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MacBook Pro for massive virtualization
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MacBook Pro for massive virtualization
Aug 2, 2021
I would like to buy a MacBook Pro for professional use. In particular I make massive use of virtual machines, I need to pull up several labs to test some architectures. And at least one vm must be dedicated to Win10 for business reasons. So in total at least 5 Vm simultaneously active. Obviously they must not be super performing (1 processor and 4GB are ok) except for Win10.
I have seen these 2 interesting:
-MacBook Pro 13inch 2020 i7 with 32 GB
-MacBook Pro 16inch 2019 i9 with 32/64 GB
For the first one, I don't know if the processor which is a quad core, can sustain all those active VMs at the same time, without going into pain.
For the second one I'm scared of the problems that I read around, even in this forum, about overheating problems especially with external monitor (which of course I use).
What would you suggest me? Or, given the use I should direct my attention to other brands (and also OS host) ?
thank you!
I have seen these 2 interesting:
-MacBook Pro 13inch 2020 i7 with 32 GB
-MacBook Pro 16inch 2019 i9 with 32/64 GB
For the first one, I don't know if the processor which is a quad core, can sustain all those active VMs at the same time, without going into pain.
For the second one I'm scared of the problems that I read around, even in this forum, about overheating problems especially with external monitor (which of course I use).
What would you suggest me? Or, given the use I should direct my attention to other brands (and also OS host) ?
thank you!
poked
macrumors 6502
Nov 19, 2014
Windows for a windows VM. Only dedicated server hosting machine recommended for Macs right now is a Mac Pro, and those are roughly $20k.
Aug 2, 2021
Mac Pro seems excessive to me. I don't need to host virtual machines that provide some kind of service, just machines that serve lab purposes, which will often be destroyed and recreated. The only constraint is that I can keep 4-5 together without major problems. I'm looking for a laptop because I need to take it with me to work.
poked
macrumors 6502
Nov 19, 2014
Then it would depend on the programs you’ll be using and how they natively integrate with Apples systems. Otherwise I’d stay strictly windows with a laptop.Mac Pro seems excessive to me. I don't need to host virtual machines that provide some kind of service, just machines that serve lab purposes, which will often be destroyed and recreated. The only constraint is that I can keep 4-5 together without major problems. I'm looking for a laptop because I need to take it with me to work.
Sounds like you need a dedicated Linux box. One that's designed to run on AC power, and not a laptop. Have a look at Mini ITX boxes that can host 128GB of RAM. Like this one.I would like to buy a MacBook Pro for professional use. In particular I make massive use of virtual machines, I need to pull up several labs to test some architectures. And at least one vm must be dedicated to Win10 for business reasons. So in total at least 5 Vm simultaneously active. Obviously they must not be super performing (1 processor and 4GB are ok) except for Win10.
I have seen these 2 interesting:
-MacBook Pro 13inch 2020 i7 with 32 GB
-MacBook Pro 16inch 2019 i9 with 32/64 GB
For the first one, I don't know if the processor which is a quad core, can sustain all those active VMs at the same time, without going into pain.
For the second one I'm scared of the problems that I read around, even in this forum, about overheating problems especially with external monitor (which of course I use).
What would you suggest me? Or, given the use I should direct my attention to other brands (and also OS host) ?
thank you!
kschendel
macrumors 65816
Dec 9, 2014
1,070
If you really need a portable solution, I think the 2020 i7 would be workable. I'm not familiar with the i9 heat issues so I hesitate to say more about that one. The i7 is 4 core/8 thread and unless your 5 active VM's are really crunching away 100% cpu, I think end results will be OK if not spectacular.
theMarble
macrumors regular
Sep 27, 2020
I think that the 16" would work really well for virtualisation, it has high-core count CPU's, large amounts of RAM and SSD storage. Some of the heat concerns don't apply as you can get the base 5300M GPU which doesn't heat up as much. However that doesn't get rid of the fact that the 16" is a 2-generation old laptop.
