Configuration Maximum - Maximum number of VMs per Hosts

[vmproteau]

I had a question from a user about the maximum VMs per ESX Host. (3.0.2 and 3.5 if it is changed). I know in reality it depends on the resources it is using but theoretically using the document (Configuration Maximums ). How many 1-vCPU VMs could you put on a host.

The table belwow confuded me a little.

# This maximum "Number of virtual CPUs per server 128" makes me think the maximum is 128 VMs

# However, these two entries "Number of cores per server 32" and "Number of virtual CPUs per core 8" makes me think it should be 256 VMs

Table 2. Compute Maximums

Item Maximum

• Number of virtual CPUs per server 128

• Number of cores per server 32

• Number of virtual CPUs per core 8

[piercelynch · Accepted solution]

Well to me.. thats saying that the maxium number of cores that can be present on the host server is 32 which then equated to 8 virtual machines per core...

In terms of the number of VM's per host as a maximum (ignoring reality) - I am not too sure - but by that document, you indeed it indicates that 128 VM's are possible as a maxium as long as you have 32 cores on that host.

Does that make sense...

P.

[wondab]

I agree with 128 being the maximum number of hosts. The rest is used by the host itself.

[ctfoster]

You are right the maximum number of 'powered on' VMs on an esx host is 128 - which relates directly to the maximum number of vCPU's

[gmreddy]

The maximum number of RUNNING virtual machines (provided every VMs only uses 1 vCPU) is 128 only.

You can't run more than that.

[piercelynch]

There you go, think that answers that one! :smileygrin: 128 powered on VM's is the limit per host as long as you have 32 cores. All agreed!

P.

[vmproteau]

OK. The next time some one offers me an 8-way quad core server, I'll keep that in mind.

Still talking theoretically, related to those same numbers (8 VMs per core). So if my 2-way quad core server can host a maximum of 64VMs, any guesses what I would see if I tried for VM 65. Would it generate an error or would hitting enter be the beginning of a black hole. At times, the latter is preferred.

[piercelynch]

8way quad core... nice... :smileygrin: