How do the different multi-core processors stack-up for running something like VMware ESXI with 3-6 VMs? Is the X6 better than say an I5-760? It seems like more cores would be better, but I'm not really sure how true that really is comparing Intel to AMD. This is for a home server so that is why I'm not looking to server grade CPUs.
VMs and desktop CPUs
- Thread starter jackace
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Terzo
Platinum Member
- Dec 13, 2005
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I don't know much about the technical aspects, but I'll chime in with what I have and maybe that'll give you a decent idea.
I run a base install of windows 7 with ubuntu 9.10 installed on vmplayer. They are running off the following specs:
x4 930 athlon II
4 gigs ddr3 ram
x25-v ssd
8800 gt
No overclocking whatsoever. It was a noticeable difference when I upgraded to this from an old x2 4400, 2 gigs ddr, and a spindle hard drive. I generally just use ubuntu and only switch to windows when I game. I could dual boot, but it's nice that I don't have to bother rebooting. I've done some encoding using handbrake and it works well enough (hadn't done that before so don't really have a comparison though).
Hopefully you can glean some useful information from my usage.
I run a base install of windows 7 with ubuntu 9.10 installed on vmplayer. They are running off the following specs:
x4 930 athlon II
4 gigs ddr3 ram
x25-v ssd
8800 gt
No overclocking whatsoever. It was a noticeable difference when I upgraded to this from an old x2 4400, 2 gigs ddr, and a spindle hard drive. I generally just use ubuntu and only switch to windows when I game. I could dual boot, but it's nice that I don't have to bother rebooting. I've done some encoding using handbrake and it works well enough (hadn't done that before so don't really have a comparison though).
Hopefully you can glean some useful information from my usage.
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This is not a question easily answered. It depends on load and type of apps. But in short I doubt you'll see much difference in a quad core or hex in 3-6 vm load. I would say in a busy server the more physical cores would be better, but like I said this is a complex question with many variables. Both of those cpus will easily power a home ESXi server with no problem. In a home virtual machine you'll need ram and fastest disks you can afford to make it snappy. There are a lot of variables.
I have worked with ESX and ESXi in production work enviroment. No expert, but solid on understanding and usage.
I have worked with ESX and ESXi in production work enviroment. No expert, but solid on understanding and usage.
Even for a single host OS, the hard drive is a major limiting factor. If you're running another OS on top of that, let alone 3-6, if you've got all those OS' being actively used and accessing data at the same time from a mechanical HDD you're going to bring it to its knees. RAM will probably start becoming a problem as well. So get an SSD and lots of decently fast RAM.
My biggest use for the VMs would be for studying for Certs and learning, so nothing very intensive. Only 1, maybe 2, of the VMs would be in use for actual storage and media server type use. The rest would be used for MS/linux certifications and learning.
Yes I also know about the ram and HDD limitations for VMs. I planned on using 12-16 gig ram and a good SSD for the operating systems.
Yes I also know about the ram and HDD limitations for VMs. I planned on using 12-16 gig ram and a good SSD for the operating systems.
mvbighead
Diamond Member
- Apr 20, 2009
- 3,793
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Meh, I do run an ESXI host at home with an AMD x2 4000+. Works just fine for the mundane stuff I have it doing. Torrents on Ubuntu 10.02. Cacti on Ubuntu Server 10.02. DC using Windows Server 2003.
Sure, decent disk speed is needed, but if your VMs are anything like mine, for the most part, they don't do a whole heckuva lot so speed won't be that much of an issue. If it is, just throw in a few drives and give each VM its own disk. But, given the processors you mentioned, you should be plenty fine going which ever one gives you the best bang for the buck. Personally though, I took 4 40gb 7200RPM SATA drives from old workstations and built a RAID array with a supported controller. Never had an issue with disk speed, despite using cheap SATA disks.
You don't need an ssd. For that you get 1 300gb Raptor and you'll be fine. Or get yourself 3 7200 rmp drives and make raid 5. You don't need a lot for you scenario. I would get a cheap AMD quad core, because they all support VT. Now you'll need that because to run 64 bit OS you need VT. Hell you could just set up a very beefy pc and run Vitrual PC or VMware workstation. They are type 2 hypervisors but they'll work just as good. You post your setup you have in mind and I'll try to help you.
I don't have a specific system in mind. I just want a system to practice for MS and Linux certs, and create a server for the family to use for storage, backups, media, etc. I'm also in need of an upgrade for my current personal PC. (e4200, 4850) So I'm looking at options for accomplishing these task, while also keeping in mind that new stuff is coming out soon so prices are dropping.
Is there a list of CPUs that support VT somewhere?
One thing that may be interesting is that you make it the scheduler much easier if the vCPU count is a multiple of the physical cores. The performance hit depends on what scheduler you're using, but I think it's fair to say that every scheduler should see at least some improvements by that..
Tsavo
Platinum Member
- Sep 29, 2009
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You'll be plenty happy with an AMD quad. They support VT and will be a huge step above what you are using now. $100 gets you an AMD quad with VT. The lowest priced Intel quad (on Newegg) that supports VT is $200.
I'm going to replace my reedy little E3200 with an AMD quad specifically to better run VM's.
I would buy a complete system. Just about all of AMD cpus support VT, but you gotta be careful with Intel. You can look up the cpus on Intel or AMD and see the specs which will say if they support VT.
http://www.vm-help.com/esx40i/esx40_whitebox_HCL.php
http://ultimatewhitebox.com/
Tsavo
Platinum Member
- Sep 29, 2009
- 2,645
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Yep. I was looking at upgrading my existing s775 to an Intel quad. The lowest priced quad, the Q8400 either has support for VT or does not, luck of the draw as the etailer wasn't willing to rummage through the boxes to find one with VT support.
My current thinking is to use the e4200 machine as a server for home. (really need a central place for storing media, files, and backups) Buy a new cheap computer now for myself. After xmas when prices have dropped buy a new better computer for myself and use the first new computer for the home server and include some VMs for learning and practicing for my certs.
I would then have 2 physical machines to use for servers, storage, backups, etc and other things like pfSense. If by then prices have dropped I might even replace the e4200 CPU at that time with a quad that supports VT.
I would then have 2 physical machines to use for servers, storage, backups, etc and other things like pfSense. If by then prices have dropped I might even replace the e4200 CPU at that time with a quad that supports VT.
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