I found out the system was in hyper-v recently and brand new, no user count or anything. For your 2x4, is that just an example calculation or you came by...

ok, looks like its settled, I will implement 2014 for the cluster, thanks everyone.

ok, why 2014 over 2012, I was leaning towards 2014, but wasnt sure of the benefits and stability for our production area.

Ok, so pretty much just go ahead to 2003, do not worry about upsizing to sql server 2000.