New PC build

[njpower001]

Hello everyone, this is my first post to this group.
I am currently studying for my MCSE certification tests. It is clear to me that I must build a new PC to accomplish the exercises in the microsoft press books.
I want to build a computer that will be fast and will run Windows server 2003 as a host and 2 more copies of Windows server 2003 as well as 2 copies of Windows XP professional at the same time using Virtual PC.
I need recommendations on cpu(s) and motherboards. Single or dual core, one processor or two.
I have read all about the battle between AMD and Intel, most of the reviews recommend the AMD Opteron 200 series. They state that the Intel’s have a heating problem. I have also noticed that the Intel series offer much higher clock speeds. Other reviews report exactly the opposite. I want to get the best performance for my money but I don’t want to buy the components that will be obsolete and un-supported in a few weeks. .I also don’t need a space heater.
I have been thinking of using 2 dual core processors. I can not find a motherboard that has (2) 939 sockets, so I think the Athlon’s are out.
I need a motherboard that has more than 1 or 2 PCI ports. Onboard audio and (two) Gb Ethernet LAN ports are needed, onboard video would be nice but not mandatory.
I need advice on the processors and motherboards that would best suit my needs
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[PC TECH250]

Intel states higher clock speeds while AMD outperforms them all too often. Generally the X2
dual core design is intended for single cpu boards to somewhat offer what a two cpu does in processing power. Intel's line of P4s do crank up the temps as usual. But even with AMD's
lower operating temps having an effective cooling method inplace is one thing to advise. In
reeference to PCI are you refering to the standard pci slots used for sound and other types
or PCI Express? That will gradually replace all types of AGP types all too soon.

When advising a friend on grabbing a new MSI due to better specifications over an Asus mb
being looked over at the time the requirement of three pci slots was mandated. Both boards
featured 7.1 surround for the onboard sound and 4gb max memory for PC3200 DDR400. The
two supported up to the Opteron model cpus. You may want to shop around for boards that
run DDR2 in that aspect if you are resourced for the higher price tags. At this point finding a
two socket board for running two 939s would probably be a board made specifically for the
server and not stand alone or personal desktop. And by the way Welcome to TECHIMO!

[njpower001]

Thank you for your prompt reply. I need 2 pci slots for my raid cards and a pcie slot for video if the motherboard does not include video. I have only found dual socket 940 motherboards's so far.
The Asus motherboards that support a large amount of ram (24Gb) recommend 4Gig memory modules that are not yet available (and who knows when of if they ever will be and at what price). And don't come with the pci slots i need.
I have also been looking at the TYAN Thunder K8WE (S2895) Motherboard it has on board sound and supports 16Gb of ram (the expensive kind) and several pci slots. the downside is That means Opteron's instead of Atholons, I think. These are the issues where I need some help.

[PC TECH250]

When you find a board that takes 4gb dimms let me know. The largest size generally seen
at most vendors is a 1gb model. Most advices you may see here will be from those that run
a smaller server case for a private network. A 4gb dimm would be something an engineering
team would special order from a manufacturer directly. Likewise if you know someone that
services a provider like AOL, Comcast, AT+T, Verizon, or any large corporate then advice for
attaining a list of large capacity hardwares for server cases is their specialty.

The Operon is the latest AMD solution for server cases. There are some model boards with
raid slots along with the standard pci type. You are limited there to the one or two raid with
usually 2-3 pci most. Now you see why the S939 line lacks dual socket boards due to having
a dual cored line of cpus available. The idea of processing power without a need for having two separate cpus on the same board is the concept there. To complete this project you can
expect to be paying a good penny for it as you are already seeing. Memory along with other
newest hardwares generally sees a good price when first available. The AMD64 4800+ is a
candidate for the next desktop build here along with 4gb of ram. A work horse essentially.

[EXreaction]

I don't think they make any dual s939 mobos...you have to go dual s940...

[PC TECH250]

As a rule you won't find any dual cpu boards at most vendors anyway. The bulk of sales the
vendor generally sees is for building either desktops or small server cases. The build being
described is closer to the commercial level where ISPs operate with the super setup when a
comparison is made to a small network setup for the office building of even your local paper.
And you know the media has some big servers.

[njpower001]

When you find a board that takes 4gb dimms let me know.

The mobo I did look at that takes 4Gb Mem modules is the Asus K8N-DL. I consider this board out of the running because of only 2 x 32-bit/33MHz PCI, 1 x PCI-E [x1 ], and 1 x PCI-E [x16 ]

[PC TECH250]

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...oryCode=031728 There's a few
to look over at this link.

[Southern Belle]

heyal,

was reading post and went to the link above and it said null so it didnt work.

cya,
sb

[pullmyfoot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by njpower001

When you find a board that takes 4gb dimms let me know.

The mobo I did look at that takes 4Gb Mem modules is the Asus K8N-DL. I consider this board out of the running because of only 2 x 32-bit/33MHz PCI, 1 x PCI-E [x1 ], and 1 x PCI-E [x16 ]

it means the board can take up to 4gb in total of memory, not just from 1 stick