Laptop/Desktop Replacement for MS Admin Classes

MblaZe7run · August 24, 2015

So.. I need a notebook that is going to be able to concurrently run 2 Microsoft Server 2012r2 instances, as well as a Linux instance for SQL database for my upcoming Microsoft Server Administration classes (with VMWare Workstation 10). I'm looking to stay below $1500 USD before tax as my budget, but have a small buffer if absolutely necessary. Each server will suffice with 2GB RAM per MS Server, and 1GB RAM for the SQL server (meaning a minimum of 5GB). I'd also like to dedicate 1 physical core to each virtual machine, meaning a quad-core i7 (not dual core with hyperthreading). Dedicated video would be nice, but not mandatory. If I can get something that I can easily game with, that would be grand, but not a requirement as I have my desktop (preferably something that can push 60 frames on GTA V, Borderlands 2, and Skyrim with a plethora of mods at medium detail minimum if you choose to include this ***I know this is a vague spec, but just as an idea of what I would like to run***). SSD boot with HDD bulk storage would be nice, but again, not mandatory.

Preferred brands: MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, Lenovo, Aorus, but open to suggestions outside of those.

Preferred retailers: Amazon and Newegg. I refuse to deal with Best Buy.

Thanks for any recommendations. I'm having a tough time deciding what fits my needs best, myself.

exercutor5 · August 24, 2015

So.. I need a notebook that is going to be able to concurrently run 2 Microsoft Server 2012r2 instances, as well as a Linux instance for SQL database for my upcoming Microsoft Server Administration classes (with VMWare Workstation 10). I'm looking to stay below $1500 USD before tax as my budget, but have a small buffer if absolutely necessary. Each server will suffice with 2GB RAM per MS Server, and 1GB RAM for the SQL server (meaning a minimum of 5GB). I'd also like to dedicate 1 physical core to each virtual machine, meaning a quad-core i7 (not dual core with hyperthreading). Dedicated video would be nice, but not mandatory. If I can get something that I can easily game with, that would be grand, but not a requirement as I have my desktop (preferably something that can push 60 frames on GTA V, Borderlands 2, and Skyrim with a plethora of mods at medium detail minimum if you choose to include this ***I know this is a vague spec, but just as an idea of what I would like to run***). SSD boot with HDD bulk storage would be nice, but again, not mandatory.

Preferred brands: MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, Lenovo, Aorus, but open to suggestions outside of those.

Preferred retailers: Amazon and Newegg. I refuse to deal with Best Buy.

Thanks for any recommendations. I'm having a tough time deciding what fits my needs best, myself.

Clevo P650SE. The Sager one is called NP8651-S / NP8651. Check them out at XoticPC's website.

D2ultima · August 24, 2015

I'd suggest a P750ZM for that. It may be a little expensive, but you do have the buffer. A 970M and an i7-4790K with 16GB of RAM should do more than fine for you, and a Prema BIOS should give no problems with other OSes at all.

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9752-clevo-p750zm-p-7850.html?wconfigure=yes

MblaZe7run · August 24, 2015

I'd suggest a P750ZM for that. It may be a little expensive, but you do have the buffer. A 970M and an i7-4790K with 16GB of RAM should do more than fine for you, and a Prema BIOS should give no problems with other OSes at all.

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9752-clevo-p750zm-p-7850.html?wconfigure=yes

Sitting at just over $2k with this and RAID 0 120GB 850 EVO M.2 drives, and no OS installed. I don't like the price, but I might end up taking it. Not making solved so more suggestions can roll in. Thanks!

D2ultima · August 24, 2015

Sitting at just over $2k with this and RAID 0 120GB 850 EVO M.2 drives, and no OS installed. I don't like the price, but I might end up taking it. Not making solved so more suggestions can roll in. Thanks!

https://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9752s-clevo-p750zm-p-7854.html?wconfigure=yes

^ build off this one instead. It comes with a 250GB 850 EVO m.2 SSD by default, as well as IC Diamond and 16GB of RAM. I added another 250GB EVO and the 4790K and with the cash discount it's $1958 or so. PLEASE take the intel wifi card instead of the bigfoot one (it's +$0)

epheonix380 · August 24, 2015

If you want to stick with Asus maybe try the Asus rog g501 or the Acer aspire v15 nitro black edition. Both have pretty much the same specs except for the better screen on the Asus side of things but the Acer is cheaper at 1200$ give or take a few bucks.