wich linux partition type for vmware virtual disks?

[markokobal]

Hi,

So, say I will use Server or Workstation and install it under some Linux. Wich linux partition type should I use for the partitions where vmware virtual disks (.vmdk) for my virtual machines will be (Ex3, ReiserFs, JFS, XFS)? Wich one performs best in this case?

[JDLangdon]

When running VMware Server or Workstation on a Linux OS you can format all your host partitions as ext3.

Jason

[markokobal]

Hi,

When running VMware Server or Workstation on a Linux OS you can format all your host partitions as ext3.

Well, Jason, I believe this. But is Ext3 really the best choice among other journaling file systems (as mentioned above)?

[rsa911 · Accepted solution]

JFS and XFS are the fastest, but personally (call me old fashioned ) I prefer to stick to ext3 for vmware disks files...

I've found ext3 to be rock solid compared to the "newer" JFS/XFS

Reliability is far more important than performance imho...

In the end I would say pick the one you feel the most comfortable with in case of troubles: which one will you be able to fix the most easily, which one is supported by your tools etc...

Don't forget even the fastest filesystem can't magically transform a low end disk subsystem into an ultrafast storage subsystem...

So pick a fast raid controller with onboard cache, fast disks etc...

stay away from fake raid controllers, very popular lately

just my .02 eur

[markokobal]

Hi,

Thaks rsa911. I do have a fast SATA disk system (3ware 9650SE + 2x WD500YS in RAID1 + 4x WD500YS in RAID5 + 1x WD500YS as Single drive). I will give it a try with XFS as it is really the fastest overall as much as I have been reading various tests ... however ... yes, I agree with you it might not be the most reliable. Will do some test Ext3 vs XSF and see if there will actualy be some difference in speed...

[rsa911]

you could also use ext3 on the raid1 volume for critical / core Vms and XFS on the raid5 volumes for less important / bulk data ones...

as long as you have good backups (remember to install backup agents inside the VMs) you should be safe !