Proxmox vs FreeBSD: A Comprehensive Comparison

Not too long ago, we walked you through Proxmox VE 8.x series. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into Proxmox vs FreeBSD to explore which virtualization host performs better—but before we do that, let’s understand these platforms individually.

FreeBSD

FreeBSD is an operating system that powers modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. With a community of developers spanning over thirty years, FreeBSD offers advanced networking, security, and storage features, making it a preferred platform for busy websites and embedded devices.

Proxmox

Proxmox Virtual Environment is an open-source server virtualization management solution centered on QEMU/KVM and LXC. Users can manage virtual machines, containers, clusters, storage, and networks through a convenient web interface or CLI. Proxmox VE is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3, and is developed and maintained by Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH.

Comparative Analysis

To determine the performance of each virtualization host, let’s analyze key findings:

Interpretation of CPU and RAM Results

Proxmox offers consistent CPU performance, while FreeBSD excels in memory performance. The choice between the two platforms may depend on specific workload requirements and the importance of consistent performance versus higher throughput.

I/O Performance Tests

Performance data reveals significant differences in I/O capabilities between Proxmox and FreeBSD configurations, showcasing their respective strengths.

Host Physical Systems and Filesystems

VM Configurations Comparison:

• File Creation Speed: VM on FreeBSD (ZFS, NVMe) leads in speed, followed by other FreeBSD configurations.
• Read and Write Operations per Second: FreeBSD configurations outperform Proxmox configurations in read and write operations.
• fsync Operations per Second: FreeBSD configurations show advanced fsync operations compared to Proxmox configurations.
• Throughput: FreeBSD configurations demonstrate higher throughput than Proxmox configurations.
• Latency: FreeBSD configurations display lower latencies, indicating faster response times.

Cache Settings and Performance Influence

Cache settings can significantly impact virtualization performance, with differences in how operating systems manage cache affecting overall system performance.

Key Insights

While minor differences exist in CPU and RAM performance between Proxmox and FreeBSD, the I/O performance data clearly favors FreeBSD configurations with NVMe and ZFS setups.

Proxmox remains a stable solution with rich features, but FreeBSD, especially with the NVMe driver, demonstrates high performance and low overhead in installation and operation.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, while FreeBSD configurations show superior performance, it’s essential to investigate potential issues with certain operations. By analyzing performance metrics, users can optimize their virtualization and storage configurations for specific workloads.

Ultimately, both Proxmox and FreeBSD have their strengths, and the choice between them depends on individual performance requirements and preferences.