Hyper-V on Server Core - Hardware Considerations

Depending on an organization's needs and usage model, there are a number of configurations that can be used.

For those that require a number of virtualized desktops for remote access or perhaps a virtualized small Web server setup:

• Intel Xeon 3300 Series Quad Core CPU
• Intel 1U Server System or Pedestal
• 8GB ECC DDR2
• Intel RAID controller SRCSASRB or equivalent (minimum)
• Seagate Enterprise Storage ES SATA 3.0Gb/s Series

Where more performance is required for virtualizing high volume Web sites, CPU intensive Line of Business Applications, or a couple of server and a number of desktop instances:

• Dual Intel Xeon 5400 series CPUs
• 32GB ECC FB RAM
• Intel 2U or 5U Server System
• Intel RAID controller SRCSASPH16I or equivalent (minimum)
• Hot Swap
• Seagate Cheetah 15K RPM SAS

Another possible option for our larger clients is Intel's new 6U Modular Server that gives us the ability to install up to 6 blades that support dual Xeon Quad Core 5400 CPUs and up to 32GB of RAM per blade. The modular server supports up to 14 2.5" SATA or SAS drives that can be configured in many different ways relative to one or more of the blades. SBS on one blade, SQL on another, ISA on yet another, and the rest for virtualization or other needs.

There is a lot of flexibility to be had for virtualization and other server infrastructure needs on the Modular Server.

Whatever the virtualization requirements that our clients have, server capabilities today can bring about a very quick and reasonable Return on Investment and with their very efficient power consumption patterns significantly reduce the Total Cost of Ownership over the life of the server.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

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