Last edited: Yesterday at 12:39 AM
I have the i7 15" 2018 with 32GB of RAM. That one heats up quite a lot. I need an external cooler whenever I use that with an external monitor for more than a few hours or so. Otherwise it throttles down to an unusable level.I think that the 16" would work really well for virtualisation, it has high-core count CPU's, large amounts of RAM and SSD storage. Some of the heat concerns don't apply as you can get the base 5300M GPU which doesn't heat up as much. However that doesn't get rid of the fact that the 16" is a 2-generation old laptop.
theMarble
macrumors regular
Sep 27, 2020
Yes, I'd say all 2016-2019 MacBook Pro's have overheating problems, especially the 2018/19 15" like you have. I believe that is the worst affected, Apple was putting 6/8-core CPU's and high-heat-output graphics chips into a thin and light ultrabook. No wonder they overheat like crazy.I have the i7 15" 2018 with 32GB of RAM. That one heats up quite a lot. I need an external cooler whenever I use that with an external monitor for more than a few hours or so. Otherwise it throttles down to an unusable level.
Apple says that the 16" has "30% better cooling than previous models" but I don't think that's the case. I hear just as many people talking about their 16" overheating as 15" butterfly users are.
Aug 2, 2021
I already have an iMac as a desktop for this utilization, but I need to use lab when I'm at a client's and often without a connection.Sounds like you need a dedicated Linux box. One that's designed to run on AC power, and not a laptop. Have a look at Mini ITX boxes that can host 128GB of RAM. Like this one.
Aug 2, 2021
This is one of the reasons why I had strong doubts about the 16'.Yes, I'd say all 2016-2019 MacBook Pro's have overheating problems, especially the 2018/19 15" like you have. I believe that is the worst affected, Apple was putting 6/8-core CPU's and high-heat-output graphics chips into a thin and light ultrabook. No wonder they overheat like crazy.
Apple says that the 16" has "30% better cooling than previous models" but I don't think that's the case. I hear just as many people talking about their 16" overheating as 15" butterfly users are.
I'll probably opt for the 13', even if with the quad-core I won't be able to run more than 3/4 VMs simultaneously without it becoming unusable.
Mini ITX boxes are ~20x20x6 cm, and can be powered by 12V DC. In other words, its about the size of a Mac Mini and you can power it using laptop power banks. Add a portable screen, keyboard, and mouse and you're ready to go. The total package would be smaller than the Original (1984) Mac.I already have an iMac as a desktop for this utilization, but I need to use lab when I'm at a client's and often without a connection.
Last edited: Today at 11:37 PM
Aug 2, 2021
I'm sorry but this is not a viable and practical option for me.Mini ITX boxes are ~20x20x6 cm, and can be powered by 12V DC. In other words, its about the size of a Mac Mini and you can power it using laptop power banks. Add a portable screen, keyboard, and mouse and you're ready to go. The total package would be smaller than the Original (1984) Mac.
- I often have meetings in different rooms
- I don't always have a fixed place to stand
- I often don't have my desk at my disposal
- When I travel for work I need to work while travelling. On the train there is no space to put a portable screen, and it is not practical.
- When I'm at home, I want to have the freedom of not having to sit at a desk. For example, if I do something in the evening, I will do it from the sofa.
So definitely I don't want a Mac Mini.
None of Apple's offerings today can meet your strict demands. It's best you look somewhere else.I'm sorry but this is not a viable and practical option for me.
- I often have meetings in different rooms
- I don't always have a fixed place to stand
- I often don't have my desk at my disposal
- When I travel for work I need to work while travelling. On the train there is no space to put a portable screen, and it is not practical.
- When I'm at home, I want to have the freedom of not having to sit at a desk. For example, if I do something in the evening, I will do it from the sofa.
So definitely I don't want a Mac Mini.
VMs usually have at least ~50% overhead, thus 4 GB* 1.5 overhead * 5 = 30GB. Big Sur needs ~6GB to run comfortably. Plus you're likely need to run some apps in the host machine. That's just the RAM requirements, not including processor usage.
So a custom-order 64GB 16" MBP is the only option you have. Assuming you can cool it on the road while traveling on the train – which is unlikely with 5 VMs running simultaneously. Also battery life won't be great with all those load.
bigrell486
macrumors 6502
Jul 10, 2006
You haven't stated why the host needs to be a mac so I will assume that it is a matter of personal preference. I would say that because this is a tool that you intend to use for professional purposes you would be far better off getting a workstation laptop designed for things like this. Function over form. You have a use case where the current Mac offerings may be impractical.I'm sorry but this is not a viable and practical option for me.
- I often have meetings in different rooms
- I don't always have a fixed place to stand
- I often don't have my desk at my disposal
- When I travel for work I need to work while travelling. On the train there is no space to put a portable screen, and it is not practical.
- When I'm at home, I want to have the freedom of not having to sit at a desk. For example, if I do something in the evening, I will do it from the sofa.
So definitely I don't want a Mac Mini.
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