Virtualization is an advanced process that helps create virtual networks, storage capacities, and servers instead of having a physical one. Moreover, it is known to be one of the most efficient and cost-friendly processes in Information Technology. CPU Virtualization is one of the most dependable ways for handling multiple virtual resources simultaneously. However, choosing the best CPU for virtualization depends upon the features that you need in your virtualization infrastructure. One of those features you need is Execute Disabled (XD) and No Execute (NX) that stops a CPU from running code in such areas where you have more chances of getting malware attacks.
Both AMD and Intel CPUs come with these executions bits as well as SAHF and LAHF commands to get better resources allocation. AMD uses AMD-V and Intel uses VT virtualization technology to handle multiple virtual hosts connected with a single machine. Here, we have shared a list of the best CPUs for virtualization that are helpful to handle huge workloads and are compatible to run software like VMWare, VirtualBox, and Parallels.
Whether you need a PC for the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Client-Side Virtualization, or OS streaming, these CPUs can handle all these functions without any trouble.
Quick Shopping Tips
Virtualization users need to consider the following features while choosing the best CPUs for virtualization:
Memory
Virtualization needs dedicated RAM. One of the significant things that could restrict your ability to establish a virtual lab is the lack of your creative skills. At least 16 GB of RAM or a memory card is required. However, having 32 GB RAM or a better GPU can improve your performance further.
Many computers with 16 GB of RAM enable future expansion, which is essential to keep in mind while buying a CPU for virtualization.
The virtualization experience can be more outstanding with the help of 32 GB RAM. Nested virtual machines having a storage appliance and Windows instance can be virtualized easily using vCentre.
Storing Capacity
It is essential because running multiple virtual machines simultaneously can ask for a more significant amount of IO on your system. Having a large SSD card can help avoid this problem.
Storage capacities can be customized with the help of using a combination of different alternatives, like CD/DVD drives, external USB storage devices, and other devices with similar connections.
Remember that, for getting the best performance, you need to place an SSD over HDD. SSDs are 3x faster to read and write data than rotating magnetic disks.
Processor
You will get better results with the help of a Hexa processor than using a dual-core or quad-core processor. Choosing a processor having more processors can be helpful to get an always-better solution.
You need to consider the clock speed while choosing a CPU for virtualization; less clock speed is preferred.
Remember that Intel processors should be supporting hyperthreading with the i7 or above processors. However, not all the models support hyperthreading.
Our Recommendations of The Best CPUs for Virtualization in 2021:
AWARD | PRODUCT | RETAILER |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR VIRTUALIZATION | Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE AMONGST CONTENT CREATORS AND HARDCORE GAMERS | Intel Core i9 | |
BEST PROCESSORS THAT OFFER INSANE MULTI-CORE PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 9 | |
BEST CPU FOR VIRTUALIZATION WHEN IT COMES TO THE PRICE AND PERFORMANCE RATIO | AMD Ryzen 7 | |
EXCELLENT VALUE CPU TO RUN VIRTUAL MACHINES | Intel Core i7 | |
BEST BUDGET CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 | |
PERFECT IF YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR HOME SERVER MAJORLY TO STORE DATA AND VIDEO ENCODING | AMD Ryzen 3 3200G | |
BOUGHT MAINLY BY PROFESSIONALS WHO PERFORM A LOT OF VIDEO EDITING, GAMING, STREAMING, OR OTHER SIMILAR CPU-INTENSIVE JOBS | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | |
BEST FOR MULTIMEDIA AND OFFICE WORKS | AMD Athlon 3000G | |
IDEAL FOR ENTRY-LEVEL VIRTUAL MACHINES THAT CAN BE USED IN A SMALL OFFICE OR HOME | Intel Pentium G4560 |
Here are the best CPUs for virtualization in 2021. So, have a read.
10 Best CPUs for Virtualization in 2021
Key Features
- 5 GHz Operating Frequency
- 8 GHz Max Frequency
- 28 Cores & 56 Threads
- 5 L3 Cache
- 205W TDP
Overview
It is known as the ultimate processor to run servers and virtual machines efficiently. The Intel Xeon is a beast processor for virtualization.
