Before discussing about best laptops for virtualization, we need to explain our readers about what actually virtualization is and what it requires the user from the laptop to perform successful virtualization considering has to dealing with virtual machines, build environment for other OS or finding out the vulnerabilities of own system.
Different users have different requirements to perform virtualization, one might need using only one OS and other users would go working on multiple different operating systems. Moreover, virtualization is also for tech freak who is curious enough and wants using features of other OS which they otherwise could not without actually buying its system.
All VMs based software like “VMware” requires high-end specifications and powerful features. Unless, laptop does not meet the all system requirements, user cannot run “VMware” software and perform functions.
In this article, we will share with you all critical information that you should consider before going to buy a laptop for using virtualization purpose.
What is Virtualization ?
Before discussing about best laptops for virtualization, we need to explain our readers about what actually virtualization is and what it requires the user from the laptop to perform successful virtualization considering has to dealing with virtual machines, build environment for other OS or finding out the vulnerabilities of own system.
Different users have different requirements to perform virtualization, one might need using only one OS and other users would go working on multiple different operating systems. Moreover, virtualization is also for tech freak who is curious enough and wants using features of other OS which they otherwise could not without actually buying its system.
All VMs based software like “VMware” requires high-end specifications and powerful features. Unless, laptop does not meet the all system requirements, user cannot run “VMware” software and perform functions.
In this article, we will share with you all critical information that you should consider before going to buy a laptop for using virtualization purpose.
Check These Specifications Before Going to Buy a Laptop
Processor
A multi-core processor is ideally recommended and would improve the overall virtualization experience; multi-core processor is beneficial because at least one must be dedicated to virtual machines or including host which plays critical role. Multi-Core processor shares the processing work load on each other to give the optimal performances.
HOW MUCH RAM IS IDEAL FOR VIRTUALIZATION?
Multi-Core processor is not efficient without faster RAM and it enhances the critical role of RAMs in laptop used for virtualization. One must go for at least 8GB RAM because more than half of its would be consumed for virtualization tasking, rest of the RAM is essential for multi-tasking performance. All virtualization users also require performing tasks on other software for improving overall efficiency and enhancing productivity.
You can also opt for 16GB RAM when it requires to run more than 2 operating systems at once. To work with multiple virtual machines would also require you faster RAM and here you are ideally recommended to have 32GB RAM in laptop for best experience.
STORAGE CAPACITY
Once, you have been decided about how much faster RAM it must be and how many cores in processor are required to achieve the best performance. There is one more essential factor which is not discussed yet, storage capacity. It needs the storage with latest technology such as SSD instead of HDD, it can handle the pressure of running multiple VMs putting IO pressure.
A single hard drive cannot handle running three nodes clusters and it may cause occur an IO issue.
The real problem only occurs when user is having a limited budget. It is advised to buy a large SSD and avoid such issues occurs during multiple nodes running. Otherwise, you are recommended to put the host operating system in smaller SSD and comes with an extra hard drive ( 7200 RPM SATA 3 ) for VMs. We will only recommend you those laptops either offering dual-storage or an optical drive.
BEST LAPTOPS FOR VIRTUALIZATION
Let’s start discussing the list of top best laptops for virtualization which meets all system requirements.
MSI GL66 Gaming Laptop
Though, this is a gaming laptop but what makes it worth buying for performing virtualization is its number of cores, having 8 cores. Since, virtualization requires more number of cores to smoothly perform the virtualization. Let’s discuss the all details about this laptop in the following.
Processor: MSI GL66 is powered by Intel Core i7-11800H processor, its total 8 Cores and 16 Threads makes it capable of performing all high-end tasks which requires huge processing capacity. The most critical hardware on a laptop to perform virtualization is CPU, and it’s better to get one having more number of cores instead looking for a one with latest generation and highest clock speed.
Though, it can achieve maximum clock speed up to 4.60 GHz which easily satisfies the given requirement.
RAM: All powerful laptops offer minimum 16GB RAM which provides big support to processor and shares its processing load. Faster RAM is critical for improving system performance during the virtualization process and its 16GB DDR4 RAM will do this. Furthermore, Video-Editing and game development tasks also require minimum 16GB RAM and this laptop is also capable of smoothly running all such heavy applications.
Virtualization process demands the same data repeatedly to process and RAM stores such data in its own memory instead transferring to processor. Otherwise, processor will be over-utilized which may reduce its efficiency within short time period. User can also upgrade the RAM up to 32GB, if anytime workload increases.
Display Performance: This laptop is supposed to be offering best display performance as this is a gaming laptop. Its 15.6” screen and 1080p Full HD display enables the user to see every little clearly during virtualization process. Its viewing angles are perfect for long working hours and cause no strain on eyes.
Storage Capacity: MSI GL66 comes with 512GB SSD and would be more than enough to store work-related data only. Its user can definitely store hundreds of movies, tv shows and games to fully utilize its internal storage.
GPU: This component is not that critical to perform virtualization process, but its NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphic card is a new series which designed to run all latest games at Ultra settings. There is nothing wrong if you buy a laptop for virtualization which is also capable of running all big games.
