CPU issue in guest with PCI passthrough, help.

[metrem]

Hello,

i try to configure my RocketRaid 2320 in a VM via PCI passthrough on WS2008R2 and memory reservation

All work very well with a VMXNET3 10gb when there is CPU activity in the VM and my network speed test transfert (via NFS) is like at 500 MB/s

When there is no activity thats feel like a garbage CPU c-state and my network speed test transfert is like at 0.000001 MB/s

If i move a window via RDP thats make CPU activity and the network speed changes according to the CPU load

The process nfssvc.exe is constently at 0.00 CPU average in the guest

I try to disable c-states and p-states in ESXI BIOS and disable power management with set on performance with no effect. I try a lot ... a lot of hours... FOR NOTHING !

I try to enable CPU affinity and all this VM parameters with no effect :

numa.autosize.vcpu.maxPerVirtualNode = 2

numa.vcpu.min  = 2

numa.nodeAffinity = 0, 2

monitor_control.halt_desched = false

sched.cpu.latencySensitivity = high

monitor.idleLoopSpinBeforeHaltUP = TRUE

Please, dont let me write a stupid batch script for have my VM CPU% load h24 lol. please, tell me what happen on my VM

Thx my lords

[berndweyand]

there is a part that in dont understand: what is the reason to passtrough the raidcontroller ?

where does the nfs-exports reside ?

[metrem]

my rocketraid controler RR2320 dont work with ESXI 6.7. I cant create a VMFS on it.

the nfs export is provide by the nfs server on Windows server 2008 R2

[daphnissov]

What you're trying to do you shouldn't be trying to do. Don't try and pass through this device. This isn't how the hardware is intended to be used.

[metrem]

But that work with CPU load... and dont have any other choice for run ESXi with this 2320 RocketRAID controller.
I dont want buy a need HBA

[berndweyand]

then i hope its only a test environment

[metrem]

Of course ^^

my problem is surely a parameter cpu in the guest or in the VM's configuration, but which one?

[daphnissov]

ESXi is not for consumer hardware. It is meant for enterprise-class gear. If you don't have what it takes to run it, don't run ESXi. Plenty of other options. You're trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

[metrem]

a little flexibility? I told you it works with CPU activity 😮

[daphnissov]

You're making an assumption that it ​will work when, in fact, you have unsupported hardware on an old, unsupported OS. You're just guessing here.

[metrem]

I have no money to put in compatible hardware, I just wanted to ask vmware experts if they have already encountered the problem. if it is not you it may be another?​

[daphnissov]

So let me just see if I understand what you're trying to do:

1. You're running ESXi 6.7
2. You have a cheap, unsupported, consumer-grade RAID controller that won't work natively in ESXi
3. You have a Windows Server 2008 R2 VM
4. You want storage for more VMs, and so you're trying to pass through this cheap RAID controller to an old OS which you'll then expose as an NFS export
5. You will use this NFS export mounted to ESXi to use for VM storage

If that sums it up...that's insane. Go to eBay and find a used, supported controller that will work natively. If you can't even afford that, you shouldn't be running ESXi but maybe Workstation instead. Sorry, but there's a minimum ante needed to play with enterprise software. If you can't meet the ante, you can't play.

[metrem]

1. You're running ESXi 6.7
2. You have a cheap, unsupported, consumer-grade RAID controller that won't work natively in ESXi
3. You have a Windows Server 2008 R2 VM
4. You want storage for more VMs, and so you're trying to pass through this cheap RAID controller to an old OS which you'll then expose as an NFS export  but it could be an idea lol
5. You will use this NFS export mounted to ESXi to use for VM storage
6. I just have another physical PC running windows 10 with nfs client direct attach on 10gb ethernet asus pci card

My motherboard is an supermicro x10SDV-4C-TLN2F buy on ebay (very cheap haha)

Sorry, but there's a minimum ante needed to play with enterprise software. If you can't meet the ante, you can't play.

i like to play haha

[daphnissov]

i like to play haha

Sorry, that's not how this game works.

My final recommendations to you:

1. If you absolutely must have internal storage, find a used RAID controller that will work with your cheap SATA drives and supports ESXi 6.7. There are many.
2. If you want external storage, find a cheap NAS which natively exposes NFS. Use your 10 GbE interfaces and get a 10 GbE switch to connect the host to the NAS.
3. Stop trying to turn ESXi into a hacked up Ubuntu desktop system.

[berndweyand]

with such an behaviour you should ask in the kindergarden but not here

[metrem]

Ok, I go back to my garage, there is a lot more fun, especially with the cornavirus outside.

I will write this stupid script for have CPU 100% load and have my 500Mb/s external build home NAS storage because vmware "expert" told me my hardware is incompatible.

(i told them, "if i move a windows via RDP thats work correctly" and they are affraid)

[daphnissov]

because vmware "expert" told me my hardware is incompatible

Because your hardware is literally incompatible with ESXi...of any version. Don't take my word for it, go check for yourself.

[metrem]

my opinion: it's crazy to answer that it is incompatible when we tell you that it works (in strange condition but that work well) .

it will not advance science or move your sacred compatibility list

[scott28tt]

Moderator: Locking this thread as it seems any productive part to the discussion has been had already.