Hi,

I want to build a machine to run Linux64 OS (openSuSE 11.2) as a host OS to do all kinds of development work (one end it will be heavy c++ sw builds/tests, linux kernel , compiler builds and at other end it will be web design with mysql, java, php and adobe softwares like Flex).
I also want to install Win7 on this box (not a dual boot but in a Virtual environment in let's say VMware or Xen) to do other stuff which I can not do on linux like watching netflix, Nova shows, and play games (though I'm not hardcore gamer) etc.
I may also like to install and run another OS (dev version) like ubuntu for testing. Guest OSes won't be running all the time.

So, what kind of hardware configuration you guys suggests?
I've a old box with following reusable components ...

500 GB WD internal drive
Acer 22'' wide screen monitor
A Midsize ATX case
650W PSU
Athlon X2 4400+ (I really want to upgrade to Phenom II X4. but which one?)

Would like to upgrade to DDR3 as well.

I really appreciate your feedback.

Thanks

Well, virtualization requires lots of RAM and fast HDDs. I recommend you build a system with at least 4GB of RAM (that would hold fine two virtual machines inside a linux or W7) or more and a fast HDD like the WD black or Spinpoint F3. You may want to RAID 0 two of them for better performance. Keep the other one as back-up.
Now if you find the exact HDD model you have,, you could get another of that type and RAID them, but only if it's not an old model.
For the CPU, a quad core would do...almost any Phenom since it won't make a too big difference having specific models. Even the older 9550 is fine.
The memory...make sure it's 1600MHz with CL8 if you will use DDR3.

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World's best Red Alert 2: Yuri's Revenge mod and Star Trek: Starfleet Command 3 mod: Overmind.ro

Kick things off with a cheap quad power config aye? Remove any hardware u have on hand and reusing hehe

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Thanks for your replies.
Batuchka, I think I'll use Phenom II X4 125W instead of Athlon, since I'd to buy a new processor anyway and little more memory as well. Everything else looks ok. I'm looking to assemble this for just under $600.

Thanks

You are welcomed ^^

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My El Cheapo move to better PC Audio!
http://forums.amd.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=13&threadid=153336&enterthread=y