Running 32-bit Apps in VM's on 64-bit CPU Host Machine

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Windows hosts.
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kjfrey55
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Joined: 14. Jun 2009, 04:04
Primary OS: MS Windows XP
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Running 32-bit Apps in VM's on 64-bit CPU Host Machine

Post by kjfrey55 »

I recently won an Intel Core 2 Duo 64-bit processor e6850 (SLA9U). If I build a computer around it and then run my 32-bit apps in VMs, will I still be able to get the performance boost from the advanced processor features, or is this a waste of time? I don't have the $$ to go out and get all new 64-bit apps.
Perryg
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Re: Running 32-bit Apps in VM's on 64-bit CPU Host Machine

Post by Perryg »

Here's my 2 cents.
Make sure that the motherboard and the bios support hyper-v (VT-x/AMD-v)
Get as much RAM as you can afford. 8 Gig or more. (4 Gig is enough for one VM if you need performance go to 8 Gig) Get DDR3 memory if you can.
Then install a 64 bit Host. (I prefer Ubuntu) but Windows works.
Then you can install a 32 bit guest to run your 32 bit apps. (Windows or Linux)
Kind of what this virtual stuff was all about.

As for a performance boost it will all depend on how beefy the host is and the amount of RAM you can afford. Installing Win XP 32 and adding SMP is (IMHO) a waste of time. at least at this point. Go to full Win XP 64 if you can, or leave it to one processor. I run a 32 bit WinXP on 64 bit host and it is smokin' fast, but I do not use it with SMP.
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