CPU and multiple VM

[nik00]

Hello,

I'm in the process of changing my computer (my current CPU is i5-2500K) for some specific needs I have :
I want to be able to run multiple VM that will each require both alot of CPU and RAM resources.
(but nothing requiring gfx power, no games, etc)

For RAM it feels easy, I'll just buy like 16Gb of RAM or more depending on my needs.

But for CPU, it seems more complex, should I go with more cores ? I've seen that allocating more than 1 core to a VM doesnt help performances in most cases.

Also, for 6 cores CPU, I see a huge difference in price between say :
AMD FX 6350 BE (3.9 GHz) @ 135€
Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2 GHz) @ 500+€

Why is that ? Same number of cores and the freq of AMD one is much higher...
What "features" other than cores & freq should I pay attention to ?

I feel a bit lost here, any help would be great

Thanks !

 

[nik00]

I meant that I want to run something like :
Host OS : Win 7
Guest VM1 : Win XP
Guest VM2 : Win XP
Guest VM3 : Win XP
Guest VM4 : Win XP
All 4 VM at the same time, doing compilations, video encoding, ... CPU intensive stuff.
All 4 VM are running on the host, not a VM inside a VM inside a VM

 

[nik00]

And what about dual-CPU motherboard ? Is it better/more effective to have 2 "not-too-expensive" CPUs or 1 expensive one ?

 

[ihog]

And what about dual-CPU motherboard ? Is it better/more effective to have 2 "not-too-expensive" CPUs or 1 expensive one ?

Depends on the VM software.

Also, your best bet is to go with an Intel LGA 2011 platform and a lot of quad channel RAM.

 

[lazyboy947]

A six core 12HT core 2011 i7 with motherboard is obviously best as VM each get a set of cores and ram to use so obviously more cores and ram the better. Best go with socket 2011 and a 6core i7, budget go fx 8350

 

[tazz85]

Hi, I'm having the same qustion, I need to build something like vSphere lab or Hyper-V I will run Windows 7, 8, XP and WIndows 2012 Server.

I had before 2xXeon 5150 with 4GB RAM and I was very satisfied unitell the mobo got out - Intel S5000PSL.

Right now I'm considering to buy Dell Precision T5400 with 2xE5400 or AMD FX-8320 some configuration or maybe why not Dell T5500 with six-core Xeon W****. Dells'prices are about 300-500 euro and a new computer with AMD FX-8320 and 16GB RAM will be about 550 euro without the video card.

 

[shellls45]

Since you already have a 1155 board, sell the i5. Buy an i7 2600k and max out the ram. It will be the cheapest way.

 

[tazz85]

From ebay I see I can buy T5500 for 400EUR and riser card for memory
and CPU for extra 120EUR.
http://www.ebay.pl/itm/WORKSTATION-DELL-PRECISION-T5500-INTEL-QUAD-CORE-XEON-E5530-4x-2-4GHz-12GB-RAM-/131002858478?pt=DE_Technik_Computer_Peripherieger%C3%A4te_PC_Systeme&hash=item1e8060fbee&_uhb=1#shpCntId

With 2xE5530 chances to make really good workstation not only for labs are very good I think.