ESXI 5.5 Direct Path I/O

[vm_save_time]

Hello,

I was wondering if I can use direct path I/O for a PCI express card that is supported by my quest OS but not by esxi? As well as how effective is direct path I/O?

Regards

[LNCHAARY]

HI,

I would say not to use it if this is going to be production environment. If you are testing something you can give a try but your ESXI may crash.

I have not personally used Direct Path I/O, but I have heard the best use case for Direct path I/O is for "Graphics processing unit (GPU)" devices where it enhances the graphical performances of VM. If not it is just an edgy case to use it loosing other benefits of VMware virtualized environment.

Thanks,

Chaary