How-To Geek

I want to build a desktop test computer. Gaming is of no interest to me. When it comes to reading specs and understanding compatibility, I am lost. Here is my desired use of the test machine.

I intend to use virtualization for testing/learning purposes. (All OS choices will be 64-bit versions.) Windows 7 Professional is to be the host OS. Using VirtualBox I wish to run these guest OSs: Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 7 (probably HP and Pro), Windows XP Pro, and Ubuntu (v.10.x or v.12.x) all in a virtual network. Memory requirements indicate the need for 16GB RAM, processor speed/power requirements indicate i5 or i7 as a reasonable choice, and I wish to run multiple monitors for running the entire virtual network (all OSs running simultaneously in th VM). Optionally, I can limit the number of OSs running simultaneously in the VM to require a maximum of 8GB RAM.

I am working within the confines of a budget, <$1000. All the OSs are available to me for free via Dream Spark. So, here is the bottom line. I need suggestions for how to compare MOBOs which are essentially the same except for memory (8GB vs 16GB support) which will support my processor choice side-by-side and compare prices. The price difference may determine the rest of the build for me.

What are the key specs I need to understand, and what is the easiest way to filter my choices?

Thanks for your advice.

drpepper

I'll take a little time to read up on that. If anyone else has more suggestions, feel free to offer them.

I agree with whs on his post. I used the Extreme6 mobo on my build and I'm very happy with it.

Hmm, nice new features in Haswell. I think, this one I really need :"AVX2 brings integer SIMD to 256-bit vectors". LOL

Thanks Rick. You are really doing something for my education. Do you understand all that stuff ??

Since you are no gamer, the Intel 4000 graphics chipset that comes with (some) i5 and i7 will be plenty for your use. And as you have discovered, the socket (pins) is the first criterion that you have to watch. But all SandyBridge and Ivy Bridge come in 1155.

I would not wait for Haswell. We have seen Intel to deliver faulty CPUs with the first batch and it would be a lot safer to go with the proven Ivy Bridge. The performance difference to Haswell is probably insignificant for your applications. If you start with this combo, you will get a fine system:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6819116502
http://www.newegg.com/Product/.....6813157295

whs,
I see that both of your recommendations will support a maximum of 32GB memory. That should leave room for future upgrades if desired.

ronniesonora,
There are two of the specs which I would like to have explained:

Timing 9-9-9-24 -- I have seen these specs on a number of occasions. I am not sure how important these numbers are for my application. How do I use these numbers when making decisions?

Cas Latency 9 -- My basic understanding of latency is that it is the time required to retrieve data, and a smaller number represents faster speed. What numbers represent good, fair, poor, etc.?

for either of you,
Given the choice of DDR3-1333 and DDR3-1600 memory -- Does 1600 indicate a faster speed than 1333?

Yes, DDR 1600 is faster than DDR 1333. But you also have to watch the latency, especially the CAS latency (first number). If that is much higher, the DDR1600 may not buy you much.