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MoronX Author
User level: Level1 29 points
Hello Community, I want to know how much ram a virtual machine running Kali linux or windows 10 would take; Running creative/development software
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.4
Posted on Sep 30, 2022 2:52 PM
Question marked as Best reply
Posted on Sep 30, 2022 5:11 PM
Linux in general works best with at least 4GB of RAM, but it all depends on the workload. I assume you are using Kali Linux for penetration testing or tools. It seems a strange choice for anything else, although it is able to be used in other ways. Creative and development workloads will require more memory -- how much do those workloads require regardless of how you have installed the OS. The VM will require at least that much memory, plus you will need more memory for the host OS (in this case macOS). I really would not run macOS with less than 8GB RAM dedicated to macOS, so at a minimum you would need need at least 12GB of physical memory for the host just to use Linux with basic workload. Anything requiring memory I would assume should have at least 8GB of RAM for the VM, perhaps even more. Figure out how much memory those workloads need and that will determine how much memory you need to reserve for the VM.
Another consideration is will you be doing anything intensive or requiring lots of memory on macOS while you are using the operating systems within the VM at the same time? If so, then you will likely need more than 8GB of RAM dedicated just to macOS.
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User level: Level9 54,827 points
Sep 30, 2022 5:11 PM in response to MoronX
Linux in general works best with at least 4GB of RAM, but it all depends on the workload. I assume you are using Kali Linux for penetration testing or tools. It seems a strange choice for anything else, although it is able to be used in other ways. Creative and development workloads will require more memory -- how much do those workloads require regardless of how you have installed the OS. The VM will require at least that much memory, plus you will need more memory for the host OS (in this case macOS). I really would not run macOS with less than 8GB RAM dedicated to macOS, so at a minimum you would need need at least 12GB of physical memory for the host just to use Linux with basic workload. Anything requiring memory I would assume should have at least 8GB of RAM for the VM, perhaps even more. Figure out how much memory those workloads need and that will determine how much memory you need to reserve for the VM.
Another consideration is will you be doing anything intensive or requiring lots of memory on macOS while you are using the operating systems within the VM at the same time? If so, then you will likely need more than 8GB of RAM dedicated just to macOS.
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User profile for user: Phil0124 
User level: Level10 198,042 points
Sep 30, 2022 2:54 PM in response to MoronX
As much as you give it. With virtual machines RAM is user configurable.
For decent performance at least 8GB would be recommended if you have a computer with 16GB or more.
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MoronX Author
User level: Level1 29 points
Sep 30, 2022 5:27 PM in response to HWTech
Thanks a lot for the DETAILED answer, it really helps a lot, but again
-Thanks
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Ram requirements for VM's
As a seasoned expert in virtualization and system resource management, I can assure you that determining the appropriate amount of RAM for virtual machines (VMs) running operating systems like Kali Linux and Windows 10, particularly when engaging in creative and development work, involves a nuanced understanding of multiple factors.
First and foremost, the efficiency of Linux, such as Kali Linux, is generally optimized with a minimum of 4GB of RAM. However, the specific demands placed on the VM depend significantly on the nature of the workload. In the case of penetration testing or tools associated with Kali Linux, this allocation may suffice. Nevertheless, engaging in creative and development tasks within the VM elevates the RAM requirements.
In the provided discussion, HWTech astutely points out that creative and development workloads typically necessitate more memory. To make an informed decision, it is crucial to ascertain the RAM requirements of these workloads independent of the OS installation method. The VM will require at least the amount of memory dictated by these workloads, and you must factor in additional memory for the host OS, in this scenario, macOS.
For optimal performance, HWTech recommends not running macOS with less than 8GB RAM dedicated to it. Consequently, a minimum of 12GB of physical memory is advised for the host to accommodate basic Linux workloads. For the VM, a prudent estimate would be a minimum of 8GB of RAM, or potentially more depending on the intensity of the creative and development tasks.
Furthermore, HWTech highlights the importance of considering whether intensive tasks on macOS will run concurrently with the VM. If so, allocating more than 8GB of RAM exclusively to macOS may be necessary.
In contrast, Phil0124 emphasizes the user-configurability of RAM with virtual machines. While this is true, it is crucial to note that configuring an adequate amount of RAM is pivotal for achieving decent performance. A general recommendation is at least 8GB if the host system has 16GB or more.
To summarize, determining the RAM requirements for VMs running Kali Linux or Windows 10 involves considering the specific workload, allocating sufficient RAM for both the VM and the host OS (macOS in this case), and accounting for potential simultaneous resource-intensive tasks on the host system.
