Not all Intel CPUs support virtualization
JDMurray
Admin Posts: 13,127 Admin
This topic was posted in another forum, but it bears echoing here: Not all Intel CPUs support virtualization. Just because you have a dual core or a quad core Intel processor doesn't mean it can run a VM host environment. This includes the XP mode in Windows 7. All AMD processors, however, do support virtualization.
These Ed Bott articles explain the problem and list the Intel CPUs that do and don't support Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT):
Can your Intel CPU handle Windows 7’s XP Mode? | Ed Bott’s Windows Expertise |
How many Intel CPUs will fail the XP Mode test in Windows 7? | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com
It's also worth noting that many computer are shipped with virtualization disabled by default in the BIOS. So if you are getting a "virtualization not supported" error message, check your BIOS settings first.
These Ed Bott articles explain the problem and list the Intel CPUs that do and don't support Intel Virtualization Technology (Intel VT):
Can your Intel CPU handle Windows 7’s XP Mode? | Ed Bott’s Windows Expertise |
How many Intel CPUs will fail the XP Mode test in Windows 7? | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com
It's also worth noting that many computer are shipped with virtualization disabled by default in the BIOS. So if you are getting a "virtualization not supported" error message, check your BIOS settings first.
Comments
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dynamik
Banned Posts: 12,312 ■■■■■■■■■□
Do you mean all current-gen AMD CPUs? You're obviously not saying all AMD CPUs.
I'd like to echo Hero's recommendation for: GRC|SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features|
That's a great tool to easily tell how your current system is configured.
Your BIOS may also be a limiting factor. My BIOS doesn't allow me to enable hardware DEP, so I'm screwed when it comes to Hyper-V (and I assume XP mode for the same reason). That's really irritating
Also, I assume this is just referring to hypervisor-based virtualization packages. While there are performance benefits, I do not believe this is necessary for host-based virtualization packages like VMware Workstation or VirtualBox. -
tiersten
Member Posts: 4,505
VT-x or AMD-V you mean? DEP isn't needed for virtualization.Your BIOS may also be a limiting factor. My BIOS doesn't allow me to enable hardware DEP, so I'm screwed when it comes to Hyper-V (and I assume XP mode for the same reason). That's really irritating
You need VT-x or AMD-V if you want 64 bit guests even with Workstation.Also, I assume this is just referring to hypervisor-based virtualization packages. While there are performance benefits, I do not believe this is necessary for host-based virtualization packages like VMware Workstation or VirtualBox. -
tiersten
Member Posts: 4,505
Nope. I'm wrong. Hyper-V needs DEPVT-x or AMD-V you mean? DEP isn't needed for virtualization.
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tiersten
Member Posts: 4,505
Hardware and Firmware Requirements for 64-Bit Guest Operating Systems. Not quite that simple to get a 64 bit guest...You need VT-x or AMD-V if you want 64 bit guests even with Workstation. -
Jordus
Banned Posts: 336
ALso worth noting that if you turn on the virtualization in the BIOS, sometimes you need to hard reset the power on the machine before it will actually kick it in.
Atleast with Hyper-V -
dynamik
Banned Posts: 12,312 ■■■■■■■■■□
You need VT-x or AMD-V if you want 64 bit guests even with Workstation.
Ah, I forgot about that. All of mine have just worked without any additional configuration...
That link was interesting. I didn't know they had a CPU compatibility-checking tool: Drivers & Tools -
JDMurray
Admin Posts: 13,127 Admin
Correct. I'm only referring to currently available AMD CPUs for general purpose computing systems. Legacy AMD CPUs and AMD processors designed for embedded systems are not included in my assertion.Do you mean all current-gen AMD CPUs? You're obviously not saying all AMD CPUs.
However, the AMD info from VMware's Web site is noteworthy: AMD64 processors must be revision D or later to run 64-bit guest operating systems; AMD Opteron and Turion 64 processors must be revision E or later to run 64-bit guest operating systems.
And it looks like any system using the new Intel i7 x64 processors will have no problem running virtualized, 64-bit guest OSes.
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tiersten
Member Posts: 4,505
My small VAIO laptop has VT-x disabled by default but the BIOS does actually have support for VT-x. Sony just disabled and hid the option to toggle it. I've enabled it however by altering the NVRAM contents so VT-x is enabled and the MSR locked by the BIOS at power up. If the BIOS settings ever get reset to defaults then I'll need to redo it however.Your BIOS may also be a limiting factor. My BIOS doesn't allow me to enable hardware DEP, so I'm screwed when it comes to Hyper-V (and I assume XP mode for the same reason). That's really irritating
Not that a 2.0GHz Mobile C2D is going to be blazing fast at virtualization...