Reference Architecture

Nutanix and Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops: Windows Server on AMD

June 7, 2024

In this reference architecture, Nutanix provides a comprehensive technical overview of deploying Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops on AMD processors using Citrix Machine Creation Services (MCS) and Citrix Provisioning (PVS) with Windows Server. It emphasizes performance optimization, detailing the architecture, installation steps, and best practices for configuration to achieve a highly efficient and reliable virtual desktop infrastructure. The guide also includes advanced performance tuning tips, troubleshooting strategies, and considerations to ensure maximum system performance and security within the virtual environment.

On Nutanix, available host CPU resources drive Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops user density, rather than any I/O or resource bottlenecks for virtual desktops. Login Enterprise test results showed densities at 180 sessions per node for virtual workloads running the Login Enterprise knowledge worker workload. Nutanix offers a pay-as-you grow model that works like public cloud.