It is a powerful power-hungry processor with a 205W TDP that needs a powerful PSU to experience its full potential. It comes with 28 cores and 56 threads and offers a maximum of 3.8 GHz clock speed.
It means each core of this processor can achieve a max of 3.8 GHz of max clock speed. This is one of the key reasons why Intel Xeons are preferred in running multiple virtual machines and servers. The performance isn’t really an issue over here. Moreover, this processor is capable of supporting ECC memory up to 768GB. Most CPUs can support 64 GB to 128 GB, and this processor is capable of supporting more than that. However, ECC memory plays a vital role in virtualization.
ECC is known as the error correction code that detects and corrects memory errors to avoid data corruption. Fast processors like Intel Xeon need ECC memory to avoid any such occurrences.
The Intel Xeon Platinum is the ultimate process. We need to consider it the best processor for virtualization, and it is an excellent CPU for servers as well.
However, you need to pay some price to get better performance. High power consumption is the major factor in making this CPU expensive.
PROS |
Offers Max Memory Size 768 GB |
CONS |
Power-hungry |
Key Features
- 7 GHz Operating Frequency
- 3 GHz Max Frequency
- 10 Cores & 20 Threads
- 20 MB L3 Cache
- 125W TDP
Overview
It is known as the most powerful processor that belongs to the core family series by Intel. The Intel Core i9 is an excellent choice amongst content creators and hardcore gamers. Moreover, it is a powerful CPU and offers the performance for running several virtual machines simultaneously.
It has 10 cores and 20 threads, offering a max clock speed of 3.5 GHz and outstanding processing power. Moreover, you can also overclock the Intel Core i9 to get more performance and power. But, you also need to consider the negatives as well as positives.
First of all, this CPU runs hot and needs a powerful cooler to prevent thermal throttling. If you are looking to overclock, you need to ensure a powerful cooler to handle the task efficiently.
It comes with a 125W TDP which makes it power-hungry, and it needs a good PSU for providing it with sufficient power.
Overall, the Intel Core i9 is a wonderful processor, and it is the top CPU in the core series family by Intel, and it is known as the best CPU for running virtual machines.
PROS |
A Very Fast Processor |
CONS |
Needs a Powerful Cooler |
Key Features
- 7 GHz Operating Frequency
- 8 GHz Max Frequency
- 12 Cores & 24 Threads
- 70 MB L2 + L3 Cache
- 105W TDP
Overview
AMD Ryzen Threadripper is known as the God when you need multi-core performance. However, The AMD Ryzen 9 is known as the king, and it is one of the best processors that offer insane multi-core performance to make it an excellent choice for virtualization.
It comes equipped with 12 cores and 24 threads, offering a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. Moreover, it works cooler and efficiently, and it is something that isn’t common in powerful processors. In comparison to Intel Core i9, it offers more cores, and it is a power-efficient and cooler processor. The only plus that Intel Core i9 provides is that it can be overclocked.
The AMD Ryzen also offers overclocking, but it isn’t as effective as the Intel Core i9. Thus, if you are experienced in overclocking, the Intel Core i9 is an ideal choice that offers a powerful cooler and powerful CPU.
Moreover, the AMD Ryzen doesn’t come with a bundled cooler, so you need to buy a cooler separately. Overall, the insane multi-core performance offered by the AMD Ryzen 9 makes it one of the best CPUs for virtualization.
A CPU comes with a lot of cores making it easy to run virtual machines. Hence, AMD Ryzen 9 is highly recommended if you look for the best CPU for virtualization and other purposes.
