Re: entry-level XCP server using Intel desktop components

Nick Couchman
Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:19:56 -0000

On Thu, 2012-02-09 at 22:25 -0800, David Christensen
wrote:
> xen-users:
>
> I''m considering building an entry-level Xen Cloud Platform server
using
> Intel desktop components.
>
>
> Should I choose a processor and motherboard that support Intel VT-d
> technology?  For example:
>
>
http://ark.intel.com/search/advanced/?s=t&VTD=true&FamilyText=2nd%20Generation%20Intel%C2%AE%20Core%E2%84%A2%20i5%20Processors&Sockets=1155
>
> http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-030922.htm
>
>
> Specifically, the i5-2500S processor and DQ67SW motherboard?
>
>
http://ark.intel.com/products/52211/Intel-Core-i5-2500S-Processor-%286M-Cache-2_70-GHz%29
>
>
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-board-dq67sw.html
>
>
> TIA,
>
> David
>
>

David,
I''m in the midst of implementing an entry-level XCP system for virtual
desktop infrastructure for my organization.  I ended up purchasing a
Dell PowerEdge C5000 chassis with 8 x C5220 "sleds".  This is the
Dell''s
new "clould" chassis, code-named Viking, I believe.  Each of the 8
sleds
can support a single Intel Xeon E3 processor - I purchased the 1270
model, which runs at 3.4ish GHz.  Each sled will also take up to 32 GB
of RAM.  They have two on-board GigE connections, and can support either
4 x 2.5" HDs or 2 x 3.5" HDs, and an on-board SDHC card slot.  The
C5000
chassis is 3 rack units.  Very nice chassis.  Unfortunately when you
purchase the chassis you have to purchase a minimum of 4 sleds, so you
really can''t get it for less than $10K or so.  But, maybe it gives you
some help as to what hardware I''m using.  I was going for something
more
dense and less expensive than the blades and/or 1U systems that we
usually purchase so that I can run relatively inexpensive virtual
desktops in my datacenter.  For me, this was just the ticket.

-Nick



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