Can PCs handle multiple VM using VMware?

[darude]

Hi all,

I was thinking of getting a decent PC to virtualise my family's desktops.
So the plan is, get one fast PC with enough RAM to virtualise about 5 desktops at one time.

The CPU load on the family's desktops will be pretty low - most of them only use MSN, Word, net browsing etc.

I will be using it for programming, graphics design - I guess its best to use the physical OS for this.

Do you reckon it's a good idea for the family to use remote desktop to access the VMs? At the mo, we got 1Ghz P3 boxes. They do lag when you open multiple browsers and use word and MSN at the same time.

If you guys think its a good idea, shall I go for a server type processor such as Opteron or Xeon, or shall I go for AMD FX or Pentium D?

If you have the time, what specs would you recommend. I've been told that you should easily be able to run 10+ VMs per processor (using IBM Blades).

Awaits for your reply...

 

[darude]

If you want a decent vm package look at Xen. It supports multiple processors where I think Vmware only supports duel at the moment. Yes you are best off with xenon's for Blade servers.

I'm not after VMs for Blades - it was just something I've been told, I'm actualy looking for VMs for PC Desktops. But if you reckon Xeon's are the only processors that can cope, does that mean I shouldn't consider a PC desktop with Athlon or Pentium?