PROS |
Offers Best Multi-Core Performance |
CONS |
No Stock Cooler |
Key Features
- 8 GHz Operating Frequency
- Up to 4.7 GHz Max Frequency
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 36 MB L3 Cache
- 105W TDP
Overview
AMD Ryzen 7 is known as a beast and a direct competitor against the Intel Core i7. The AMD Ryzen can handle virtualization efficiently, and it offers a 36 MB L3 cache, offers 4.7 GHz of boost clock speed. Moreover, it comes with 8 cores and 16 threads to make it an ideal CPU for virtualization available on the market.
You can easily notice why the AMD Ryzen 7 is most preferred amongst professionals. It doesn’t offer any performance issues when it comes to running demanding applications and virtual machines.
Powerful CPUs are mostly power-hungry, and they get hot while operating. However, AMD has made Ryzen 7 power-efficient and works cool as compared to other powerful processors.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a CPU cooler, and you need to buy a good cooler separately. We highly suggest you get a cooler that is powerful enough to run your CPU efficiently.
In terms of value, AMD Ryzen 7 offers the best price-to-performance ratio. You won’t find many CPUs that offer high clock speeds and multiple cores while being affordable.
Overall, it is known as the best CPU for virtualization when it comes to the price and performance ratio of this CPU.
PROS |
Offers Excellent Multi-Core Performance |
CONS |
Doesn't Offer Much Overclocking |
Key Features
- 6 GHz Operating Frequency
- 0 GHz Max Frequency
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 16 MB L3 Cache
- 125W TDP
Overview
The Intel Core i7 is a famous and great CPU that you can choose for virtualization. It offers an outstanding balance when it comes to the performance and affordability of a processor, and it is a highly recommended CPU that you can use for virtualization.
Moreover, it also runs hot like all other Intel CPUs and needs powerful coolers to work efficiently. A sub-par cooler can create CPU-throttling because heat can reduce the performance.
Moreover, it is a power-hungry CPU just like the Intel Core i9 processor, and both of them offer the same 125W TDP.
The Intel Core i7 is an affordable CPU that offers excellent performance, and it comes with 8 cores and 16 threads that provide a maximum clock speed of 5 GHz, which is an outstanding performance. This is why many content creators, gamers, and PC enthusiasts prefer buying the Intel Core i7.
Finally, it is easy to overclock the Intel Core i7 if you need more performance. Just ensure that your PSU and cooler can handle increased heat and power consumption easily.
Overall, the Intel Core i7 is known as an excellent value CPU to run virtual machines. It comes with multiple cores and performance for making it a perfect choice for virtualization.
PROS |
Offers Great Performance |
CONS |
Power-hungry |
Key Features
- 7 GHz Operating Frequency
- 6 GHz Max Frequency
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 35 MB L3 Cache
- 65W TDP
Overview
The AMD Ryzen 5 is known as the best budget CPU that can be used for virtualization. It is a powerful CPU that comes within a great budget, however, it doesn’t stop here.
The single-core and multi-core performance make it an excellent choice for most demanding applications. You can efficiently run numerous virtual machines without any hassle. You won’t find many processors on the market within this price that offer 6 cores along with a clock speed of 4.6 GHz.
Moreover, it comes with a stock cooler to make it an excellent value for buyers. The AMD Ryzen 5 offers power-efficient solutions compared to Intel processors, and this processor can work efficiently and run cooler under demanding and powerful loads.
Overall, the AMD Ryzen 5 offers everything you need from a good CPU, but it doesn’t offer integrated graphics.
Honestly, it isn’t a significant issue because it offers excellent performance, and you can easily pair up a suitable GPU with the CPU to set up an excellent virtualization PC. The AMD Ryzen 5 offers insane value when it comes to other similarly priced processors.
It is a cheaper processor that runs cool and offers more cores than other CPUs available in this price range. It is the best CPU that can be used for virtualization if you have a tight budget.
PROS |
Offers Plenty of Performance |
CONS |
Lacks Integrated Graphics |
Key Features
- 6 GHz Operating Frequency
- 0 GHz Max Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 4 Cores & 4 Threads
- 65W TDP
Overview
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G is a good budget CPU that also has Radeon Graphics. It is an APU, and you don’t need a graphics card while using this chip for the home server. However, if you are planning to add a graphics card or have already bought it before, you should choose Ryzen 3 3100 or Ryzen 3 3300X that offers slightly better performance in the same performance. The significant advantage of the 3200G is an excellent integrated GPU that can be good for your home server.
