VCP vCPU question

[timevisser]

I was going back through some material and saw this question in Brian Atkinson VCP book and I am not sure how to solve for the answer. 

Q.  You plan to install vCenter Server 5 in a virtual machine.  The vCenter server will use a remote SQL database and will support 2 hosts and 15 virtual machines.  How many vCPUs should you start with when building this VM?  (Choose all that Apply.)

A.  Two vCPUs with one core

B.  One vCPU with two cores

C.  Four vCPUs with one core

D.  Three vCPUs with two cores

I understand that the default for vCenter Server 5 requires A or B (above) to be a supported configuration.  Does the amount of hosts and virtual machines mater?   Are there any other supported configurations and how are they determined? 

[JoshuaAndrewsVM · Accepted solution]

A.  Two vCPUs with one core

B.  One vCPU with two cores

>Does the amount of hosts and virtual machines matter?

Yes, for the size of the database and (at some point) for vCenter performance - tho the bigger impact will be on the SQL server.

And 2/15 is no where near where that would be an issue.  Maybe 200/1500, depending on logging level, # of admins etc etc

>Are there any other supported configurations and how are they determined?

Probably the CoE (Center of Excellence) has a guide for that, but in the real world start with two and add more later if you see high CPU usage.

[wafish1]

Always VMware recommends to start with i vCPU then add more if needed, unless you have known OS or Application required more than one.

2 host with 15 VMs are nothing to worry about... 1 vCPU is more than enough for them.

[a_p_]

@wafish1

You are basically correct with starting low and adding resources as required. However, in order to run vCenter Server in a supported configuration, 2 vCPUs are required.

André

[scott28tt]

I'd choose A and B as the answers.

[timevisser]

Thanks for the replies.