T he first part of creating a lab is determining the hardware specifications. I read and read and re-read until I thought my eyes would cross. My first thoughts were to have a single computer with plenty of memory and disk space to support multiple virtual machines but after plenty of research and talking with other virtualization experts, a 2-machine system with at least a NAS solution that supported NFS. Two servers from Dell or any other major manufacturer definitely exceeded the budged. As a result, the only affordable option was to build twowhitebox computers but will it work?
Research
VMware nor Microsoft advertise that server-class hardware is not required for ESX or Hyper-V so building a generic PC with the correct components can work. Attempts to mix and max components, non-SATA CD/DVD burners, 8GB RAM with Intel VT processors and motherboards that would support 64-bit operating systems proved to be a test of patience and endurance. However, after purchasing the ultimate bare-bones system, I waited for the moment of truth.
Building
The first of the two systems was assembled then Microsoft Hyper-V installed successfully. The second test involved installing VMware ESX 3.5, Update 1 but that proved to be challenging to say the least. The next week involved trials and tribulations involving an unrecognized CD/DVD IDE burner, a BIOS that was not configurable for VMware’s requirements. As a result, the systems were returned to Tiger Direct since the motherboard proved incompatible with VMware.
Now what? There was no way to buy 2 Dell servers for approximately $1800, the price of the 2 PCs at Tiger Direct. Fortunately, a friend of mine passed his older systems as he had other’s. So, I was blessed with 2 Dell 2650 computers complete with sufficient disk drives, GB NICs and DRACs!!! The systems will only support 32-bit operating systems so running Microsoft’s Hyper-V is not an option.
Now, for anyone that maybe faced with a similar situation but no one is giving away server, here’s more information. if I did had not received these Dell servers I would have purchased one Dell’s PowerEdge T605 server. My initial instincts were correct in that my time (and frustration level) cost more than the time spent researching and building. However, it is still a priceless lessoned learned.
Storage
Some may have funds for iSCSI or even a SAN but these options did not make the budget. The challenge to find a low-cost storage solution that supported NFS proved just as challenging as configuring the hardware. Adding support for NFS puts most external hard drive solutions in the $700+ USD price range especially since the solutions needed a GB network connection for speed. Most of these solutions included 3-4 internal SATA drives with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD (just a bunch of disks) configurations. Many articles suggested Tagan’s IcyBox NAS 4220-B enclosure for 2-SATA drives of any size but locating one in the US was difficult. Luckily, I’ve done the work (See links below). Setup was a breeze and vmware recognizes the storage easily.
Summary
Whether you build, buy or are fortunate to obtain older systems via Ebay or Craigslists, research thoroughly; ensure you have a warranty and enjoy all that virtualization technology has to offer.
Following is a list of useful sites:
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