Virtualization and running VMs require a lot of CPU processing power. This makes choosing the right CPU important.
In this article, we start at the very beginning by choosing the right CPU. That is which CPU brand is best for virtualization. To be specific, AMD vs Intel for virtualization. Here’s everything you need to know.
Is Intel or AMD Better For VMware?
Both Intel and AMD are great options for virtualization. However, on average AMD has more cores and threads than Intel CPUs.
This makes AMD a better CPU for running VMware or virtualization.
What’s more important is finding the best price-to-performance ratio when choosing an Intel or AMD CPU for VMware.
To do this compare the performance of CPUs in the same price range using benchmarks.
Doing so, always tells you which CPU is better in that same price range.
CPU System Requirements For Virtualization
- Processor speed: 2.1 GHz or higher
- Cores: 4 cores or higher
- Virtualization Supported: Yes
- 64-bit processor: Yes
What Type Of Processor Would You Choose For A Virtualisation Workstation?
According to the CPU requirements for virtualization, 64 bit quad-core CPUs or higher and a processor speed of at least 2.1 GHz that support virtualization should be chosen.
Can AMD Do Virtualization?
Yes, AMD CPUs can do virtualization. AMD CPUs have AMD-V (AMD Virtualization) which is a set of on-chip features that make better use of and improve the performance of your virtualization resources.
Does AMD Ryzen Support Virtualization?
Does VMware Work On AMD Processors?
VMware only works on AMD second-generation or later processors. We recommend getting fourth-generation or higher AMD Ryzen processors for VMware.
Is Ryzen 5 Good For Virtualization?
Yes, AMD Ryzen 5 is good for medium to high virtualization. This is only for the high-performance AMD Ryzen 5 processors.
- Does GPU Matter For Virtualization?
Low-performance AMD Ryzen 5 processors are suitable for low-medium virtualization.
To know the differences between AMD Ryzen types. Please read the AMD Ryzen naming scheme guide.
Does Ryzen 7 Support Virtualization?
Yes, AMD Ryzen 7 supports virtualization. It’s the most recommended AMD CPU for virtualization because of its great performance and affordable price.
Is i5 Good For Virtualization?
Yes, Intel core i5 is good for medium to high virtualization. This is only for the high-performance Intel Core i5 processors.
Low-performance Intel Core i5 processors are suitable for low-medium virtualization. To know the differences between Intel Core processors. Please read our Intel Naming Guide.
Is i7 Good For Virtualization?
Yes, the Intel Core i7 is good for demanding virtualization tasks. This is only for the high-performance Intel Core i7 processors.
Low-performance Intel Core i7 processors are suitable for medium-high virtualization tasks.
Is Threadripper Good For Virtualization?
Yes, AMD Threadripper is good for virtualization. The Threadripper series are powerful CPUs that can handle multiple VMware because of high clock speeds, numerous cores, and threads.
Final Thoughts
Both Intel and AMD CPUs are fantastic options for virtualization. And that they meet the CPU system requirements for virtualization.
Depending on your budget it’s best to look at which CPU provides the best price-to-performance ratio.
In addition to that, how demanding the virtualization task plays a big role in choosing a CPU. Powerful CPUs which are usually more expensive are suitable for running demanding VMware.
