Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Discussions about using Windows guests in VirtualBox.
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Ben89
Posts: 1
Joined: 3. Jan 2014, 23:16

Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by Ben89 »

Hi there,

I was wondering if there is a limit on the number of virtual machines that can be run simultaneously on one physical computer disregarding RAM and processing power? In other words, does VirtualBox set a limit or no?

Thanks!
JustForThis
Posts: 1
Joined: 12. Mar 2014, 17:32

Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by JustForThis »

Regardless if Virtualbox runs an internal maxnumber for concurrently running VPC's. I would like to have that option. When I start a third VPC on accident, it slows my system significantly down, even though the max is not reached. I can't do shit until the VPC is either booted/reinstated. I have to work in a sluggish environment untill I shut down one of the vpc's.
If I could limit this to 2, a warning could be displayed. And I could continue to work without taking an hafl an hour brake first.
Perryg
Site Moderator
Posts: 34369
Joined: 6. Sep 2008, 22:55
Primary OS: Linux other
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: *NIX

Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by Perryg »

I can run 8 to 10 guests at a time, but you must have the resources to do so. Plenty of RAM and CPU cores.
As for detecting this it is up to the end user to keep track of running instances.
daniela9488b
Posts: 4
Joined: 12. Sep 2014, 01:03

Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by daniela9488b »

Perryg wrote:I can run 8 to 10 guests at a time, but you must have the resources to do so. Plenty of RAM and CPU cores.
As for detecting this it is up to the end user to keep track of running instances.
Perryg, how much RAM memory, hard drive space and what kind of processor do you have?
Perryg
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Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by Perryg »

That varies depending on the unit I have but you should be able to run the afore mentioned with 16GB of RAM and I prefer an Intel i7 processor.
daniela9488b
Posts: 4
Joined: 12. Sep 2014, 01:03

Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by daniela9488b »

Perryg wrote:That varies depending on the unit I have but you should be able to run the afore mentioned with 16GB of RAM and I prefer an Intel i7 processor.
how much ram do you assign to each virtual machine?
Perryg
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Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by Perryg »

That depends. You can not assign more than the total available. Most Windows guests will work at <= 512MB Some Linux guest as low as 128MB
daniela9488b
Posts: 4
Joined: 12. Sep 2014, 01:03

Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by daniela9488b »

Perryg wrote:That depends. You can not assign more than the total available. Most Windows guests will work at <= 512MB Some Linux guest as low as 128MB
Let's say i need 6 virtual machines and i need to install in each a software that requires 4GB RAM and dual core 2.4GHz processor. What capabilites would the host need? Is there a way to calculate this?
Perryg
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Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by Perryg »

Yes its called math. Required memory times the number of guest, plus enough left over for the host. Core 2 probably will not handle this though.

What could you possibly need that much RAM per machine for? If you explain what it is you are trying maybe someone could tall you the best approach.
daniela9488b
Posts: 4
Joined: 12. Sep 2014, 01:03

Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by daniela9488b »

Perryg wrote:Yes its called math. Required memory times the number of guest, plus enough left over for the host. Core 2 probably will not handle this though.

What could you possibly need that much RAM per machine for? If you explain what it is you are trying maybe someone could tall you the best approach.
I need to install whatsup gold in each vm and those are its system requirements
Perryg
Site Moderator
Posts: 34369
Joined: 6. Sep 2008, 22:55
Primary OS: Linux other
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
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Re: Limit to Number of Virtual Boxes?

Post by Perryg »

4GB seems a little aggressive for a network monitor. If I were testing this I would setup one and try with a lower amount to see if it preformed like I wanted. This also depends on the OS that you are going to want to use. In any case try it and see. It doesn't cost anything but time.
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