Overall Review: This laptop is beast in performing all heavy-duty tasks and multitasking. Its user will enjoy the display clarity and overall visual performance. Its processor is powerful enough to perform smooth virtualization process through its 8 Cores and 16 Threads.
Acer Predator Helios 300
Its previous model enjoyed big popularity among cyber-security professionals, penetration testing experts and gamers. They all preferred its last model only for benefiting from its robust hardware which offer great value for money.
Processor: This latest model even comes with more powerful hardware and is better than its predecessor. It is powered by an Intel Core i7-9750H processor having 6 cores and 12 threads. This is one of the best combinations of cores and threads, more threads lead to the high efficiency of cores. This powerful processor has won several benchmark tests from its competitors.
RAM: It’s 16GB faster RAM also improves the CPU efficiency and helps in processing faster than it could be without faster RAM. Again, the higher compatibility between RAM and Processor achieves higher system efficiency, it is going to definitely run multiple VMs and OS at the same time. This much RAM also allows multi-tasking even fast switching from one OS to another.
SSD: This laptop has not even comprised upon a single feature and every feature offered is generous, so it’s 256GB SSD. Most users with smart usage cannot even think about fully utilizing 256GB of space. It means, 256GB SSD is going to be more than enough for not only virtualization purposes but can store thousands of movies and Netflix tv shows in its storage. Its SSD is highly efficient and do not put pressure on RAM while retrieving the data from own storage.
Fan: Its multitude of good features also includes dual 4th Gen Aeroblade 3D fan which enjoys good reviews about keeping the system cooler even during extreme usage like gaming.
Battery Performance: This all-well-featured laptop comes with a single drawback which makes it less tempting for buyers. Its battery can only survive for six hours and then requires a recharge, considering its other impressive specifications hard to believe such an average performance of its battery. Six hours battery timings is a weak benchmark considering other powerful laptops offering up to 10 hours of battery life.
Acer Nitro 5
Acer Nitro 5 enjoys big popularity among highly-trusted laptops for performing heavy resource duties like virtualization. This machine offers all-powerful specifications and meets the system requirements to run multiple VMs on OS.
Processor: This laptop can boost its processing power from 9th generation Intel Core i7-9750H which has been the winner in many benchmark tests and also remained in the top 5 positions on the testing of smoothly running complex software used for virtualization. Its 6 cores and 12 threads can turbo boost its processing speed up to 4.50GHz. This is the ideal clock speed a user can wish for virtualization.
RAM: A powerful processor is useless without faster RAM, both works in integration. Its 16GB DDR4 RAM further improves processing speed because faster RAM transfers the information at higher speed from one component to other. This also helps in the virtualization task to deal with multiple Virtual Machines in exchange of data from both sides.
SSD: When we discuss its storage options, the good thing is offering an extra SSD slot for having two hard drives at the time. It’s better to have two drives because the virtualization process puts too much IO pressure on one as mentioned earlier. It originally comes with 256GB SSD and buyers can upgrade it by adding a 256GB or 512GB SSD slot. These days’ people do not store much data on drives and 256GB must be more than enough for the normal user.
Display Performance: Virtualization requires bigger screens as it involves multi-tasking and a complex networking process which may lead to frustrating experiences on smaller screens. It comes with 17.3” Full HD IPS 144Hz display, user can enjoy comfortably perform virtualization and networking on the laptop while perfectly enjoying the viewing experience. It also offers 1920 x 1080 resolution sizes which mean the frame is bigger and includes more data in a single frame which makes the user less scrolling.
Graphic Card: Its graphic card can be best defined as “Beast” which offers 6GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM, it can play all the latest games at ultra settings and 1080p resolution. This graphic card can also play the next five years’ upcoming games as well. It’s good to enjoy gaming once free from virtualization work.
Fan Technology: This laptop can never have heat up issues on extreme usage; It is equipped with “Acer CoolBoost Technology” with Twin Fans and Dual Exhaust Ports.
Drawback: Acer Nitro 5 has an only a single drawback which may not be big trouble for the user. It’s the one and only drawback of having Skimpy 256 SSD and it should have been bigger considering this is a gaming laptop.
Razer Blade 15
Razer is trusted name in the technology industry and mainly selling gaming hardware and systems. They have also stepped into laptops business for last few years and came up with one of the powerful laptops ever introduced into the market, Razer Blade 15 is definitely one of them.
Processor: Razer Blade 15 is powered by 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H processor, its boost can reach up to 5.0GHz Max Turbo and this is insanely impressive performance. It can easily run and process data from multiple VMs and allows you to enjoy smooth multiple OS experience on virtual networks.
RAM: This processor is more efficient when it’s 16GB faster RAM transfers the processed information in no time from one component to other. Yes, it comes with 16GB RAM which allows user to be engaged in extreme multi-tasking without having single lag. User can perform own functions on ten different software simultaneously, RAM can manage all of them.
