nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Virtualisation Labbing PC Build Advice and recommendations please!! :)

Qasim_Khan

Hello All

I was hoping I could get some advice on a PC build ( I hope this is the right Section)

I am currently looking to build a PC for Virtualisation Labbing. To attain Windows 7, Server 2012 and VMware Vsphere Certifications. I am also going to be using the PC for gaming and other general day to day activities.

I currently have a case ,GPU and 1000 watt PSU.
Below is a bundle I have found on Scan.co.uk

· Motherboard - Asus ROG Rampage IV Extreme Black Edition Ivy Bridge-E Socket 2011 (64GB Ram Capacity)
· Intel Core i7 4930K Extreme, Ivy Bridge-E, Six Core, 3.4GHz, 3.9GHz Turbo- Overclocked Upto 4.6GHz - Tuned to absolute safe maximum, Performance prioritised over acoustics paired with Corsair H80 hydro cooler
· 32GB (4x8GB) Corsair Vengeance Pro, 2133MHz, CAS 11-11-11-27, 1.5V

I will additionally purchase an SSD. I am thinking of going with the below

· 500GB Samsung 840 EVO Basic SSD 7mm SATA 6GB/s 3-core MEX Controller Read 540MB/s, Write 520MB/s 98K IOPS

Would this PC build suffice for labbing? What are its limitations?, are there any additional components I should consider buying?

Thanks in advance!

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Boot Camps

Comments

gc8dc95

Looks pretty good, just make sure everyting is listed for passthrough capability (vt-x). Also, previously the 'K' processors did not have this feature enabled. I dont know if that has changed.

Qasim_Khan

Thank you for your reply Gc8dc95

I have just had a quick look. It seems to have the VT-X capability on this CPU

Expect

makes me seriously consider buying a setup for myself

Qasim_Khan

Expect, if you seriously need it, trust me go for it. I have held back for too long. My current hardware just doesn't cut it for what I want it to do. I am hoping this new kit will really help!

RouteMyPacket

Got to Ebay and look at Poweredge C1100, I am thinking about getting one for my lab for ESXi and run virtual appliances etc.

GSXRules

K didn't have VT-d (4690K/4790K do), Ks do have VT-x (3570K, 3770K, 4670K, 4690K, 4790K, 4770K)

kriscamaro68

RouteMyPacket wrote: »

Got to Ebay and look at Poweredge C1100, I am thinking about getting one for my lab for ESXi and run virtual appliances etc.

I would agree with this. Check out these threads:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2012-general/98468-hardware-setup-vm-msca-2012-testing-learning-box-2.html

http://www.techexams.net/forums/virtualization/97521-hardware-selection-help.html#post823685

swefred

An Poweredge will sound a lot I built my own in order to reduce noise. you can build a server with a Xeon 2609v2 and 64GB ram for a okay amount of money. Mine cost less then $2000 (in sweden inc 25% vat) and is quiet sins it uses water cooling.

A good home lab is an absolute must if you want to study IT. I am waiting for the next gen intel NUC with DDR4. server in your palm with 64GB+ ram

jibbajabba

We should really have a sticky about that ...

Essendon

Seconded. Sticky's needed mods!

swefred

I would prefer a wiki for a topic like this since the spec changes all the time.

I can add a question:

For storage maybe a few TB large Sata disk then a SSD for Virtual Flash Read Cach ?
all SSD might become expensive when the number of VM grows.

jibbajabba

I got a 480GB SSD and 1TB SSDH myself.

linuxabuser

Man you guys are all big spenders. I'd get 4 HP DC7900 workstations, stuff them with 16GB of RAM, and add an extra SSD.

jibbajabba

Some people go out drinking, I spend money in IT stuff

Which kinda is an investment if you think about it ..

Qasim_Khan

I live in the UK I don't think we can buy the Poweredge c1100 here. Just had a look on ebay its only available internationally. However it does look like a good choice, but I have no idea where i would put.

jibbajabba

I bought a T5500 on eBay for £99 .. came with 8GB of RAM and a Xeon E5520 ... Optional you can get a raiser to add an additional CPU and 3 RAM slots (default is 6)- cost me £75 ... Expensive stuff is RAM disks, but you will always have that

JeanM

fyi - The older Xeons are DIRT CHEAP and you can get a server dual xeon board and can go past the 32gb limit that most desktop boards have.

Qasim_Khan

Right I have my machine setup and ready for labbing

I am hoping to start my 70-680 Exam cert -Any advice on labbing and setting up virtual machines woult be awesome! To begin with I have just installed VMWARE workstation 10!

Essendon

Your VM's - Have a minimum of 2 DC's, and at least 1 member server and a client (Win 7). Keep Workstation's networking at host-only so things stay simple. For Internet access, use RRAS or another router to get out. I said 2 DC's so you can play around with replication/sites and services/DNS etc..

JeanM

Then add gpo and WSUS + Exchange, it's fun

Qasim_Khan

Thats great Essendon - What would be adequate resources in terms of virtual hardware resources for the Servers/dcs and Clients? Also will I run into any issues having them on the same SSD? - Secondly would you recommend using Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2012 for labbing?

Jean once I have the core functions of my lab up and running I shall look into the Above

GSXRules

For lab use you should not have any problems with multiple machines on a single SSD. You would probably not have any problems with multiple machines on a single 7200RPM disk assuming you were not doing anything storage-intensive. I tested a 8 VM lab on 7200RPM (WD Black laptop disk) vs SSD and while the total boot/start time (which includes starting DC, iSCSI appliance, nested ESXi hosts, vCenter and then starting VMs once everything was up) dropped from 9 minutes to 7 minutes, once it was up you could not tell the difference unless you deployed new VMs or ran storage vmotion or some other serious disk activity.

Essendon

If I were you and just starting on the cert-front, I'd start with the new MCSE exams and lab up with Server 2012. Thing is by the time you get around to coming close to the MCSA:2008, the new MCSE would've gained traction with lots of companies and the cert would be in demand.

Qasim_Khan

Essendon I see where your coming from.Makes sense to start of with something newer.

Which exam do you think I should begin with as a starting point?

ideally in the long run I would like to get into a server administrator role as well as working with virtualisation. I am currently working in a 2nd line support role. I have been in the role for around 2years+ now so am looking to move up and progress. what Cert would be ideal for me to do first?.

Essendon

70-410 is what you should begin with, IMO. As for your career plan, I'd suggest you get the MCSA/E outa the way and start on the VCP right after.

Qasim_Khan

I currently have no solid experience or exposure with servers, so would the 70-410 be the best cert to begin with? Secondly I have the 70-410 book and lab manual by Craig Zacker. I also have the CBT nuggets videos. Would this be enough material to pass the exam? any other recommendations?

JeanM

710 is a good start.

macboy81

im in the uk and i use website call swapz i managed to get my current amd asus rog setup from there for my laptop works well for my labs and i have just got a nice little mitx i7 setup for my new lab. so i managed to get rid of stuff i didnt want and got stuff i wanted without the cash layout