Lab PC's

in CCNA & CCENT
What do people use for PC's in their labs, for the LAN PC's and the console?
I'm guessing its easier if you have a PC to use for console sessions, along with some to use on the LAN to enable quick and easy configuration / pinging etc.
I was planning to get 5 old cheap desktops but then I started looking at a rack mounted server. I'm assuming that if I get a server I could run something like VMWare on it, add some extra network cards and then have in effect four or five PC's running on it - which would be more than enough. Plus it would give me some experience with VMWare.
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm guessing its easier if you have a PC to use for console sessions, along with some to use on the LAN to enable quick and easy configuration / pinging etc.
I was planning to get 5 old cheap desktops but then I started looking at a rack mounted server. I'm assuming that if I get a server I could run something like VMWare on it, add some extra network cards and then have in effect four or five PC's running on it - which would be more than enough. Plus it would give me some experience with VMWare.
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
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Comments
+1
I did use old PC's with my lab until I found Vmware workstation and GNS3, now I have one fast machine with 6GB of RAM that I run my labs on. Use a lot less electricity, less heat and no noise!
People think, and I was one them that old kit is better - it's soo not. For those new to Cisco I would certainly recommend a real lab but then as soon as you get used to it sell it and use GNS3 with virtual pc's.
CCIE R&S - using INE workbooks & videos
Currently reading:
Everything. Twice
Finally, can anyone recommend a decent 2nd hand rack server to go for? I was looking at the Dell PowerEdge 2650 at about £200-£250, anything else in a similar price bracket?
Don't need a server for the lab just a decent PC, at least dual core and loads of RAM
CCIE R&S - using INE workbooks & videos
Currently reading:
Everything. Twice
Ultimate VMWare ESX Whitebox
VMware Compatibility Guide - Search the VMware Compatibility Guide