Graphic Card: Its graphic card is equally powerful as two other hardware discussed earlier, RAM and processor. The GPU name is NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti which can run all latest games at ultra graphic settings to enjoy at its most. If the user is performing media development on various VMs, he definitely requires high-end graphic card.
SSD: Its storage capacity is not that much as normally offered by other gaming laptops, comes with 256GB SSD. A virtualized user would not require more space but it could be big issue being a gamer who also performs virtualization during working hours.
Display Performance: Its display performance achieves optimal level by offering Full HD 1080p resolution and viewing experience becomes more real and natural. Its 120Hz offers higher refresh rate which improves the overall watching and streaming experience. This feature is really great for users get themselves engaged in media development and testing process.
Thunderbolt 3 Technology: “Thunderbolt 3” is another tempting feature in Razer Blade 15 as it can transfer data at 40Gbps comparing USB 3.1 capable of transferring data at the speed of 10Gbps. A user can be connected laptop with two 4K displays using thunderbolt 3 technology for sharing the video data on bigger screen.
Drawbacks: Razer Blade 15 could not satisfy the user in two areas and otherwise this laptop would have been called as a machine comes without any drawback. First of all, Its battery is not very long-lasting considering it’s a gaming laptop, It can only last up to six to seven hours which is average for such a machine used for playing heavy graphic games. Secondly, its keyboard area starts getting warm on two hours extreme gaming which refrain the user touching that area.
ASUS TUF F17
This laptop is capable of handling anything including running multiple OS on the system simultaneously. It offers a complete range of powerful hardware which can be used for developing various operating systems and running more than one VM.
Processor: This beast takes power from 10th generation Quad-Core Intel Core i5-10300H processor which can boost up to 4.5GHz and can easily meet the system requirements of all software like “VMware”. It has outperformed in several benchmark tests and is capable of processing high-graphic and networking-based complex data.
RAM: You can apply your multi-tasking skills on this laptop, Its 8GB DDR4 RAM is not going to let you down. Virtualization always requires the user to perform functions on several windows and programs, faster RAM definitely plays a critical role.
Display Performance: Its 17.3” screen is good for virtualization and networking purposes because a user has to deal with multiple OS and VMs, smaller screens can cause a frustrating experience. Its Full HD technology doubles the fun of streaming Netflix and can easily carry it around anywhere to enjoy it most at the comfortable spot, unlike the same thing that can happen with LEDs.
Graphic Card: Its other impressive specifications also include a powerful GPU named GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB, its maximum graphic speed can reach up to 1585MHz which is way above the recommended system requirements by all the latest games and graphics based software. It means the user is likely to get all hardware power for graphic-based work in virtualization.
Keyboard: Technology: Its RGB backlit keyboard is long-lasting and durable, can survive up to 20-million keystrokes. This laptop is available in “Bonfire Black” color and it looks attractive and very eye-catching for the users.
Drawbacks: There are also drawbacks in ASUS TUF F 17 laptop which also needs to be discussed for showing full picture. First of all, it is not very portable laptop and its heavy-weight, 5.73 pounds makes user little uncomfortable while carrying it around. Secondly, its processor hit high temperature on extreme usage such as playing high-graphic games, this heat up issue is common but it takes less time for hitting 80 C as compared to competitor’s laptops in same price range.
Lenovo Legion 5
Lenovo as globally top-selling brand always try to launch a laptop offering multitude of features under the most competitive price, “Lenovo Legion 5” is definitely one of them.
Display Performance: User can comfortably perform virtualization work on its 15.6” screen which offers vivid display and perfect viewing angles. The screen size is also big enough to allow the user maintain the focus on every little detail which human eye can easily see. Multi-tasking does not only require a faster RAM but also decent size of screen. Its 1080p screen resolution also make things more visible in one frame. Its Full HD technology offers great fun for streaming Netflix and YouTube videos.
RAM:16GB faster RAM gives you more power to run multiple OS simultaneously and perform multi-tasking to manage all of them without any single lag.
Processor: The next powerful hardware is its processor AMD Ryzen 7 4800H which Renoir architecture improves its overall performance and efficiency. Its 8 cores process the most complex data in no time and can handle it better than those processors having 6 cores. To setup a different OS through virtualization and also using its applications requires complex processing and its 8 cores can handle well.
SSD: Its storage capacity would not make you think about storing even useless data, 512GB SSD offers ample space to download movies, shows, and work-related data. Its SSD technology is multiple times better than HDD in retrieving data for the user.
Drawback: The only drawback “Lenovo Legion 5” got is it’s being a heavy-weight laptop. It is not very portable for travelers and it can be uncomfortable for users carrying it during traveling.
Final Words
The best laptop for virtualization comes with faster RAM, a multi-core processor, and a bigger screen. Faster RAM is useful for multitasking and it takes the user to perform various tasks in order to maintain a virtualized setup. A multi-core processor is required for processing complex data involved and else the user would fail to set up a virtualized system. Bigger screens are good for perfect viewing, otherwise, it would be quite a frustrating experience on small-sized screens.
