Ultrabook for Virtualization

[rikaragoza]

Hi Guys,

 

Do you have recommendations on an ultrabook that can support virtualization?  

 

I reckon, it should have i7(skylake) quad core/16GB RAM?  Catch is, portability is one of the criteria and so far here's what I'm looking at:

 

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Razer Blade Stealth

Asus Zenbook UX303

Asus ROG G501

HP Elitebook Folio

MSI GS40

 

 

[DaltonM]

You will also need a Pro Version of Windows I believe. Check which CPUs support virtualiztion. Also be careful as mobile processors can differ from standard ones. Check Intel.Ark 

[kiririn]

You will also need a Pro Version of Windows I believe. Check which CPUs support virtualiztion. Also be careful as mobile processors can differ from standard ones. Check Intel.Ark 

 

Yes. A Pro Version of Windows is required if he is going to use Microsoft Hyper-V. However, if he's going to use VMWare or VirtualBox or any other alternatives to Hyper-V a pro version would not be necessary.

 

 

Hi Guys,

 

Do you have recommendations on an ultrabook that can support virtualization?  

 

I reckon, it should have i7(skylake) quad core/16GB RAM?  Catch is, portability is one of the criteria and so far here's what I'm looking at:

 

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Razer Blade Stealth

Asus Zenbook UX303

Asus ROG G501

HP Elitebook Folio

MSI GS40

 

How many VMs do you intend to run?

The obvious choices if you're going to run 2 or more VMs at once are the Quad Core i7s in your list. More RAM would also be nice if you want the VMs to run smoothly depending on what you want to do with them. If you're only planning to run 1 VM at a time, the i3 and i5 Dual Cores will do fine but maybe not the m3.

 

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/devices/surface-pro-4#techspec-block

> Intel Core m3/i3/i5 (2C-4T) - VT-x and VT-d (depends on specific processor model) Capable

 

Razer Blade Stealth - http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-systems/razer-blade-stealth

> Intel® Core™ i7-6500U (2C-4T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

Asus Zenbook UX303 - http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-Zenbook-UX303LN-R4141H-Subnotebook-Review.128511.0.html

> Intel Core i7-4510U (2C-4T) - VT-x Capable 

 

Asus ROG G501 - http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-G501JW-Notebook-Review.141745.0.html

> Intel Core i7-4720HQ (4C-8T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

HP Elitebook Folio - http://www.notebookcheck.net/HP-EliteBook-Folio-1040-G1.111544.0.html

> Intel Core i5 4300U (2C-4T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

MSI GS40 - http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-unveils-GS40-6QE-Phantom-Pro-notebook.151747.0.html

> Intel Core i7-6700HQ (4C-8T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

As for the choice of Intel Skylake CPUs, take note of this:

"Intel has identified an issue that potentially affects the 6th Gen Intel Core family of products. This issue only occurs under certain complex workload conditions, like those that may be encountered when running applications like Prime95. In those cases, the processor may hang or cause unpredictable system behaviour."

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/01/intel-skylake-bug-causes-pcs-to-freeze-during-complex-workloads/

 

Intel would probably release a microcode update to patch it soon but it wouldn't hurt to stay away from Skylake processors for now if you're going to do mission critical tasks that involve "complex workload conditions".

[rikaragoza]

Yes. A Pro Version of Windows is required if he is going to use Microsoft Hyper-V. However, if he's going to use VMWare or VirtualBox or any other alternatives to Hyper-V a pro version would not be necessary.

 

 

 

How many VMs do you intend to run?

The obvious choices if you're going to run 2 or more VMs at once are the Quad Core i7s in your list. More RAM would also be nice if you want the VMs to run smoothly depending on what you want to do with them. If you're only planning to run 1 VM at a time, the i3 and i5 Dual Cores will do fine but maybe not the m3.

 

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/devices/surface-pro-4#techspec-block

> Intel Core m3/i3/i5 (2C-4T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable

 

Razer Blade Stealth - http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-systems/razer-blade-stealth

> Intel® Core™ i7-6500U (2C-4T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

Asus Zenbook UX303 - http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-Zenbook-UX303LN-R4141H-Subnotebook-Review.128511.0.html

> Intel Core i7-4510U (2C-4T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

Asus ROG G501 - http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-G501JW-Notebook-Review.141745.0.html

> Intel Core i7-4720HQ (4C-8T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

HP Elitebook Folio - http://www.notebookcheck.net/HP-EliteBook-Folio-1040-G1.111544.0.html

> Intel Core i5 4300U (2C-4T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

MSI GS40 - http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-unveils-GS40-6QE-Phantom-Pro-notebook.151747.0.html

> Intel Core i7-6700HQ (4C-8T) - VT-x and VT-d Capable 

 

As for the choice of Intel Skylake CPUs, take note of this:

"Intel has identified an issue that potentially affects the 6th Gen Intel Core family of products. This issue only occurs under certain complex workload conditions, like those that may be encountered when running applications like Prime95. In those cases, the processor may hang or cause unpredictable system behaviour."

