Windows : Suggestions requested for Windows MCITP server spec

[MarcLister]

Hi all. Have been away for a bit. But I'm back now.

Early next year I'm going to start on my MCITP book. I'd like to build a server that would be capable of running Windows Server 2008/Exchange etc so I can use it to help me with my MCITP studies.

I only dip into current PC trends when I want a new PC and I've never built a machine to be used as a server before so I thought I'd ask some of the wise chaps (and chappesses!) on Boat Drinks if they could help me with specifying parts that would give me a solid server with which to study for some MCITP goodness.

I understand that I won't need an expensive CPU, perhaps an Intel C2D E5700 or some other Intel C2D with Virtualisation Technology? From what I've seen I'd need 8GB, possibly 16GB RAM for all the software I'd be running? I can find plenty of simple motherboards that can take 8GB RAM but hardly any 16GB mobos. Would I really need 16GB or is 8GB more than enough?

If anyone could give me hand identifying what components I could do with I'd be most grateful.