This CPU is perfect if you plan to use your home server majorly to store data and video encoding. Moreover, it can also be used to stream light games, but better performance will not be ideal for newer titles. This chip also comes with a 65W TDP which is quite lower than you can expect from any CPU+graphics card combination. Moreover, the stock cooler that comes with this CPU is good enough for the processor.
It comes with 4 cores and 4 threads that are enough for handling a light workload. However, if you plan to stream multiple 4K videos, you should look for more cores. It also offers support for x8 PCIe 3.0, which is a downside because fast storage is needed for a good home server. This chip isn’t ideal if you plan to use it for more than 5 years because it will get outdated. It also doesn’t offer support for ECC memory. And it doesn’t provide Quick Sync for Plex.
PROS |
Offers Outstanding Value |
CONS |
Not Future-proof |
Key Features
- 3 GHz Boost Frequency
- 64 Cores & 128 Threads
- 288 MB Cache
- sTRX4 Socket
- 280W TDP
Overview
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is the most powerful CPU that you can buy for virtualization. It can be helpful to perform any task that you want. It is bought mainly by professionals who perform a lot of video editing, gaming, streaming, or other similar CPU-intensive jobs, but you can use it for anything you want.
It has 128 threads and 64 cores to make it a beast for virtualization without any hassle. That is you cannot run several operating systems on this CPU. If you want a PC for video encoding, data storage, and backup, working, gaming, security, and anything else, you can buy Threadripper 3990X to help you with anything. You can have cheaper computers around the house and use the Threadripper server to handle heavy workloads easily. This means that everyone at your place will get the same best CPU for the home server.
Furthermore, it offers support for 88 PCIe 4.0 lanes, which is the most that you can expect from a single CPU today. It can be helpful to run multiple SSDs on this CPU. However, the major downside of this CPU is its higher price. And it offers a 280W TDP that makes it power-hungry. Moreover, it also doesn’t provide a cooler, and motherboard choice can be limited.
PROS |
Best-Performing CPU |
CONS |
Highly Priced |
Key Features
- 4 GHz Operating Frequency
- 0 GHz Max Frequency
- 2 Cores & 4 Threads
- 4 MB L3 Cache
- 35W TDP
Overview
Whether you are looking to get a processor for your media center or for building a desktop PC, the AMD Athlon 3000G is one of the best processors that you can find on the market today. It is dependable and surprisingly fast for the things it can do. It is not going to offer a breathtaking performance but for a processor within this budget. This processor will definitely impress you.
It has 2 cores and 4 threads. It is capable of offering a 3.4 GHz base frequency and 4.0 GHz max frequency. If you need a good CPU for virtualization within a low budget, you should go for this CPU. It comes with an AM4 socket, which means you won’t be limited in choosing the motherboards paired perfectly with this processor. It is known as the best value processor due to its budget.
It is best for multimedia and office works. You can expect reasonable performance from this CPU, and it comes with an integrated graphics card interface. Overall, it is an excellent choice for those who have less budget.
PROS |
Lower Power Usage |
CONS |
Not Powerful Enough to Perform Demanding Tasks |
Key Features
- 5 GHz Clock Speed
- 2 Cores & 4 Threads
- LGA 1151 Socket
- Intel Virtualization Technology
- 54W TDP
Overview
Intel Pentium G4560 is known as a wallet-friendly CPU that offers hyper-threading technology. It provides a clock speed of 3.50 GHz, and it offers 2 cores and consumes less power than other high-end processors.
It is a dual-core processor ideal for entry-level virtual machines that can be used in a small office or home. This CPU offers all the essential features to make it a cost-effective solution. It provides a virtualized environment like higher clock speed, VT-d, and VT.
