VMware Hyper-threading Technology and Intel Supported CPUs.

[rcflyer2005]

I'm attempting to build an ESXi 3.5 Update3 box.

1. CPU: Intel Q6600 or Q9550.

2. MB: ASIS P5K.

3. HDD: Seagate 1.5 TB 7200.11.

4. Video: EVGA GeForce 8600GT

5. NIC: ntel Pro/1000 GT.

In going through the forums, I find references the CPU must support hyper-threading. Folks have had successful installs ESXi 3.5 using the Intel Q6600 CPU. Summary specification of the Q6600 is below.

1. It does not support Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology.

2. It supports Intel® Virtualization Technology.

What VMware hyper-threading technology corresponds to Intel's 2 and 4 core CPU?

OR,

Do I just go to this link: http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php and find a compatible CPU in the list?

Thanks much.

Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)

Product Family	[ Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor \	http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?familyID=28398]
Code Name	Products formerly Kentsfield\
Product Status	Launched
Launch Date	Q1'07
Mfg Avail	2+ Yrs
Lithography	65 nm
Number of Cores	4
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Intel® Virtualization Technology
Intel® 64 Architecture
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Demand Based Switching
Execute Disable Bit
Intel® Stable Image Platform Program (Intel® SIPP)
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology
Halogen Free Options Available
Package Size	37.5mm x 37.5mm
Tcase	62.2°C
Max TDP	105 Watts
Core Voltage	0.85V-1.5V

Link: http://ark.intel.com/cpu.aspx?groupId=29765

[Dave_Mishchenko]

ESX(i) does not require hyper-threading. Intel VT is required on an Intel CPU only if you want run 64 bit guests. If you're buying a new MB I would also look for vt-d (directed I/O). That will be something you can use with ESXi 4.0.

[RParker]

I find references the CPU must support hyper-threading

Core processors (starting with Core 2) are mutually exclusive. If they refer to hyper threading CPU, they are NOT core processors. Core processors are NOT hyper threaded. It's either one or the other. Hyper Thread is pre-core technology.

VT (Virtualization Technology) is in most moden core processors, you will have a hard time finding any core 2 processors that does NOT have VT extensions, especially following 53xx series. So they pretty much all have it now.

What VMware hyper-threading technology corresponds to Intel's 2 and 4 core CPU?

None. You don't need. Core 2 is all you want, and that processor you posted is a good one. That will be great. Core > Hyper Thread in ALL cases.

[averylarry2]

I know this is an old thread -- but for anyone looking up hyper-threading:

Intel is now adding hyper-threading to its multi-core processors. In theory:

multicore plus hyperthreading > multicore > hyperthreading

In reality . . ? As long as strange problems don't occur, hyperthreading should give you a greater ability to saturate your processors, and allow an overall increase in sustained processing power.