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ESXi 5.1 Host Maximum RAM PT 2

Hello Experts,

Can someone please recommend a desktop PC that will support more than 64GB of RAM and supports Intel VT? I intend to install ESXi5.5 and plan on hosting at least 15 Windows VMs. At the moment, the cheapest option I can find is:

Lenovo ThinkServer TS150 70LV Pentium G4400 3.3 GHz 8GB RAM 4U Tower Server

http://www.ebuyer.com/770312-lenovo-thinkserver-ts150-70lv-pentium-g4400-3-3-ghz-8gb-ram-4u-tower-70lv003eea?mkwid=c_dc&pcrid=104885101614&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CPj8hdnTztUCFewp0wodgbkMqg

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Carlton

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

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Member_2_7966113

ASKER

Wow. Andrew, that seems perfect. I bet its really expensive though?

Member_2_7966113

ASKER

Andrew,

From my basic research, the Dell Precision T5500 supports only up to 72GB of memory

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Search again, and you will now see that since 16GB ECC DIMMS are available stuff 16GB ECC DIMMS in and get 144GB.

https://www.mrmemory.co.uk/memory-ram-upgrades/dell/precision-workstation/t5500

https://senk9.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/home-server-upgrade-time-part-1-dell-precision-t5500/

At the time the T5500 was created 16GB ECC DIMMS did not exist!

It's unusual because there are 9 DIMM slots in the T5500, anyway you said Desktop 64GB and above 72GB not enought, otherwise 144GB, otherwise purchase a server!

We have them here!

Expensive, ECC Server Memory is always expensive, but T5500 on the Bay, dual processor versions are still available and cheap.

Member_2_7966113

ASKER

So, can I buy the desktop and the memory from here:

https://www.mrmemory.co.uk/memory-ram-upgrades/dell/precision-workstation/t5500

Regards

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Memory can be purchased from that site.

Just an example site I posted, other sites are available.

Member_2_7966113

ASKER

So, are you saying any Dell Precision T5500 will do?

Sorry, I just clarification, before I make any purchase.

Cheers

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

I just giving you examples of what works with ESXi 5.5.

A Dell Precision T5500 Dual Processor workstation, can be used to install ESXi 5.5.

Just like in this web link

https://senk9.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/home-server-upgrade-time-part-1-dell-precision-t5500/

There are some featured on the bay between £700 - £1100 with 72 and 144GB of RAM

Member_2_7966113

ASKER

Hi Andrew,

I'm thinking of purchasing this item from ebay, what do you think?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DELL-WORKSTATION-PRECISION-T5500-X5660-2-80GHz-48GB-1TB-HDD-QUADRO-FX4800-1-5GB/172374827629?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Cheers

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

single processor and 48GB

15 WIndows VMs may be over ambitious depends on their requirements

is this just a lab or production?

Member_2_7966113

ASKER

Hi Andrew,

This is a lab. However, I will be looking to run at least 20 VMs ranging from Windows, Cisco and Riverbed VMs

Are you suggesting that 48GB isn't going to enough?

Cheers

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Well it each VM has 4GB it's not!

Member_2_7966113

ASKER

Thanks again Andrew