Thread: Looking for a new MB with lots of RAM (16Gb?)

Hi David,

The problem with VM's is that your underlying system will lose all ram allocated to them even if they aren't using it (ie it's reserved for them). So, assuming your host would like at least 2Gb then two of three VM's will use the remainder.

In my experience if you want to go above 8-12Gb you're getting into workstation and server teritority.

I've recently got a Dell Precision Workstation that will support 16Gb of ram (4x4Gb) but they use ECC ram and that's around $800 to fill it (plus the need for extra system fans).

I would say the best way to approach this is to identify how many VM's you'll need to run at any time, and how much ram they will need. Then, give your host OS at least another 2Gb.

Another option is to run your VM's on a host OS that uses less resources than Win2008. VMWare on linux or Virtual Box on Solaris may be an option. I think both can be run in a headless mode too. If you can do this, you can just rdp in from your host machine.

The best prices I've seen for ram are the generic products at Laptop | PC | Computer Memory Upgrades - RamCity. I haven't tried their products yet, but they come with a lifetime warranty.

Cheers,

Mark

Originally Posted by Delta_Farce

In my experience if you want to go above 8-12Gb you're getting into workstation and server teritority.

Any thoughts on what motherboard manufacturers I can research that support this much RAM?

I had a quick look at the DELL website, but even their expensive servers are only quoted with 2Gb of RAM.

The Dell store is probably listing base configs, so they have to be specced up from there.

Everything but the base Precision Workstation will support a minimum of 24Gb ram. See: Dell Precision Workstation Computers

Also, Sun Microsystems have the Ultra 40 M2 with up to 32Gb: Sun Ultra 40 M2 Workstation - At a Glance

I have an Ultra 24 with 8Gb, but it's just below the workstation class. I've rum VM's on it, but really only one at a time.

If you're just after a motherboard to use in your own build-up have a look here: Motherboards - Server Boards | Techbuy Australia

It's also worth considering eBay for out of lease Gov servers. Some reasonable systems can be picked up at good prices and you can get support contracts from some manufacturers. Check before you buy, but if it's a dev system that may not be a key consideration: Servers, HP Servers, Compaq Servers, Sun Servers items at low prices on eBay.com.au

Thanks for those links. I looked through some of the DELL specs, and found an excellent MB, but unfortunately I can't afford to fill it with RAM!!

72GB (9x8GB ) DDR3 RDIMM Memory, 1066MHz, ECC [add $10,038.60 or $103/week-1]

How do you reckon this would go?

IBM xSeries 445 / 8x Xeon 2.0GHz, 16Gb, 2x 36Gb U320 - eBay, IBM, Servers, Computers. (end time 01-Oct-09 20:19:19 AEST)

$650 buy it now!!!

Also try Graysonline for servers -
Computers & IT Equipment Auctions Online

Originally Posted by spudboy

How do you reckon this would go?

IBM xSeries 445 / 8x Xeon 2.0GHz, 16Gb, 2x 36Gb U320 - eBay, IBM, Servers, Computers. (end time 01-Oct-09 20:19:19 AEST)

$650 buy it now!!!

That would be a very powerful machine, but noise and power consumption might be a problem. If you have a rack to mount it in, and power to keep it going, then it'd be a good way to go.

I know the commercial version of VMWare (ESX I think) will allow resources to be dedicated to VM's (CPU, HDD and RAM), so this could be a good box for doing that.

This is of no help whatsoever with your problem, but every time I see your thread as I survey the AULRO posts, I am reminded that the person who wrote the computer columns for the Sydney Morning Herald in the early 1980s said when the Apple IIe increased the RAM to 64k that he couldn't imagine anyone ever needing more than 64k in a computer.

Just in case you are young enough to find that improbable, here is a link to some info on the the Apple IIe.

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_II_series"]Apple II series - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]


And here you are looking for a MB with 250,000 times that much RAM.