Your server functions as a desktop even when ESXi 5.x is active.
Your server functions as a desktop even when ESXi 5.x is active.
Currently I’m considering replacing my desktop with a custom-built server. The challenge lies in the fact that the “experts” I’ve consulted aren’t very clear on how to tackle my request. That’s why I thought sharing my question here might help me find a solution! My setup would include:
- Dual Intel Xeon V3 processors
- At least 30TB of SATA/SAS hot-swap 3.5” storage with capacity for four drives
- Minimum 1TB RAM (ranging from 4GB to 64GB)
- At least one PCIx x16 slot and two PCIx x8 or x4 slots
- A 1U or 2U server enclosure
- Power supply around 700–1000 watts
- Space for a slim Blu-ray drive
Now comes the tricky part: since I’m swapping out my desktop, I need the server to function as a full replacement. Specifically, I want to host:
- Four 2012 R2 OS virtual machines
- Each VM with 2–4GB RAM
- Onboard graphics for each VM
- Shared storage options (three HDs if four slots exist, or seven if eight)
- All running ESXi 5.x
As a user expecting a desktop experience, I’m curious: how can I make it feel like a real desktop? Can the PCIx x16 card support my “desktop” workload? Will there be noticeable delays when connecting to the monitor via HDMI? I understand I’ll need to run cables from the server room to my old desktop area.
My interest is mainly in web design and basic programming, not high-end gaming. I’ve been looking at the Dell PowerEdge R730 Rack Server and think it matches my needs. But I’m unsure if I can actually accomplish what I’m asking without risking performance or compatibility issues.
Thank you for reading my message, David G.
Have you already obtained all the necessary software? If not, could you please adjust your setup? If you're able to change it, have you thought about using 2012 R2 with GUI and Hyper-V, or running Windows 8.1 as the foundation and using VMware Workstation? With 2012 R2 you can create virtual machines and switch between them using GUI, but expect some performance issues and delays. Alternatively, if you base your system on Windows 8.1 and run VMware Workstation or similar, you can keep your main desktop running while simplifying the process.