Reddit reviews Intel Next Unit of Computing BOXDC53427HYE Desktop (Black)
We found 3 Reddit comments about Intel Next Unit of Computing BOXDC53427HYE Desktop (Black). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Intel Core i5-3427UTwo SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 16 GB of 1333/1600MHz DDR-3 memory5 USB Ports
Personally, I hate Newegg. Try Amazon, at least for the case if you have your heart set on this setup. Try returning something to Newegg and see what they charge in restocking fees.
BitFenix Mini-ITX Tower Case Without Power Supply, Midnight Black
Install a 64GB SSD for the OS and a 2TB HDD for data. Why use 2 1TB drives?
I can't help but keep looking at the Intel NUC. For that budget, I would rather have a i5 NUC and slam an extra HDD in your workstation and stream over the network.
I'm also a fan of Shuttle PC. Cut out the huge PSU, it has no place in the HTPC market. Any ITX case should have a small form PSU pre-installed.
Shuttle DS61 V1.1 LGA1155 Intel H61
or
SHUTTLE SH67H3
and
Intel Core i3-3220T
Use low power CPUs to keep the heat to a minimum.
My $0.02
I think if I were building a lab I'd be building a cluster actually.
3 of these guys with 16GB RAM each and USB boot for your ESXi install (they have a 32GB max ram version coming out I think)
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Computing-BOXDC53427HYE-Desktop-Black/dp/B00C5K8FRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381359472&sr=8-1&keywords=intel+next+unit+of+computing+i5
Then for storage go with iSCSI NAS
http://www.amazon.com/Sentinel-DX4000-Business-Network-Storage/dp/B005INAIOW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1381359593&sr=8-6&keywords=12+TB+nas
That's about 1k or more under your budget.
Since it's a lab, a cheap 1GB unmanaged switch would be fine to connect it all up.
Just saw your preference for purchases, what about Amazon Canada?
Both items limit the models you'll have to choose from, but the most restrictive is the memory. Since it's 1.5v it will only work in first gen NUCs. For an i5 you're going to be limited to the DC53427HYE, which is out of production.https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Computing-BOXDC53427HYE-Desktop-Black/dp/B00C5K8FRI
As older models go, it's pretty well configured. It comes with 1 HDMI and 2 mini displayport for video, so you can run up to 3 monitors. it looks like your monitors are loaded up with ports, so that's good. But you'll need either mini displayport to HDMI or mini displayport to displayport adapters to connect. Good luck!