CPU recmmendations with multiple VM's

H

h0mez

Limp Gawd
Joined
Nov 6, 2006
Messages
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I am looking to run 8 VM's and right now I am running 4 on an old dual core I have(4300 w/3.5gigs & 32bit XP), and it pretty much maxes out the CPU when I have all 4 running.

I am looking to possibly purchasing a new quad core and sticking it in there instead and jumping up to 8 gigs, and throwing some sort of 64bit OS on there. I am using VMWare and was wondering if just basic Intel quad core such as the Q8200 might get it done.

The recommendation for the software is 1gb and a 1.5ghz processor. You think I could run 8 on a Q8200. I get away with allocating 768mb per VM so the ram wouldn't be an issue, but not sure if each core could run 2 vms..

If you have any other suggestions let me know. I am sure this is pretty vague question, but thanks for your help.
 
I second a recommendation for a Core i7. I do a lot of VM work at the office where I have Dell Studio XPS with a Core i7 920 and 8 gigs of RAM. I'm running a Hyper-V setup with a Windows Server 2008 host partition (fully loaded with all desktop extensions, including Aero.) As for my VMs, I have a Win XP SP3 setup with 2 gigs of RAM for legacy project support, as well as three Windows Server 2003/2008 setups used for testbed, hosting, and/or production staging purposes. VMs run in the background while I toil away (most of the time) in Windows Server. Performance is astounding -- both in my primary WS2008 partition and with the VMs.
 
core i7 or dual quad xeon or dual quad opterons.. those are your only choice really.. but it also depends on the ram and cpu usage of each VM.. if the computer isnt going to be used for anything but the VM's.. you might be able to get away with just a standard quad.. if your current motherboard supports the 45nm C2Q's then id go with the q9450 or q9550.. if your motherboard doesnt.. you might want to look into the AMD phenom II since they all have VT support.. and for the price to performance they are much better then building an entire new C2Q rig with no upgrade path..

if you decide to go with C2Q's.. check to make sure they support VT because a lot of them dont..



thank you enginurd for giving the correct term "VT" im not totally awake yet.. :p
 
I agree, since the 920 has 8 threads. ;)

If you have to stick with Core2, go with at least a Q9400. Basically, you want something that supports VT. :p

What motherboard do you have?
What's your budget?
 
The Core i7 920 is above what I was expecting to spend considering I'll have to get a new board and new RAM. At this point I'd rather get a Core2 and run 2 machines and save some cash for the time being.

I currently have a GA-EP45-UD3P and E8400 with 12gbs as my personal use machine that I could part out. I think that board can handle the 45nm C2Q's so I'll look into the q9450 or q9550. If you have any better suggestions let me know.

I'll also have to look into this VT thing...
 
The Q9550 is $170 at Microcenter, if one is near you. I think that price is good for 3 more days.
 
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