How much faster is RAM compared to VMkernel swap on an SSD?

RAM is significantly faster than VMkernel swap on an SSD due to the differences in both the technology and the way they operate. RAM (Random Access Memory) is designed for high-speed data access and has low latency, which allows it to quickly read from and write to memory locations. This enables rapid data processing essential for the performance of virtual machines and applications running on a hypervisor like VMware vSphere.

On the other hand, VMkernel swap involves using disk storage (in this case, an SSD) for swapping memory pages when the RAM is fully utilized. Even though SSDs provide relatively faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives, they still cannot match the speed of RAM. The architecture of SSDs involves more time-consuming processes such as data retrieval from storage cells, which inherently results in higher latency compared to the instant access provided by RAM.

The choice of stating that RAM is 50,000 times faster than VMkernel swap on an SSD aligns with various performance benchmarks and studies that indicate the stark performance disparity between volatile memory (like RAM) and non-volatile storage (like SSDs for swap space). This comparison emphasizes the need for adequate memory allocation in virtual environments to avoid performance bottlenecks associated with reliance on swap space.