Exploring running multiple DCS instances on Linux kvm on hosted server

[fargo007]

Hey yall, looking for some pointers from others who have set their squadrons up in a fashion like this.  

We're considering moving up from self-hosted desktop computers acting as BSD's dedicated server base to getting our own Linux server and running 3-4 DCS instances on Windows VMs there. 

I'm a Linux guy by trade, so I am not unfamiliar with setting up and managing that part of it.

I know some have used promox for this. Is there any advantage to it over kvm?  I'd prefer kvm personally as I'm very familiar with that.

Aside of using virtio drivers, what are some other performance vagaries you've watched out for?

If there is any other guidance, tools, or resources you can point me to I would appreciate it.

Thank you!

[Maverick87Shaka]

I've used in the past, for about 3 years long, a dedicated rented machine with Proxmox as host OS, on top of that a Windows 2016 VM to run DCS.
I start using Proxmox just because it was one of the option available at the time, but I really love it, and then I start to use it also on work and other lab environment, it works fine.

When I put back the server in my lab I've done some performance test, and DCS runs better on native Windows host rather than have it Virtualized. Not sure why, maybe lack of some direct hardware acceleration that is "translated" from VM to hardware by Virtualization software, but even just transfer speed for ssd was little bit slower.

So after this benchmark that I've done, I'm now running again Windows as main OS on dedicated hardware to host 3 public instances and one private instances of DCS server.

So my suggestion is go for Win Server directly on the host if you can, if not, just use any hypervisor that you are familiar with

Cheers,
Fly Safe.

[fargo007]

Thanks man, was hoping you would pop in.  

That certainly simplifies things but brings some other considerations.  Does the dedicated DCS even run on Windows Server 2019 or 2022, or does it HAVE to be Windows 10? The license fee for windows server editions makes the cost/benefit no longer worth it.

Outside of Azure, I don't see hosting companies even offering Windows 10 as the native OS.

 

 

Edited December 24, 2022 by fargo007

[Maverick87Shaka]

47 minutes ago, fargo007 said:

That certainly simplifies things but brings some other considerations.  Does the dedicated DCS even run on Windows Server 2019 or 2022, or does it HAVE to be Windows 10? The license fee for windows server editions makes the cost/benefit no longer worth it.

DCS dedicated server build It works really fine on windows server 2019 and also on 2022 that is my current "prod" environment for DCS public server.
 

47 minutes ago, fargo007 said:

Outside of Azure, I don't see hosting companies even offering Windows 10 as the native OS.

There is a long dispute between Microsoft and hosting companies for this, basically it's a licensing problem but they're trying to leverage on unfair business competition.......I guess it will not happens in two weeks ( I couldn't resist sorry ) to see Win 10 as main host OS on big company, but I strongly recommend to host server on Windows Server an not Win 10 / 11 even if it will be a future available options

Cheers,
Fly Safe and Merry Christmas
 

Edited December 24, 2022 by Maverick87Shaka

[HC_Official]

On 12/24/2022 at 4:31 PM, fargo007 said:

Thanks man, was hoping you would pop in.  

That certainly simplifies things but brings some other considerations.  Does the dedicated DCS even run on Windows Server 2019 or 2022, or does it HAVE to be Windows 10? The license fee for windows server editions makes the cost/benefit no longer worth it.

Outside of Azure, I don't see hosting companies even offering Windows 10 as the native OS.

 

 

 

You can run DCs server on Windows 10 (maybe 11) , 2016 server , 2019 server , 2022 server