virtualbox.org

Hi All,

I took a look over at http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads to see if I could find a 64 bit Intel version of Virtual Box for CentOS 5 (Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5). What I found was: "Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 ("RHEL5") / CentOS 5.2 i386 | AMD64 "

On looking at the comments at the top of the page, I am finding "if you are running a 64-bit kernel, install the appropriate AMD64 package (it does not matter if you have an Intel or an AMD CPU)"

This seems pretty clear. But, I am still wondering why the AMD version. Do I loose features by using Intel x64? Am I missing something or just being a little paranoid here?

-T

Hi,

AMD64 aka x86-64 aka x64 aka EM64T (intel) was introduced by AMD and is very different from the intel developed IA-64
AMD64 is what you want, AFAIK virtualbox doesnt even run on IA-64 (you find IA-64 in some rare? HP-UX servers from HP ..., not in "normal" PC)

HTH

My processor is an EM64T. The AMD name is to differentiate it from IA64, which now makes sense.

Thank you,
-T

"IA" denotes the Intel Itanium (popular on current HP servers), not "Intel Architecture" as popular misconception would have it.

I believe the 64 bit Intel Nocona core (possibly others) may predate the licensing arrangement between Intel and AMD for their 64 bit tecnology (but am willing to accept correction).

I use Nocona opimisations exclusively for my builds. The release is specific (by name) to AMD and I also question universal compatability with Intel 64 bit processors.

This is in the VirtualBox FAQ, for which package you need. I will add a little more background info to make it more clear.