64 bit vm on EM64T

[scotty_p]

I know I can run 64 bit virtual machines on EM64T servers, but how does that affect performance? Is it a huge difference from running on an Itanium processor? We will be upgrading to ESX 4 soon and are concerned about performance.

Thanks,

Scott

[mcowger]

In all likelihood, it will perform better. The x86 emulation on Itantium is SLOOOOOOW.

--Matt

VCP, vExpert, Unix Geek

[scotty_p]

Thanks Matt.

Sorry, I'm confused. Are you saying that 64 bit virtual machines will perform better on em64t procs or Itanium?

[mcowger · Accepted solution]

if they are x86 instruction set, they will likely perform better on em64t - Itanium's x86 emulation is really slow.

That being said, VMware on Itanium isn't supported.

--Matt

VCP, vExpert, Unix Geek

[scotty_p]

Thanks.