Intel core i7 2630qm vs newer CPU's for virtualization

[bettingringo]

Well I have a big issue in here..

I have an old but upgraded DELL Laptop (Intel Core i7 2630QM - 8GB RAM - 500Gb Samsung SSD) since 2011. I still use it for my virtualization Labs and other certification stuff. Do you have any experience or think the motherboard (HM67 Sandy Bridge Chipset) can still hold 16Gigs of RAM upgrade! If not. What budget CPU do you recommend for intensive virtualization (let's say 4 windows server 2012 VMs and two Win7 Pro) on a Windows 10 Pro host ?

I prefer Laptops to PCs, I'm thinking of this one ASUS ROG GL553VD Intel® Core™ i7 7700HQ.

Any advices ?

 

[ComputerSecurityGuy]

You might be okay. But unless you need the portability, I usually recommend picking up a rackmount server like a Dell Rx10 or a HP DL360 G6/7 for virtualization work. Laptops are a bit constrained for hevay duty work by their RAM. Just put ESXi on the server and you're set with a larger feature selection and more power.

 

[imrazor]

If you post your laptop model number, we can look up the maximum amount of RAM. I tend to agree with ComputerSecurityGuy about getting a desktop for virtualization, but if you need mobility you might want to look at the Dell Precision line of laptops. I have an old Sandy Bridge Precision M6600 that with the right processor can handle up to 32GB and three drives for all those VMs (four if you sacrifice the optical drive.) The latest 17", the 7710, can handle up to 64GB.

Keep in mind that some virtualization features require motherboard as well as CPU support. I know the Dell Precisions support VT-x, VT-d, SLAT/EPT, etc. A gaming machine might not support some of these features.

 

[imrazor]

Just looked up the 2630qm and noticed that it does NOT support VT-d (aka IOMMU or PCIe passthru). If you go slightly up the ladder to the i7-2720qm it DOES support VT-d.