[CentOS] High Performance graphics virtual environment: VGA Passthough or a VDI solution

Sun Sep 28 16:02:45 UTC 2014
Aaron Siegel <admin at siegel-tech.net>

Hello

Early this summer I made the decision to eliminate my Windows dual boot,
I rarely used windows.  I have started a new job which will require
using a 3d CAD Inventor/Solidworks (Windows software). Inventor starts
in vmware workstation.  I also switched from OpenSuSE to CentOS after
evaluating Ubuntu, RHEL, SLED, and Centos, I wanted a more proven
platform, less experimental stuff. 

For the last several years I have been wanting to build a multi-seat
computer.  I did configure a mulit-seat using xorg, it work ok but there
were issue with the keyboard and the kernel reported many error. I used
the dual seat system for play internet content to a tv but I do not
think this solution would work well for multiple desktops.  

VGA Pass-through
Redhat blog claims the beta release supports vga pass-through:
http://rhelblog.redhat.com/2014/01/29/kvm-virtualization/

Is this true? I hope to find a cheaper video card then the professional
NVIDA. Can VGA pass-through be accomplished using the application
provide by CentOS 7? Or do I need to apply all the patches and recompile
as suggested in the article below?

http://www.firewing1.com/howtos/fedora-20/create-gaming-virtual-machine-using-vfio-pci-passthrough-kvm


VDI

This solution provides each terminal with it own dedicated devices. Many
of the problems with the muli-seat configuration I used in the past was
related to sharing usb device on multiple terminals.  The thin client
resolves all of those problems. I think VDI solution easier for my wife
and daughter to use than the VGA pass through. Thin client will located
the terminal in a different rooms.

Now the fun part Xen or oVirt KVM.  I preference for KVM the kernel
module seem to work better. I have had problem with Xen. 

Does anyone have suggestion for a small home deployment. This is not
practical but I have this supper fast computer I like to use and I want
to postpone purchasing a Apple laptop for as long as possible. The
skills developed in this project can be indirectly applied at work.

Thank you
Aaron