Does KVM need 64 bit for good performance?

julianweber · 03-10-2009, 10:15 AM

I am looking at setting up a couple of KVM (Kernel Virtual Machine) based virtual servers. They will have dual quad core Xeon processors and about 16GB of ram. I am partial to Slackware but am wondering if this is not a good fit for Slack. I know I can access the large memory with kernel options on a 32 bit system, but would I see a substantial improvement in performance by going to a 64 bit system?

Just to clarify, the systems I intend to virtualize would all be 32 bit based and not need more than 3GB of ram.

Julian

H_TeXMeX_H · 03-11-2009, 05:53 AM

For that amount of RAM, I would recommend 64-bit if you want the most out of it.

syg00 · 03-11-2009, 06:19 AM

+1 - no question.

julianweber · 03-12-2009, 09:41 AM

I know this gets into Slackware vs XXX but should I consider Slamd 64 or maybe a more mature 64 bit distro like debian. I am a little bit skeptical of Slamd not being supported along with the base Slackware. Does anyone have some insight to offer from their personal experience building a virtual server?