Which component is critical for virtual machine operation in a hypervisor setup?

In a hypervisor setup, the critical component for the operation of virtual machines is available RAM. The hypervisor effectively creates and manages multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical host. Each VM requires its own allocation of RAM to function properly, just as a physical computer does. Sufficient RAM allows the hypervisor to allocate memory to each virtual machine, enabling them to run applications and perform tasks efficiently.

If the available RAM is insufficient, the performance of the virtual machines will degrade significantly, leading to sluggish operations or even failure to start. Therefore, ensuring ample RAM is allocated is essential for the smooth running of multiple virtual environments and overall stability of the system.

In contrast, while high-speed internet is beneficial for cloud-based operations or remote access, it is not critical for the local operation of VMs. A graphics processing unit can enhance performance in graphics-intensive applications but isn't essential for the majority of standard VM operations. External storage may be useful for hosting VM files, but the primary requirement for operating multiple virtual machines is adequate RAM.