ESX 3.0.1: Can a 32-bit VMWare host run a 64-bit guest OS?

[robjeff]

All -

Can anyone tell me if an 32-bit ESX host can run a 64-bit guest os?

If so does ESX run a 64-bit emulation on the 32-bit host?

Lastly, where can I find the answer to these questions in VMWare's documentation?

Thanks a bundle...

[boydd]

Yes - but, the Hosts hardware (processors) must support 64bit (Opteron/Intel with 64bit ext).

DB

[acr]

Yes it can, as mentioned as long as your Procs are ok, we have a few running all ok..!!

[RDPetruska]

Well, as there are no 64-bit binaries for ESX yet, ALL ESX hosts are 32-bit.

[dpomeroy]

The Systems Compatibility Guide does list what 64 bit guest OSes are supported.

For hardware I believe any of the 64 bit AMD CPUs are supported, for Intel you need the ones with EM64T with VT enabled. I couldn't find an official link but I believe I did see something in the KB that spelled that out.