What is the most important processor capability to consider when purchasing a new virtualization host?

When purchasing a new virtualization host, one of the most critical processor capabilities to consider is the combination of CPU cores and cache. This is because virtualization often involves running multiple virtual machines (VMs) concurrently, which necessitates a processor that can handle a substantial workload.

Having multiple CPU cores means that the host can execute multiple threads simultaneously, allowing for better resource allocation and improved performance across VMs. Each VM can have its own dedicated core or share cores with other VMs more effectively, which reduces contention and latency issues that may arise when trying to balance workloads.

In addition, the CPU cache plays a significant role in performance. The cache is a small, high-speed storage location that stores frequently accessed data and instructions to speed up processing. A larger cache can significantly improve the performance of applications, particularly those that are resource-intensive or require quick access to data. This is especially important in virtualized environments where resource demands can quickly escalate.

While CPUs, CPU speed, and CPU architecture are important factors, they do not have the same level of impact on overall virtualization performance as the combination of cores and cache. CPU speed alone does not give a full picture of performance, particularly when comparing CPUs with different architectures or designs, which may enhance performance in certain workloads