Best RAM for Virtual Machine
RAM guide
Choosing the best RAM for a virtual machine is entirely different from a regular desktop PC. In regular desktop computers, RAM is the cheapest upgrade to boost the performance of your PC. On the contrary, upgrading RAM on a virtual machine is the second most expensive upgrade after storage. Also related Best DDR5 RAM for Next-Generation PC Performance
It’s important to allocate the right amount of RAM to your virtual machine to enhance its overall performance. Furthermore, you have to choose the right type of RAM for your virtual machine server. In this case, you’ll have to opt for ECC RAM for your server instead of Non-ECC RAM (widely used in regular desktops and laptop computers),
Read more on Best DDR5 RAM in 2023. Read more on best low profile RAM for small form factor PCs
List of the Best RAM for Virtual Machine
We’ve selected ECC DDR4 RAM modules for the purpose of this guide. As most systems are still using DDR4-supported motherboards because DDR4 modules are cheaper as compared to DDR5 modules, we believe going with these RAM modules would let you build a cost-effective server.
NEMIX RAM – Our Top Pick for Server PCs
Memory Size: 64GB (32GB x 2) | Type: DDR4 | Clock Speed: 2933 MHz
In terms of building a faster workstation machine, NEMIX RAM modules offer the best value. In order to handle a decent number of virtual machines, 64GB of RAM would be sufficient if you plan to build a powerful virtual machine server. With a clock speed of 2933 MHz, both of these 32GB modules can handle any virtual server task. A virtual machine server built with this memory would be the most cost-effective.
However, make sure your PC case has ample cooling to keep them from overheating even if they don’t have fancy heat spreaders on top.
Also related: Best RAM for Ryzen.. Read more on Best RAM for CAD Workstations
Timetec Hynix IC – Best Value Memory for Virtual Host
Timetec Hynix IC 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz
Memory Size: 32GB (16GB x 2) | Type: DDR4 | Clock Speed: 2400 MHz
Those who want to build a home server or entry-level server will find the Timetec Hynix IC to be the most budget-friendly ECC memory. Our experience with Timetec Non-ECC modules used to be good, but it seems that Timetec is continuing that trend with ECC sticks, which offer the greatest value for a lower price.
Although 32GB is a limited amount in terms of commercial use, it is more than enough for a small home or office virtual server. In the same way that the NEXIM RAM sticks use unbuffered ECC to run smoothly, the Timetec Hynix IC makes use of 32GB of RAM. However, there is a narrow price difference between the 64GB and 32GB RAM sticks from Timetech Hynix.
You can future-proof your virtual server by purchasing NEXIM 64GB RAM, but if 32GB memory is fine for you, Timetec is also a good option.
.Read more on Best RAM for streaming . Also related Best ram for ryzen 9 5900x
Kingston Value – Cheapest RAM for Virtual Machine Server
Kingston Value (KVR16N11S8/4) RAM 4GB 1600MHz PC3
Memory Size: 16GB (16GB x 1) | Type: DDR4 | Clock Speed: 2133 MHz
This 16GB RAM stick from Kingston Value is the lowest price on our list. It has a clock speed of 2133 MHz and is a great choice for a virtual network at home. Kingston memory is one of our top picks when it comes to building a workstation or a virtual server on a tight budget.
For beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of money buying ECC memory, this is the lowest-priced RAM you can get under $50. You would get 32 GB of RAM for just under $100 if you bought two of these 16GB RAM sticks. While Kingston Value is faster than NEXIM and Timetec, it can still be enough if you are using entry-level or light-threaded virtual machines.
.Read more on Best ram for ryzen 5 5600x. Also related: BEST Ram For i5-12600k
Things to Consider Before Buying RAM for Virtual Machine Host
Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:
Capacity
If your virtual machines are expected to do a lot of heavy rendering and stuff, then you will have to install more RAM on your host. It is important to choose the right size or capacity of RAM based on your virtual machine workload. The virtual machines connected to your host computer will run smoothly if you have sufficient RAM capacity.
Clock Speed
If your host and virtual machines have faster RAM, you’ll have better response times. In order for the virtual machine to perform well, it needs to have RAM with high clock speeds. Selecting RAM with high clock speeds ensures that data can be accessed and processed quickly, resulting in higher performance.
Type
RAM plays a very important role in how your virtual machines will behave on your host computer. Only a few machines are still using DDR3 RAM modules. Most machines are using either DDR4 or DDR5 modules for higher performance.
Read more on Best ddr5 for 13900k. Also related: best ram to pair with 5800x3d
What is ECC RAM?
ECC (Error Correcting Code) as the name suggests is the type of RAM that automatically detects any issue in your server and corrects them. This helps in smoother server operations as there are fewer chances of crashes or downtime.
Amount of RAM You Need for Virtual Machine
Having a lower amount of RAM would result in heavy page caching, which will then slow the performance of your server. On the other side, if you allocate too much RAM, then every paging file will try to swap a major portion of the memory on the host computer. Technically, the amount of RAM that you need depends upon how many VMs you intend to run. Moreover, it also depends upon the type of workload that you expect out of each virtual machine.
As a general rule, it’s important to have at least 4GB RAM on the host if you want to allocate 3 to 4 virtual machines to it. Similarly, if you want to create more virtual machines, then you’ll have to add more RAM to your host machine.
Read more on Best ddr5 for ryzen 7000.
FAQs
How much RAM should be allocated to a virtual machine?
You can start with 1GB of memory if the virtual machine is running on a 32-bit operating system. Also, 4GB is a good allocation if the virtual machine has heavy workloads.
Why is RAM important for a virtual machine?
There’s a problem with this because the host and virtual machine will have difficulty getting to the free space in the RAM when there is limited RAM. It’s important to allocate a specific amount of RAM to the virtual machine to ensure smooth operation. Because of this, the performance on both machines may be slowed.
Can I upgrade the RAM in a virtual machine, and if so, how do I do it?
The virtual machine can be upgraded with RAM. You’ll have to edit the machine’s settings when it is not running in order to increase the memory. It is not possible to upgrade the memory while the machine is running. Open the virtual machine, select “Memory” from the menu. You can then adjust the amount of memory you want by moving the slider back and forth.
Read more on best ram for ryzen 5600g. Read more on best ram for ryzen 5600g.