I've seen a couple of these types of questions here, and in other communities. I think they're too vague to be answered easily. I can tell you to check the current motherboards for OS support, to ensure they support VMWare or whatever you prefer, but I suspect you're looking for more than that.
What research have you done so far?
You might want to use our Server Configurator tool and configure a server according to your requirements. You can then further ensure if the processor and motherboard in your selection is VT enabled using Processor Finder or you can always revert to us and we will help you figure out if the chosen processor and motherboard supports VT.
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Warm Regards,
Javed Lodhi
Intel Go Green, Save The Environment!
go for the new architecture. S5500 series boards with the proper CPU. you can use 2xCPU and the memory is cheap as you can use unbuffered or registered which is much cheaper than the fully buffered memory on the older S5000 series boards. if you want cheaper stuff check other manufacturers(Asus etc) who use the 5500 chipset for their server/workstation boards 
. or if you want really something cheap..then buy some old stuff on ebay from someone it will be working and usually for a fraction of money than a complete new system.
go for the new architecture. S5500 series boards with the proper CPU. you can use 2xCPU and the memory is cheap as you can use unbuffered or registered which is much cheaper than the fully buffered memory on the older S5000 series boards. if you want cheaper stuff check other manufacturers(Asus etc) who use the 5500 chipset for their server/workstation boards . or if you want really something cheap..then buy some old stuff on ebay from someone it will be working and usually for a fraction of money than a complete new system.
I work for IBM so I am certainly biased but it looks like nobody gave you specifics here. IBM is VMWare's longest standing partner. Here are a few links to our more affordable and yet VMWare capable machines.
System x 3650 M2 Rack Server Benchmark pdf
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/eserver/benchmarks/news/newsblurb_x3650M2_VMmark_033009.pdf
ystem x 3650 M2 Rack Server Product info:
http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/x/hardware/rack/x3650m2/index.html
This is a very good question and I will talk to my team about finding more specific information to answer it yet.
here is a link to the Intel server mother boards http://www.intel.com/products/server/motherboard/index.htm
and another to the ESAA page for specific help with recipies. http://www.esaa-members.com/
As to which board is right for you, it depends a lot on your usage and preference.
The S5500WB was designed as a Green server primary for data center and cloud. It rocks when it comes to low power, high effecency and raw horsepower http://techreport.com/articles.x/19196/6 but, it is designed for a 1 u rack and holds up to 8 DIMMS (16g max size)
If pedistal and PCIe slots are your thing, check out the S5520HC fsmily
If you want to use it as a workstation and add a killer video card, go with the S5520SC family
If you like 1U / 2U Rack systems with a little more expanction space teh S5500Ur family
As the other guys said, you need to give a lot more on what you want for a real recommendation (unless your the IBm guy who has a system to sell you regardless of what you want. Big blue knows what is best for you )
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Hi,
I have an interest in this topic and have taken a look at the S5520HC motherboard family. What I find fuzzy is are the differences between the different motherboads in this group. There are the HCT, HCR, SCR, WBR and HCVR flavors. I see some differences in memory capacity. Is there a comparison chart that lists the feature set(s) of the group and which models have what features? That sure would be handy...
Thanks!
--Ben
The Server configurator tool is very handy for a side by side compairison http://serverconfigurator.intel.com/compare.aspx?CategoryID=2
Guide to product names i.e. S5500HCR
S = Server
55 = First processor family
00 = Chip Set version
HC = Hanlan Creek pedestal server (WB = Willow Brook is a High efficiently Rack Server) (SC = Shady Cove -- Workstation board (no video down and 16x PCIe slot for video)
R = Refresh to support 56xx processors
T = TxT encryption ( also supports 56xx processors)
V = Value (lesser feature SKU)
12V = 12v Willowbrook (non-SSI power supply board) (fewer wires to route in the chassis)
Currently S5520HC has three different SKUs, S5520HCT (supports TXT), S5520HCR and S5500HCVR (9 DIMM slots). S5520SCR and S5500WBR are different products.
Try http://serverconfigurator.intel.com/compare.aspx?CategoryID=2 and select Intel® Server Boards => Intel® Xeon® Processor 5500 series and 5600 series.
