I have such requirements in building a self-built desktop, please read and comment briefly does the suggested desktop matches my need. Requirements: Purpose: Install and store lots of software, virtualizating, study, NOT mainly for gaming. The computer must support lifetime virtualization. I used to install WinXP as real machine, and install Win7 in VMware Player 3 / Workstation 7. Price: HKD$3000 or less CPU: Native quad core (Intel or AMD is accepted) CPU supports: Virtualization, 64-bit OS Motherboard: any well-known brand Memory: at least 2GB RAM Hard Disk: 500GB / 1TB DVD Reader & Recorder: 24X +R/+RW (optional: BD +R/+RW) Graphics Card: NVIDIA or AMD ATI is accepted Sound Card: any Network Card: any Case / Power supply: at least 2 USB ports / any Suggested desktop by Hong Kong Centralfield (M$ Gold Cert. partner 07~08) Price: HKD$2770 CPU: AMD AthlonII x4 635 (2.9G, 2MB, 95W, 45nm) Virtualization & 64-bit OS: Both YES Motherboard: GA-880GM-UD2H Memory: 2GB DDR3-1333 Hard Disk: 500GB (SATA2, 16MB) DVD Reader & Recorder: 24X DVD+/-RW SATA Recorder Graphics Card: ATI HD4250 (HDMI, DVI, VGA) Sound Card: Internal 7.1 Channel Network Card: Gigabit high speed network card Case / Power supply: ATX case / 400W power supply Is the suggested good enough?
Memory is too low. I have a 7GB DDR3 RAM. Installing win 7 64 bit on VM can be done with lower memory. I initially had 2 GB allocated to win 7 64 bit VM but found that 2.5-3 GB gives a very good experience. If virtual machine is to be used only for testing, then basic HDD for virtual disk can be lower though I have allocated 40 GB (default value). Enough for me, though not enough if many games are to be loaded in VM.
Thanks for commenting. I would like to reply by saying that, I would install WinXP in C: (meaning that it's a real machine), then install VMware in WinXP, then install virtual Win7 in VMware. And, at least 70% of my time using computer is spent on Win7 but much less on WinXP. So, almost 70% time I will have two machine switched on at same time. Besides, I use 500GB HDD will be just fit for me to store softwares. Also, I cannot find a suggested combination with HDD storage less than 500GB. Now, does 2GB RAM really not so suitable for this situation? Can acyuta please clearly advise me which part of my list I should change? Is simply 2GB RAM to 7GB RAM?
I have win 7 64 in VM WS7 and found that 2 GB was just about adequate for VM. RAM is not too expensive and DDR3 is the min. now. In India, a 2GB DDR3 1333 Mhz stick is close to US$60-65 and could be lower in HK. Why do you not skimp on HDD for the time being (buy 500 GB) and increase RAM. XP does require at least 1 GB for some reasonable degree of speed.
Thanks Hazar, but I want to say more. This ideal/suggested self-built will not be used to overclock, absolutely not for overclocking. Also, WinXP 32-bit and Win7 32-bit totally don't require 2GB of RAM, right? So can I say the suggested combination is fit for me?
If you don't overclock then you're stupid. Honestly, it's a smart thing to do provided it's done right.
LOL, I know. The newer batches do like FS pointed out. They added it in SLGTL Intel > AMD for clock for clock performance. Memory performance will be better on AMD but OCing will even that out. 800mhz in Dual channel is quite a lot of bandwidth