I am looking for a computer to run 4-6 VMs. This is a personal computer, so, I want to spend less money possible. I was thinking in building a computer, but I don't know which CPU and memory should I use, or use 8 raspberry computers to run the VMs, but I don't know if it is possible, or if they are cheaper than the full computer.

Any opinion about this?

This is kind of a loaded question, but here is my thoughts...

As far as hardware, I would plan on at least dual QUAD core processors and a minimum of 16GB of RAM, and you are going to need a pretty good sized hard drive, unless these will be something like minimal-install Linux VMs. Now that said, it all depends on how you want to build the VMs. THis would allow for each VM to utilize 1-2 cores and 2GB RAM each - all running simultaneously. Again, if these are test VMs and not processor and RAM intensive, you can get by with less, but I wouldn't. If these will be high processor/high RAM utilization, this won't be enough.

Not knowing your end game, I would probably virtualize on either CentOS or VMware ESXi (this is free - the pretty GUI to manage it is not). If you are wanting to learn virtualizaton for the industry, definitely ESXi. If not CentOS is free, and there is a good tutorial for setup here:

http://www.howtoforge.com/virtualiza...tos-6.3-server

Keep in mind, you are buying less hardware when virtualizing, but you cannot virtualize on old junk and expect spectacular results. You will buy fewer servers for virtualization, but they will cost you more per each!!

HTH

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@xeon123,

I totally agree with netnix99's advice. Without knowing the purpose of your four VM's nor their configuration, it's difficult for anyone to provide any particular recommendations as to how much RAM or processing power you might need.

In addition, while I know you're trying to save money and therefore possibly considering slightly older/used components, I would stick with Intel processors. My own experience with AMD Phenom X4's, for instance, has been problematic at best, regardless of distribution and kernel release. (Much more modern AMD CPU's are known to be much more stable, but there goes your cost savings)

In any case, it's important to ensure whichever processors you select do, in fact, support hardware virtualization if you're planning to use linux-based virtual machines with KVM.

Good luck, and have fun with it!

The goal is to do experiments with distributed applications in java, C or python. E.g., to run java application (Hadoop MR), and consume 10GB of data.
I want more CPU, memory and disk space, than graphics, or sound.

Maybe I will need hardware virtualization, just don't know yet.

I think INTEL is better, but I don't know any dual quad-core affordable computer. Can anyone give me suggestions?

Depends on your definition of "affordable." Generally speaking, multiprocessor systems are in and of themselves aimed at the high-end market and, therefore, not usually economical.

If pre-built dual quad-core systems are too expensive for you, it might cost less if you were to put one together on your own. The lower-spec quad-core Xeon's are fairly affordable; you could install a pair of those on a dual-Xeon motherboard by Asus or Supermicro, add 16-32GB of RAM, and you're good to go.

If you're really low on funds then I'd at least go for a single quad-core i7 desktop system and make the best of it.