unsure of the hardware and the work part just gained critical mass

Re: Shuttle based ESXi box -suggestions & what do you have working?

3. Nov 7, 2009 9:10 PM in response to: sanassasin
Click to view Dave.Mishchenko's profile Guru
Dave.Mishchen…
8,976 posts since
Nov 15, 2005
If you're planning to use RAID you should be aware that most onboard RAID controllers like the Intel ICH*R or nVidia MCP families don't provide RAID with ESX(i) drivers. You'll also get a significant performance boost if you pick a RAID controller with battery backed write cache.




Dave
VMware Communities User Moderator

New book in town - vSphere Quick Start Guide -http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/08/12/new-book-in-town-vsphere-quick-start-guide/.
Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL - http://www.vm-help.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=21.

Re: Shuttle based ESXi box -suggestions & what do you have working?

4. Nov 7, 2009 10:34 PM in response to: Dave.Mishchen…
Click to view sanassasin's profile Lurker
sanassasin
4 posts since
Oct 9, 2009

Based on your comment Dave, do you have any suggestions on the RAID card - I have a tight budget and because of some pressure, I guess I may end up going with a C2Q based one. The shuttle mentioned above.

Re: Shuttle based ESXi box -suggestions & what do you have working?

5. Nov 8, 2009 2:08 AM in response to: sanassasin
Click to view Dave.Mishchenko's profile Guru
Dave.Mishchen…
8,976 posts since
Nov 15, 2005
Take a look at vm-help.com for a list of hardware ESXi can recognize. I'd look at LSI based controllers like the Dell Perc 5i. If performance is important get something with battery backed write cache.




Dave
VMware Communities User Moderator

New book in town - vSphere Quick Start Guide -http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/08/12/new-book-in-town-vsphere-quick-start-guide/.
Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL - http://www.vm-help.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=21.

Re: Shuttle based ESXi box -suggestions & what do you have working?

6. Nov 8, 2009 3:36 AM in response to: Dave.Mishchen…
Click to view sanassasin's profile Lurker
sanassasin
4 posts since
Oct 9, 2009

After giving it some thought, my build is shaping up to be something along the lines of:

Intel C2Q 9400
8GB (2x4GB) DDR2 800
Intel 1000GT PCIe
WD Scorpio Blue 500GBx2 (2.5") type
Shuttle SG45H7

1 USB stick for ESXi 4

This may just break the budget cap but it would suffice for the moment. After all, this for home production/lab servers so to speak. As long as it can handle the VMs from work that I throw at it...all the while keeping my home AD and file servers online, I can use it.

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