New pc system for virtualization needs, from $906 - $1046

[vnusa1]

Hi PC Consultants,

I'm a project analyst and want to replicate my work environment on a home system, and this will be my first PC build. Different categories have more than one option because I can't tell which option would be preferable, so please give me your input. This unit includes the monitor, so the total low-end cost is $906 up to the high-end cost at $1046.

My objectives would be as follows:
1. Use system with either one or two monitors. (currently, I have a laptop hooked to a 2nd DELL 23" monitor)
2. Virtualization is critical for my work. I will use VM to learn RH Linux Enterprise 5, Solaris, Fedora. I will need to VM an XP environment which has Oracle 10G and our company's application software suite, a Windows 7 which has Oracle11G with our company's application software suite. Also, will VM Sharepoint, MS SQL 2005 and 2008 as well.

Within the next 1-2 years, I like to test for RHCE (Linux) exam and would like to build network system through my VM environment for learning purposes.

I don't want to confuse this unit with other objectives like home theater system, gaming, etc..., but if anyone can foresee that additional devices could make this integration possible, please let me know. I would love to have such input. Lastly, if there any additional cables needed to set up dual-monitor system between my DELL and ACER, let me know. Overall, just need more experienced folks to provide guidance on this important decision. Thanks!

CPU
1. Intel Core i3-550 Clarkdale 3.2GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3550 ($110)
Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-550 Clarkdale 3.2GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3550
2. Intel Core i3-560 Clarkdale 3.33GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3560 ($150)
Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-560 Clarkdale 3.33GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3560
3. Intel Core 2 Duo E7600 Wolfdale 3.06GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80571E7600 ($150)
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E7600 Wolfdale 3.06GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80571E7600
4. Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80570E8400 ($168)
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80570E8400

MOTHERBOARD
1. GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard ($95)
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
2. ASUS P7H55/USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard ($105)
Newegg.com - ASUS P7H55/USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
3. GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard ($110)
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

MEMORY:
1. Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model 996770 ($100)
Newegg.com - Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model 996770
2. CORSAIR XMS 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Ultra Stable Desktop Memory Model CMX6GX3M3A1333C8 ($85)
Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Ultra Stable Desktop Memory Model CMX6GX3M3A1333C8

VIDEO CARD
1. ZOTAC ZT-98GEY3G-FSL GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card ($114)
Newegg.com - ZOTAC ZT-98GEY3G-FSL GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

HARD DRIVE
1. HITACHI Deskstar H3IK10003272SP (0S02860) 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ($70)
Newegg.com - HITACHI Deskstar H3IK10003272SP (0S02860) 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
2. Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive ($78)
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS

PSU
1. COOLER MASTER Silent Pro M600 RS-600-AMBA-D3 600W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply ($80)
Newegg.com - cooler master silent pro m600 rs-600-amba-d3 600w

2. XCLIO GREATPOWER X14S4P4 600W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply ($85)
Newegg.com - XCLIO GREATPOWER X14S4P4

DVDPLAYER
1. LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS-324-98 ($22)

CASE
1. GIGABYTE GZ-X7BMDX-400 Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($40)
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GZ-X7BMDX-400 Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
2. NZXT Apollo SILVER NP Silver SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($79)
Newegg.com - NZXT Apollo SILVER NP Silver SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

O/S
1. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM ($120)
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems

MONITOR
1. Acer S231HLbid Black 23" 5ms HDMI LED-Backlight LCD monitor Slim Design 250 cd/m2 ACM 12,000,000:1 (1000:1)
($170 SALE ENDS 11/28)
Newegg.com - Acer S231HLbid Black 23" 5ms HDMI LED-Backlight LCD monitor Slim Design 250 cd/m2 ACM 12,000,000:1 (1000:1)

[glc]

1. For running VM's, you should get a quad core. Look at the i5-7xx series. The 760 is on Black Friday special.
2. Asus preferred.
3. You need dual channel memory, not triple channel. I'd get a 4gb x 2 kit, you can benefit greatly from the 8gb with VM's. Note - DO NOT BUY G.skill.
4. You do not need a 9800GT for that kind of work, I'd recommend the cheapest Nvidia dual head card you can find. There's a 210 on Black Friday special for 10 bucks.
5. I'd recommend a WD Black drive over a Hitachi.
6. I'd recommend a better brand power supply, and you don't need 600 watts. The Antec Basiq 430 is on Black Friday special for 20 bucks.

[vnusa1]

GLC - Much thanks for your experienced input. I'll order now and will post further if there are any issues....