Low power consumption server for home office - Hardware choices?

[joker535]

The only problem with the Xeon is availability in the retail channel. There are other models which have integrated graphics and use more power, which might be an OK tradeoff.

I actually had no problem getting the Xeon E3-1230Lv3. Its special order everywhere (its an OEM chip) but I had it in less than a week for $260.85 shipped ground.

http://www.wiredzone.com/intel-compo...67601-10023639

[joker535]

I ended up with the Xeon setup. I am glad I did and the extra cost was worth it. If you are reading this and considering the same thing, the E3-1230Lv3 or E3-1240Lv3 are an excellent choice.

The Xeon, MB, and passive heat sink cost me $475.61 shipped.

The 8 core C2750 atom board is $358.99 shipped.

For $116.60 extra I can have 4 VMs running all at the same time and it does not even sweat. I may add another 16G of ram and run some more.