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Mini PC Config - SZ77R5/i73770

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splerman View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Jun 2012
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  Quote splerman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Mini PC Config - SZ77R5/i73770
    Posted: 18 Jun 2012 at 9:39pm
Doing a new build that will mainly be used to run multiple VMWare virtual machines (mail server, ftp server, host a NAS (external RAID), home security/automation etc) on a Win 7 host, but will also be used for periodic desktop applications.  No gaming.  Focus is on CPU performance, RAM, quiet/silent operation and power efficiency. Blu-Ray is for backup and file-transport as well as DVD ripping for whole-home AV system.  Thoughts/comments on the following config would be greatly appreciated.
 
  • SHUTTLE Shuttle XPC SZ77R5 Black Mini PC Barebone, LGA1155, Intel® Z77, DDR3-1600 32GB /4, PCIe x16, SATA 6 Gb/s /2, DVI + HDMI, USB 3.0 /4, HDA, GbLAN, 500W PSU
  • INTEL Core™ i7-3770K Quad-Core 3.5 - 3.9GHz TB, HD Graphics 4000, LGA1155, 8MB L3 Cache, 22nm, 77W, EM64T EIST HT VT-x XD, Retail
  • NOCTUA NT-H1 Thermal Compound, 1.4 g
  • G SKILL 32GB (4 x 8GB) Ripjaws Z PC3-12800 DDR3 1600MHz CL10 (10-10-10-30) 1.5V SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC
  • WESTERN DIGITAL 2TB WD Caviar® Green™ (WD20EARX), SATA 6 Gb/s, IntelliPower™, 64MB Cache
  • LG ELECTRONICS BH14NS40 Black 14x/16x/48x BD/DVD/CD Blu-ray Disc™ Burner, M-Disc, BDXL, SATA, Retail
  • NONE No Operating System (Choose OS or subject to Limited Support)
  • WARRANTY Assembled and Tested (3 Years Parts, Lifetime Labor Warranty
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    crypt View Drop Down
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      Quote crypt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jun 2012 at 12:29pm
    I must admit I've never tried a WD green HD before so I can't say how they do.
     
    I'd put a M4 or Intel SSD in this. Are you afraid you'd run out of space with an SSD? They really do well.
     
    Otherwise looks solid.
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    Jmundy View Drop Down
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      Quote Jmundy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jun 2012 at 10:04pm
    Hello Splerman,
     
     
    Welcome to AVAForums!
     
    Shuttle systems are relatively quiet configurations, and you don't have a large graphics card listed, so noise levels should definitely be what you're looking for; quiet and cool temperatures too.
     
    32GB of RAM is exactly where you want to be, when you're considering multiple virtual machines, plus server hosting and FTP functions. That will surely provide enough resource for your computer to perform without hiccups.
     
    I have to say, I agree with Crypt on this one. Even if you decide to use, let's say, a 64GB SSD to keep the costs down it would go a long way to improve performance marginally. I would definitely try tweaking the configuration with the M4 or Intel SSD and see where that puts you, and do some research about SSD performance to HDD performance. If you would like some assistance, I can point you in the right direction to conduct your research. Smile
     
     
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    vikonic View Drop Down
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      Quote vikonic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jun 2012 at 4:41pm
    I don't think that the Green drives are good OS drives. They are meant to spin down and conserve power when not used. Windows (and Linux) OS don't really like this behavior and often can cause serious problems, such as corrupt system files and even corrupt data. Green drives are better suited for storage in my opinion.
     
    Therefore I definitely agree with the posts above. An SSD would be a great upgrade and a wonderful location to run the OS from. However, if that's not your cup of tea just yet, then I suggest getting something like the Black series drives for your OS instead.
     
    Other than that it's a nice little build and should pack plenty of punch that your VMs need.
     
    I also noticed that you do not have an Operating System selected. Keep in mind that although the warranty will cover assistance and support with the hardware, we will be unable to provide you with OS related support. System will be tested in Windows environment to ensure proper operation, and reports will be saved to indicate that the system is working correctly. If you have questions or any issues arise, you're always welcome to contact our technical support line.
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