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VMware Workstation Gen 9: FAQs

Posted on January 29, 2026 Updated on February 4, 2026

I complied a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) around my Gen 9 Workstation build. I’ll be updating it from time to time but do feel free to reach out if you have additional questions.

Last Update: 02/04/2026

General FAQs

Why Generation 9? Starting with my Gen 7 build the Gen Number aligns to the version of vSphere it was designed for. So, Gen 9 = VCF 9. It also helps my readers to track the Generations that interests them the most.

Why are you running Workstation vs. dedicated ESX servers? I’m pivoting my home lab strategy. I’ve moved from a complex multi-server setup to a streamlined, single-host configuration using VMware Workstation. Managing multiple hosts, though it gives real world experience, wasn’t meeting my needs when it came to roll back from a crash or testing different software versions. With Workstation, I can run multiple labs at once and use simple backup plus Workstation’s snapshot manager to recreate labs quite quickly. I find Workstation more adaptable, and making my lab time about learning rather than maintenance.

What are your goals with Gen 9? To develop and build a platform that is able to run the stack of VCF 9 product for Home Lab use. See Gen 9 Part 1 for more information on goals.

Where can I find your Gen 9 Workstation Build series? All of my most popular content, including the Gen 9 Workstation builds can be found under Best of VMX.

What version of Workstation are you using? Currently, VMware Workstation 25H2, this may change over time see my Home Lab BOM for more details.

How performant is running VCF 9 on Workstation? In my testing I’ve had adequate success with a simple VCF install on BOM1. Clicks through out the various applications didn’t seem to lag. I plan to expand to a full VCF install under BOM2 and will do some performance testing soon.

What core services are needed to support this VCF Deployment? Core Services are supplied via Windows Server. They include AD, DNS, NTP, RAS, and DHCP. DNS, NTP, and RAS being the most important.

BOM FAQs

Where can I find your Bill of Materials (BOM)? See my Home Lab BOM page.

Why 2 BOMs for Gen 9? Initially, I started with the hardware I had, this became BOM1. It worked perfectly for a simple VCF install. Eventually, I needed to expand my RAM to support the entire VCF stack. I had 32GB DDR4 modules on hand but the BOM1 motherboard was fully populated. It was less expensive to buy a motherboard that had enough RAM slots plus I could add in a 2nd CPU. This upgrade became BOM2. Additionally, It gives my readers some ideas of different configurations that might work for them.

What can I run on BOM1? I have successfully deployed a simple VCF deployment, but I don’t recommend running VCF Automation on this BOM. See the Best of VMX section for a 9 part series.

What VCF 9 products are running in BOM1? Initial components include: VCSA, VCF Operations, VCF Collector, NSX Manager, Fleet Manager, and SDDC Manager all running on the 3 x Nested ESX Hosts.

What are your plans for BOM2? Currently, under development but I would like to see if I could push the full VCF stack to it.

What can I run on BOM2? Under development, updates soon.

Are you running both BOMs configurations? No I’m only running one at a time. Currently, running BOM2.

Do I really need this much hardware? No you don’t. The parts listed on my BOM is just how I did it. I used some parts I had on hand and some I bought used. My recommendation is use what you have and upgrade when you need to.

What should I do to help with performance? Invest in highspeed disk, CPU cores, and RAM. I highly recommend lots of properly deployed NVMe disks for your nested ESX hosts.

What do I need for multiple NVMe Drives? If you plan to use multiple NVMe drives into a single PCIe slot you’ll need a motherboard that supports bifurcation OR you’ll need an NVMe adapter that will support it. Not all NVMe adapters are the same, so do your research before buying.