VirtualBox does NOT use full host cpu power

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Windows hosts.
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vbdotorg
Posts: 1
Joined: 27. Jan 2009, 16:56

VirtualBox does NOT use full host cpu power

Post by vbdotorg »

Hi, I'm using VB 2.0.2 on a WinXP Pro SP3 host.

My host CPU is an Intel Pentium 4 2.8Ghz with HyperThreading.

My guest is a WinXP Pro SP3 as well.

I was wondering why VB does NOT use full host CPU power (it DOES use about 60-70%) even when the guest is flat at 100% cpu usage for several minutes.
bingojed
Posts: 9
Joined: 6. Sep 2007, 23:56

cpu utilization

Post by bingojed »

I would not want vbox, or any app really, to use "100%" of my main cpu. Doing so would mean it cripples the host. If the guest locks-up and is at 100% host utilization, you wouldn't even be able to shut it down.

I have seen vbox take up to 80% of my host cpu, and that was a pretty noticeable drag on my host. I would assume there are other processes on the host that are being run in tandem and get in the way, as well as some virtualization limitations - though I don't know the deep technological details to speak with any authority on that.
Sasquatch
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Post by Sasquatch »

If you really want the Guest to use the full 100% of your CPU, disable HT.
Read the Forum Posting Guide before opening a topic.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
Try searching the forums first with Google and add the site filter for this forum.
E.g. install guest additions site:forums.virtualbox.org

Retired from this Forum since OSSO introduction.
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