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/01/intel-skylake-bug-causes-pcs-to-freeze-during-complex-workloads/

 

Intel would probably release a microcode update to patch it soon but it wouldn't hurt to stay away from Skylake processors for now if you're going to do mission critical tasks that involve "complex workload conditions".

 

Really appreciate the expertise, good sir!  More or less 3-4 VM's (Domain controllers/Exchange Servers/File Servers/etc) for studying purposes.

 

Only hindrance right now for me is portability as I travel a lot daily, thus the choices above (ultrabooks.  

 

If you were in my place, what make and models would you list down?  And do you reckon it's worth to wait for a few more months for a possible "upgraded" version of the current laptops in the list?

 

Again, thank you!

[don_svetlio]

Really appreciate the expertise, good sir!  More or less 3-4 VM's (Domain controllers/Exchange Servers/File Servers/etc) for studying purposes.

 

Only hindrance right now for me is portability as I travel a lot daily, thus the choices above (ultrabooks.  

 

If you were in my place, what make and models would you list down?  And do you reckon it's worth to wait for a few more months for a possible "upgraded" version of the current laptops in the list?

 

Again, thank you!

I would highly advise looking at good CPU cooling which means the Asus 15.6' laptops are a no-go. Their coolers are not good enough to properly support prolonged VMs

[kiririn]

I would highly advise looking at good CPU cooling which means the Asus 15.6' laptops are a no-go. Their coolers are not good enough to properly support prolonged VMs

Indeed.

 

Really appreciate the expertise, good sir!  More or less 3-4 VM's (Domain controllers/Exchange Servers/File Servers/etc) for studying purposes.

 

Only hindrance right now for me is portability as I travel a lot daily, thus the choices above (ultrabooks.  

 

If you were in my place, what make and models would you list down?  And do you reckon it's worth to wait for a few more months for a possible "upgraded" version of the current laptops in the list?

 

Again, thank you!

The Asus G501JW and MSI GS40 are basically desktop replacements

 

...with some compromises (primarily to maintain their slim and light body).

 

The prolonged usage of multiple VMs would significantly strain the CPU and would require a lot of cooling to sustain its performance. Otherwise, it would start throttling in response to the increased thermal pressure.

 

If I were to stick with the idea getting an ultrabook, I would probably get the MSI GS40 because it is light and compact and doesn't compromise with the processor.

HOWEVER, the thermals of this machine under load is significantly worse than the ASUS G501JW with the hottest region reaching 68.8 °C.

 

See the temperature section in this link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-GS40-6QE-Phantom-Notebook-Review.158147.0.html

 

The ASUS G501JW's thermals are better (max. 47.6°C), though I find the 4K Display superfluous.

 

See the temperature section in this link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-G501JW-Notebook-Review.141745.0.html

 

I'll be posting some other make and models later.

[exercutor5]

Hi Guys,

 

Do you have recommendations on an ultrabook that can support virtualization?  

 

I reckon, it should have i7(skylake) quad core/16GB RAM?  Catch is, portability is one of the criteria and so far here's what I'm looking at:

 

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Razer Blade Stealth

Asus Zenbook UX303

Asus ROG G501

HP Elitebook Folio

MSI GS40

 

Where are you located in? If you are in Europe I suggest looking at Schenker's F516. That uses desktop T series CPUs and don't have dedicated graphics.

[kiririn]

You can see the full list here: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Laptop-Search.8223.0.html?&manufacturer=&model=〈=2&gpu=&gpu_architecture=&gpu_class=&cpu=4144&cpu_better=1&cpu_generation=&inch=&screen_resolution=&screen_glossy=&class=&rating=&reviewcount=&dr_workmanship=&dr_display=&dr_emissions=75&dr_ergonomy=&dr_performance=&dr_mobility=&age=&weight=2.6&price=&min_price=&ram=8&battery_capacity=&hdd_size=&hdd_type=&lan_type=&wlan_type=&brightness_center=&loudness_min=&loudness_load=&battery_wlan=&os_type=1&tag_type=&nbcReviews=1&orderby=1

 

Parameters:

 

At least Intel Core i7-4700MQ

At least 75% emissions rating

At most 2.6kg

At least 8GB RAM

Notebookcheck reviews only

Must have Windows Operating System

 

