This repository documents the research, assembly, configuration, and validation of my primary Windows 11 desktop (MAIN-PC) built for virtualization and IT lab work.
Last reviewed: February 13, 2026
- Build a reliable daily-use workstation.
- Prioritize virtualization performance for Hyper-V labs.
- Keep the platform upgrade-friendly.
- Reinforce hardware and troubleshooting fundamentals aligned with entry-level IT roles.
MAIN-PC is used as:
- Primary workstation
- Hyper-V host for multi-OS labs
- Build/test platform for Windows Server and Linux administration practice
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 3070 |
| Memory | 32 GB RAM |
| Storage | NVMe 1 TB + NVMe 500 GB |
| Virtualization | Hyper-V |
| Hostname | MAIN-PC |
Note: Serial numbers and unique identifiers are intentionally excluded.
Tools used:
- PCPartPicker (compatibility and power planning)
- Vendor documentation (BIOS, chipset, drivers)
- Build-reference videos (assembly sequence)
- CompTIA A+ study material (hardware concepts and best practices)
Compatibility checks completed:
- CPU and motherboard support
- RAM type and speed support
- Power headroom
- Storage interface compatibility
- Case fit and airflow considerations
| Drive | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NVMe 1 TB | Host OS, core apps, daily-use data |
| NVMe 500 GB | VM and lab workloads |
Why this matters:
- Better workload isolation
- Cleaner backup strategy
- Easier troubleshooting when host and VM performance differ
- Assemble core components (CPU, RAM, NVMe, board, PSU, GPU).
- Confirm POST and hardware detection.
- Configure BIOS/UEFI:
- verify CPU/RAM/NVMe detection
- enable virtualization extensions
- verify boot order
- Install Windows 11 Pro.
- Install chipset/GPU/system drivers.
- Apply Windows updates.
- Enable Hyper-V and validate VM creation.
- Stable boot and successful POST
- Device Manager health checks
- Temperature and stability checks under load
- Storage health checks
- Hyper-V VM creation and operation validation
MAIN-PC currently supports:
- Windows Server lab workloads
- Linux VM workloads (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Kali, RHEL, Elementary)
- Security and troubleshooting practice in isolated virtual environments
- Hardware compatibility and build planning
- BIOS/firmware and virtualization configuration
- Endpoint provisioning and validation
- Performance-aware storage design
- Practical documentation and incident prevention mindset
- Planning compatibility up front avoids expensive rework.
- Storage layout decisions directly affect lab performance and supportability.
- BIOS settings are critical for successful virtualization workflows.
- Structured post-build validation improves long-term reliability.
- Expand VM-dedicated storage as lab scope grows
- Add host monitoring/logging baseline
- Strengthen backup and recovery testing for VM workloads
- Home Lab Overview: https://github.com/dallasm92/home-lab-overview
- IT Support Labs: https://github.com/dallasm92/it-support-labs
- AD Lab (Windows Server 2022): https://github.com/dallasm92/ad-lab-windows-server-2022
Building and validating this system end-to-end demonstrates practical ownership of an IT endpoint platform, from hardware planning through operational readiness.