PC build to support VMware

[GeorgeG.]

I can't seem to find a straight answer on the Googles about whether or not AMD processors can support ESXi. While I can't find the source now, in recent searches, I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that VMware is only supported on Intel systems that supports virtualization technology.

Can anyone here help clear the mud?

My current pc is a Dell OptiPlex 755, dual core, 4Gb RAM, and a couple of small drives. It'll support 8Gb of RAM and I could replace my drives but I'd still have a dual core, out dated pc.

My current need is to run Cisco CUCM in a VM environment and possibly run other VM's simultaneously later down the road. I started using VM Workstation but in the process, I got sidetracked into just building something that will be useful for my home lab stuff.

I was pricing components out on Fry's website and for cost savings, I'd like to stick with AMD.... for example, they have one Intel 8-core proc for $1,050 and three AMD procs that are less than $210 bucks.

Anyone here have a similar set up at home?

[Ratt]

Short answer is yes. As long as the processor has the AMD-V technology, which is their equivalent of Intel VT.

http://www.vmware.com/partners/global-alliances/amd/amd

[mustang_revival]

Lots of folk heavy in VM I've seen return the AMD for Intel everytime.

Not sure if they met the spec Ratt posted above though.

[Ratt]

The AMD-V tech is really just for live VM migration support, but anything with that will definitely support virtualization.

[abecx]

Just use virtualbox

[Sgt Beavis]

You can find out exactly what is and is not supported using this tool..

http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php

Abecx, stop it with the profanity..

[Sgt Beavis]

I also have two DL165 G7 servers for my home lab. Both are AMD. The only issue with AMD is that you don't get the VM density you can get out of Intel. It's like AMD isn't really trying anymore.

[ceyko]

I went through this process once for a home lab, the key is to follow the HCL. As posted above now, it is much - much easier to follow the HCL with their tools they have now.

Also, just because it is not listed is not 100% confirmed that it will not work - but if it is on that list it will likely work just fine.

What you setting up CUCM for? If you work for a partner, you can get an NFR kit for dang cheap. As an example it comes with 20 CUWL Pro, vTS, Expressway, UCCX and so on for under 400 bucks, I think it is 395.

[GeorgeG.]

thanks guys, I'll check out the HCL.

Ceyko, It's really just to prepare for the CCNA Voice exam. My CCNA cert expires in August and I procrastinated long enough to prepare for a CCNP exam. I know the voice exam expires in August, I just need to knock one out fairly quickly to keep my cert active and I think the ccna voice would be easier than ccnp route.

[GeorgeG.]

Just use virtualbox

I actually tried Virtualbox already...didn't get very far though because I don't have enough space on my drives so I'm done with this pc. Plus, VMware is more widely used, might as well play with it.

[ceyko]

Concur with VMWare being nice to use since it's what most companies use.

If you have any questions...etc, just let me know. I work for a Cisco partner focused on Cisco Collab.

[Sgt Beavis]

<- VMware vExpert (ain't I short schoolbus special)

There is nothing wrong with VirtualBox. It's a level 2 hypervisor which makes for less strict hardware requirements, but also underperforms when compared to most level 1 hypervisors like ESXi, Hyper-V, or KVM. ESXi is free, like VirtualBox but all the management features of vSphere cost mucho $$$$$.

One thing to consider. If you don't have access to NFR licenses like I do (because HP is a VMware partner) you can join VMUG advantage for $200 a year. There are all sorts of discounts that come with that, but as of a few months ago, you now get NFR licenses to almost all of VMware's product suite..

Another thing, check out vGhetto for advise on building labs. Especially when it comes to nesting VMs. That blog has a lot of good stuff. Yellow Bricks is another great blog focused on vSphere tech in general, like HA, DRS, VSAN,and other things..

[big_tiger]

I can't seem to find a straight answer on the Googles about whether or not AMD processors can support ESXi. While I can't find the source now, in recent searches, I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that VMware is only supported on Intel systems that supports virtualization technology.

Can anyone here help clear the mud?

My current pc is a Dell OptiPlex 755, dual core, 4Gb RAM, and a couple of small drives. It'll support 8Gb of RAM and I could replace my drives but I'd still have a dual core, out dated pc.

My current need is to run Cisco CUCM in a VM environment and possibly run other VM's simultaneously later down the road. I started using VM Workstation but in the process, I got sidetracked into just building something that will be useful for my home lab stuff.

I was pricing components out on Fry's website and for cost savings, I'd like to stick with AMD.... for example, they have one Intel 8-core proc for $1,050 and three AMD procs that are less than $210 bucks.

Anyone here have a similar set up at home?

I played around with an 8 core AMD, and used a trial esxi license. Had to inject a certain driver into the esxi install, via third party software. Worked for me

EDIT: If you want to pass a video card to a VM, make sure the board can do IOMMU.