CPU virtualisation

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NeBlackCat
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Joined: 3. Aug 2008, 13:37

CPU virtualisation

Post by NeBlackCat »

In principle, could vbox make a VM's CPU appear to be a different type than the actual physical one?

For example, could it provide a more generic cpu (ie. missing Intel or AMD specific features) so that it's easier to transport VMs between heterogeneous hardware?

I was wondering if it would be trivial, or would require BOCHS-like full-on (and slow) CPU emulation.
Sasquatch
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Re: CPU virtualisation

Post by Sasquatch »

VB passes the exact same CPU to the VM as the Host is running, only a few features of the CPU are stripped to avoid certain problems.
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NeBlackCat
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Joined: 3. Aug 2008, 13:37

Re: CPU virtualisation

Post by NeBlackCat »

Sasquatch wrote:VB passes the exact same CPU to the VM as the Host is running, only a few features of the CPU are stripped to avoid certain problems.
I know, hence the question! ;-)
Sasquatch
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Re: CPU virtualisation

Post by Sasquatch »

Hence my answer, you can't change the type or ID VB sends to the Guest. Only a generic set of instructions are passed on, or a few are left out. One of the other.
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.
NeBlackCat
Posts: 154
Joined: 3. Aug 2008, 13:37

Re: CPU virtualisation

Post by NeBlackCat »

I'm not following you. I know you can't (currently). Hence I'm asking "how hard would it be for vbox to have this added?". For example (IIRC) ESX allows you to specify a bitmask that's applied to the value returned by the physical CPU to the CPUID instruction before the target gets it (might require VT-d though, I can't remember).
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