 

MSI WS60 2OJ8H11W7P

Intel Core i7-4710HQ 4C/8T - VT-x and VT-d Capable

NVIDIA Quadro K2100M

15.6' @ 1080p

8GB DDR3L-1600MHz 1 of 2 slots populated

1.98 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 47.7 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 1h 03min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-WS60-Workstation-Review.130230.0.html

 

Toshiba Satellite P50t-B-10T

Intel Core i7-4710HQ 4C/8T - VT-x and VT-d Capable

AMD Radeon R9 M265X

15.6' @ 3840x2160px

16GB DDR3L-1600MHz 2 of 2 slots populated

2.379 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 46 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 0h 45min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Toshiba-Satellite-P50t-B-10T-Notebook-Review.129317.0.html

 

Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE

Intel Core i7-4700MQ 4C/8T - VT-x Capable

NVIDIA GeForce GT 730M

15.5' @ 2880x1620px (weird resolution)

8GB DDR3L-1600MHz 1 of 2 slots populated

2.575 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 44.4 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 3h 53min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Lenovo-ThinkPad-T540p-20BE005YGE-Notebook.114312.0.html

 

Lenovo ThinkPad T440p 20AN-006VGE

Intel Core i7-4700MQ 4C/8T - VT-x Capable

NVIDIA GeForce GT 730M

14' @ 1600x900p

8GB DDR3L-1600MHz 1 of 2 slots populated

2.2 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 45.3 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 2h 01min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Lenovo-ThinkPad-T440p-20AN-006VGE-Notebook.108423.0.html

[rikaragoza]

You can see the full list here: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Laptop-Search.8223.0.html?&manufacturer=&model=〈=2&gpu=&gpu_architecture=&gpu_class=&cpu=4144&cpu_better=1&cpu_generation=&inch=&screen_resolution=&screen_glossy=&class=&rating=&reviewcount=&dr_workmanship=&dr_display=&dr_emissions=75&dr_ergonomy=&dr_performance=&dr_mobility=&age=&weight=2.6&price=&min_price=&ram=8&battery_capacity=&hdd_size=&hdd_type=&lan_type=&wlan_type=&brightness_center=&loudness_min=&loudness_load=&battery_wlan=&os_type=1&tag_type=&nbcReviews=1&orderby=1

 

Parameters:

 

At least Intel Core i7-4700MQ

At least 75% emissions rating

At most 2.6kg

At least 8GB RAM

Notebookcheck reviews only

Must have Windows Operating System

 

 

MSI WS60 2OJ8H11W7P

Intel Core i7-4710HQ 4C/8T - VT-x and VT-d Capable

NVIDIA Quadro K2100M

15.6' @ 1080p

8GB DDR3L-1600MHz 1 of 2 slots populated

1.98 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 47.7 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 1h 03min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-WS60-Workstation-Review.130230.0.html

 

Toshiba Satellite P50t-B-10T

Intel Core i7-4710HQ 4C/8T - VT-x and VT-d Capable

AMD Radeon R9 M265X

15.6' @ 3840x2160px

16GB DDR3L-1600MHz 2 of 2 slots populated

2.379 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 46 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 0h 45min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Toshiba-Satellite-P50t-B-10T-Notebook-Review.129317.0.html

 

Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE

Intel Core i7-4700MQ 4C/8T - VT-x Capable

NVIDIA GeForce GT 730M

15.5' @ 2880x1620px (weird resolution)

8GB DDR3L-1600MHz 1 of 2 slots populated

2.575 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 44.4 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 3h 53min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Lenovo-ThinkPad-T540p-20BE005YGE-Notebook.114312.0.html

 

Lenovo ThinkPad T440p 20AN-006VGE

Intel Core i7-4700MQ 4C/8T - VT-x Capable

NVIDIA GeForce GT 730M

14' @ 1600x900p

8GB DDR3L-1600MHz 1 of 2 slots populated

2.2 kg

Max Temp @ Load: 45.3 °C

Battery @ Load (maximum brightness): 2h 01min

Link: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Lenovo-ThinkPad-T440p-20AN-006VGE-Notebook.108423.0.html

 

This is very helpful! Appreciate the expertise!

[rikaragoza]

Where are you located in? If you are in Europe I suggest looking at Schenker's F516. That uses desktop T series CPUs and don't have dedicated graphics.

 

In Dubai, UAE

[rikaragoza]

You think this particular ultrabook is worth the wait, other than possible upgrades to the Razer Blade Stealth (IF it will have i7Quad & atleast 16GB RAM):