What is the best CPU to use to run ESXi environment?

[snk01]

Noob here,
I am putting together a dev system used to run abour 6 VMs with MSSQL being the powerhouse. what is the best CPU to use for this, AMD 8 core, i5 or quad core Phenom?
I have the following hardware:
32G DDR3 1600 memory
750 watt ps
4-1t HDD in a Raid 10 configuration
AYX case,
I wouldn't mind sing a MB with built in graphics since I will be connecting remotely most of the time.

What do you guys think?

 

[adamv1]

You would get more bang for the buck out of a server CPU like the phenom.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113308
and
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813182240R

With this you will get 16 cores and 16mb l2 cache.

This is if you want a stable system that can be relied upon. If you are on a budget you can go with a desktop processor and get the same amount of power for allot less money.

 

[snk01]

the serve CPU is a bit beyond my budget, what do you recommend for a desktop CPU/mobo?

 

[adamv1]

Most of the time I would recommend an AMD solution, but in this case I would say the Intel 3930 is your best option. It has 6 cores but it thinks it has 12. The more data you can move the better your vm experience will be. So with 6 machines each will get 1 physical CPU and one virtual. That should give you some great performance.

 

[popatim]

its realy hard to say without knowing the size of the data or haw hard the VM's will be getting hit...