what types of processors are best for virtualization?

[I3lood Eagle]

so running virtual machines can be resource intensive oft times, but where would I look to see what types of CPU do the job best and why? and can I get an in depth explanation of how cache's work. I just need a very technical break down to try and help understand this stuff.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Nuclear101]

I recommend an Intel i7-4770k. Hyper threading helps with controlling CPU usage.

 

[I3lood Eagle]

I recommend an Intel i7-4770k. Hyper threading helps with controlling CPU usage.

I need more details like I stated before, but thanks for the input still.

Like reasons why it's better than other Intel chips and AMD's solution.

 

[Nuclear101]

I recommend an Intel i7-4770k. Hyper threading helps with controlling CPU usage.

I need more details like I stated before, but thanks for the input still.

Like reasons why it's better than other Intel chips and AMD's solution.

For one thing, Intel has a dedicated research department for virtualization: http://ark.intel.com/products/virtualizationtechnology

Hyper-threading splits each core in half, so you can more accurately adjust your RAM to whichever core needs it, instead of AMD having each core use 1Gb of RAM, you can have Core0 use 500Mb, Core1 use 2Gb, Core3 use 1Gb, etc. with an Intel CPU. Programs that think you have 8 cores will decrease the load on each core, allowing lower temperatures and overall better power efficiency than AMD's 8 physical cores, which tends to run hotter and less power efficient. The problem is that Intel's CPU's do not have VT-d (Virtualization with Directed I/O), which allows a specific VM to be assigned to a specific Core, Intel decides while AMD allows you to choose.

AMD's take: AMD's CPU's have much larger cache, which allows for more of a virtual machine to be dedicated per core instead of Intel splitting it if the virtual machine takes too much l1, l2, or l3 cache. AMD's CPU's also tend to be clocked higher, which theoretically compensates for their lower performance/core. The biggest advantage of AMD CPU's are that they have 8 Physical Cores, so they are better coped when a software needs more cores, which is when Intel starts to lag behind. Albeit AMD does not have a dedicated hardware development lab, they do have better virtualization software dedicated for things like virtual machines.

I hope this is enough technical data.

 

[I3lood Eagle]

actually yes, that's a whole lot more in depth. If you or anyone else wants to add anything else I'll leave this up for a few days (1-2) before I choose the answer but you'll get it man, thanks for the speedy reply also. There is one thing I'm still having some issues comprehending. How exactly do CPU caches work specifically with virtualization?

 

[Nuclear101]

actually yes, that's a whole lot more in depth. If you or anyone else wants to add anything else I'll leave this up for a few days (1-2) before I choose the answer but you'll get it man, thanks for the speedy reply also. There is one thing I'm still having some issues comprehending. How exactly do CPU caches work specifically with virtualization?

You can think of CPU cache as miniature RAM sticks in the CPU. They are much smaller in memory, but they store the most essential functions your computer needs to operate eg. windows desktop, file explorer, etc. as well as running background temperatures to make sure none of your hardware becomes corrupted or fails. The cache, being in the CPU itself is able to be accessed much faster and therefore improve the speed of the basic functions of the computer. Specifically for virtualization, cache allows part of the VM to be stored in the CPU itself, just like how it stores the basics of windows, allowing for faster access to general areas of the VM.

 

[I3lood Eagle]

actually yes, that's a whole lot more in depth. If you or anyone else wants to add anything else I'll leave this up for a few days (1-2) before I choose the answer but you'll get it man, thanks for the speedy reply also. There is one thing I'm still having some issues comprehending. How exactly do CPU caches work specifically with virtualization?

You can think of CPU cache as miniature RAM sticks in the CPU. They are much smaller in memory, but they store the most essential functions your computer needs to operate eg. windows desktop, file explorer, etc. as well as running background temperatures to make sure none of your hardware becomes corrupted or fails. The cache, being in the CPU itself is able to be accessed much faster and therefore improve the speed of the basic functions of the computer. Specifically for virtualization, cache allows part of the VM to be stored in the CPU itself, just like how it stores the basics of windows, allowing for faster access to general areas of the VM.

thanks for helping me out here!