New to ESXI want to build a pc to run it

[hopefulhype]

Im looking to learn more about servers, rather than build several different machines i figured i could use esxi and learn about that too.

the problem is that i dont really know too much about esxi or what it requires, i pretty much know nothing about it.

Ive built machines before so im a little familiar with hardware, i just want to make sure i get the right equipment

not sure on the motherboard or the processor needed. I want to run it in a mini itx box if possible and in raid 5 so i need a mobo with at least 4 sata ports and i figure the psu will be about 400 to 500w

the hard drives will be expensive i know, newegg has a deal on 2 tb wd reds for 100 so i plan on getting 3 of those

besides that i would like to spend the least amount on the other hardware, ive already selected the case and the ram, the psu will just be a gold certified psu

the main part i need help on is the mobo and processor unless im headed in the wrong direction

and can the raid be supported by the mobo or esxi or do i need a raid card?

thanks for the help

this is the hardware ive chosen so far

bitfenix mini itx case, white and black are sold out
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811345020

8gb pny ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820178333

3 x wd red 2 tb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822236343

your help is appreciated.

anything else you think i should know about esxi is appreciated.

help?

[planetvmuk]

You can run ESXi on PC-based motherboards etc so rather than waste your money on something like a Mini ITX why not just use a second hand PC to learn the software.

If you are going to spend hard cash in order to learn about servers, building your own mini ITX system won't help too much.  Why not use the money to purchase a 2nd hand 1U server off ebay?

I've got a couple of Dell R200's, even some older 850's that work fine - and are pretty cheap.

[EdWilts]

the problem is that i dont really know too much about esxi or what it requires, i pretty much know nothing about it.

Ive built machines before so im a little familiar with hardware, i just want to make sure i get the right equipment

A quick Google search for "VMware home lab" will yield a lot of responses on getting set up, including software packages that will make your life a lot simpler.

[changk]

ESXi 5.0 accepts many types of Intel platforms. If you are building a computer from scratch, any i5 or i7 will be more than enough. RAM is very important, more than the processor. Depending on how many virtual environments you plan to have, you will need more RAM. At least 16GB will be recommendable. You dont need right now a RAID or any facy. A 1 TB hard drive will be more than enough.

I am creating a tutorial on how to build a PC and run several virtual environments in my blog: http://changk.net/?p=107

[aravinds3107]

Check Building the Ultimate vSphere Lab to know how to build ESXi based on workstation.