It is made to support up to 64 GB of DDR RAM. If you are looking to build a virtual machine on a low budget, you should choose this CPU as it is available at an affordable price tag. This CPU is capable of handling up to 3 active VMs without any hassle.
You need to ensure that plenty of RAM is available if you are using a dual-core CPU for virtualization. It is ideal to choose at least 16 GB of DDR4 RAM. If you run more than 3VMs simultaneously, you can select a CPU that offers more cores, like Intel Core i9 9900K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X.
PROS |
Budget Friendly |
CONS |
Not Future-Proof |
Summary for The Best CPUs for Virtualization in 2021:
AWARD | PRODUCT | RETAILER |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR VIRTUALIZATION | Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE AMONGST CONTENT CREATORS AND HARDCORE GAMERS | Intel Core i9 | |
BEST PROCESSORS THAT OFFER INSANE MULTI-CORE PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 9 | |
BEST CPU FOR VIRTUALIZATION WHEN IT COMES TO THE PRICE AND PERFORMANCE RATIO | AMD Ryzen 7 | |
EXCELLENT VALUE CPU TO RUN VIRTUAL MACHINES | Intel Core i7 | |
BEST BUDGET CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 | |
PERFECT IF YOU PLAN TO USE YOUR HOME SERVER MAJORLY TO STORE DATA AND VIDEO ENCODING | AMD Ryzen 3 3200G | |
BOUGHT MAINLY BY PROFESSIONALS WHO PERFORM A LOT OF VIDEO EDITING, GAMING, STREAMING, OR OTHER SIMILAR CPU-INTENSIVE JOBS | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X | |
BEST FOR MULTIMEDIA AND OFFICE WORKS | AMD Athlon 3000G | |
IDEAL FOR ENTRY-LEVEL VIRTUAL MACHINES THAT CAN BE USED IN A SMALL OFFICE OR HOME | Intel Pentium G4560 |
Conclusion
The best CPU for virtualization in 2021 is the one that is good to do whatever you want. If you need to utilize your home server only for storing data and encoding videos, you can choose AMD Ryzen 3, which is an ideal choice. However, the problem that comes with the chip is that it lacks future-proofing, and you will need to replace it in the coming years.
If you are looking for something that is more powerful and lasts much longer, you can choose Ryzen 5, which is a great choice. It offers more cores and threads that are helpful to perform multitasking efficiently. If you are performing some work and somebody else is also accessing the storage simultaneously, this CPU is reasonable. If you live in a larger household and plan to use your home server for streaming multiple Plex videos, you should choose the Intel Core i7, which can be an ideal CPU for your needs.
Moreover, suppose you are looking for a CPU for virtualization and planning to use the home server for various things, like multiple people performing video editing. In that case, the best CPU is AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X, which is an excellent CPU, and it offers excellent support for fast storage, sheer computing power, and quad-channel ECC RAM to make it a perfect choice.
If you want the best CPU for virtualization in 2021, this guide will be helpful to know your needs and make it easier for you to buy the best CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which virtual machine is best for Windows?
The best virtual machine for Windows is Windows Virtual PC, and it is designed by Microsoft Windows.
What are the best virtual machines?
VMware, Virtual Box, Kernel-based Virtual Machine, Windows Virtual PC, QEMU, Parallel Desktop, and Hyper-V are the best virtual machines available today. They are efficient and effective for use.
Is There a Free Virtual Machine?
VMware is an ideal free virtual machine that needs a paid version for using the most upgrade features, and virtual Box comes with more free features than VMware.
Which processor is ideal for Virtualization?
You can choose high-performance processors that offer high clock speeds and more than 4 cores to provide better virtualization.
Is Intel or AMD better for Virtualization?
Several factors are needed to consider while choosing either AMD or Intel for virtualization. To choose the best, you need to consider the number of cores, TDP, budget, clock speed, cooling solutions, budget, and purpose to run virtual machines.
Intel might be a better choice than AMD, depending on these factors or vice versa. You need to take a better look at others to get the best one to meet your needs.
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