Windows 11 Hyper-V on Windows Server 22 - costs

[romanbaumgaertner]

Hi All,

I like to get an idea on the costs of using Hyper-V on an Intel Xeon 5317 Prozessor, 12C/24T. I plan to run 2 VMs on the machine.

Based on my current understanding, the hypervisor is for free. But the GUI requires a license which runs around $1.4k.

Thanks in advance,
--Roman

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Roman,

Great to see you diving into Hyper-V on Windows Server! You're correct that the Hyper-V hypervisor itself is free, as it comes bundled with Windows Server. However, there are a few cost factors to consider:

1. Windows Server License: While Hyper-V is included at no extra cost, you'll need a valid Windows Server license to use it. The Server Standard edition is often suitable for environments running multiple VMs, and licensing can vary based on the number of cores in your processor.

2. Client Access Licenses (CALs): If users or devices will access the VMs, you might also need CALs, which can add to your overall costs.

3. Support and Maintenance: Consider any potential costs for ongoing support or maintenance, especially if you're managing critical services.

4. Hardware Costs: Ensure that your Intel Xeon 5317 processor has adequate resources for the two VMs you plan to run, including RAM and disk space, while accounting for potential upgrades in the future.

5. Add-ons and Features: Depending on your needs, you may want to invest in additional features like backup solutions, monitoring tools, or advanced security features.

So, while the hypervisor is free, the complete setup could definitely involve significant investments depending on your specific requirements. If you’d like more information on specific Windows Server editions or licensing details, let me know!

Cheers!

 

[romanbaumgaertner]

My current plan is to configure the Windows server with 128GB RAM. The VMs with get each 64 GB. Furthermore based on the number of cores I will get a WIndows Server license for 16 cores. I assume that this should be sufficient,

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Roman,

Your plan to configure the Windows Server with 128GB of RAM and allocate 64GB to each VM is solid, especially if you're running resource-intensive applications on those virtual machines. Here are a few points to consider regarding your setup:

1. Memory Allocation: Allocating 64GB RAM per VM does leave a bit of headroom for the host operating system. Make sure to leave enough RAM for the hypervisor's operating needs, which might consume around 8-16GB or more, depending on the services you run.

2. Core Licensing: Licensing for Windows Server based on your Intel Xeon 5317’s 16 cores aligns with Microsoft's licensing model. Ensure that your license covers the number of cores you plan to use. Some editions allow for a certain number of cores per license, and you may need additional licenses if you exceed those requirements.

3. Performance Considerations: Monitor the performance of your VMs under load. Since you're splitting the memory evenly, performance should be decent, but performance tuning may be required depending on the nature of the workloads.

4. Future Expansion: If you anticipate scaling in the future, consider the implications of additional VMs on both resource allocation and licensing.

5. Backup and Recovery: With such a configuration, ensure you have a robust backup and recovery plan in place, as you'll be managing a significant amount of RAM and potentially critical applications.

Overall, your approach appears well-planned, but always keep scalability and performance in mind. If you have any other queries or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Best!