Hoping to get some opinions. I'm torn between two options for a home lab box. I want to learn more about esxi as well as the other hypervisors, I also want to learn some Linux tools such as puppet/chef and nagios so I would need to run multiple VMs. My budget is around $900.

 

I'm debating between the HP Microserver Gen8 with a Xeon and 16GB or building my own server. I'm somewhat limited on space and noise so I've been leaning toward the microserver but wanted to see some other opinions. I guess my concern is upgrade-ability. Did some more research looks like due to the fan issues with the HP Microserver Gen8 that option is out. Maybe I can find some small shuttle case.

 

Also not sure if this should be in the hardware section since it's not unraid hardware related so I make it here, MOD's please move the thread if you think it belong there.

 

Thanks

 

Edit: I've started looking the the Intel NUC which might be a great option as well though only one NIC.

 

Edit2: I think I've almost made my choice and it looks like I'll be going with something similar to this: http://www.bussink.ch/?p=1022

 

I realize this thread is old, figured I would update it with some relevant informationI have that shuttle also.

I use it for a HTPC for now. I had considered it for ESX VM's.

I've recently purchased the HP Gen 8 Microserver and I'm using that for ESX and unRAID. Works well.

I posted some information here.

 

My experience with the HP Microserver Gen 8

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=36048.0

 

I would love to hear about your experience of using the Shuttle for ESX and how you use it.