virtualbox.org

I've got a high end PC (quad core Intel Xeon 3.33 GHz, hyperthreaded, 12 GB RAM, Nvida FX 3800 with 192 CUDA cores and 1 GB RAM). I'm using Windows 7 as a guest, and no matter I do, I can't seem to get a performance index over 1.0, which is the lowest possible score. (The scores range from 1.0 to 7.9 accoriding to Microsoft). My scores are:

Processor 7.4
Memory 7.9
Graphics (desktop) 1.0
Gaming Graphics (3D business and gaming graphics) 1.0
Primary hard disk 7.1

The overall index is calculated as the worst of them, so its obviously 1.0. I've enabled 3D acceleration in the virtual machine and given Windows over 80 MB of video RAM. (There seems to be a limit of 128 MB anyway). I was a bit worried giving it too much, until I found my machine has 1 GB of video RAM, so perhaps I should just give it the maximum possible. But I somewhat doubt that is the issue.

I see a report here of a similar situation, where some other Virtualisation technologies gave much better performance

http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winh ... inhost.pdf

I'm using an OpenSolaris host, which I realise is a bit unusual.

I've tried adjusting the Visual Effects in Windows for best performance, but that did not help.

Does anyone know what I can do to improve the graphics?


Dave

I am surprised that performance index even ran in the guest. Mine usually gives up with some strange error or other.

3D acceleration is experimental and certainly does not work exactly like the "on the metal" experience. If you want that you will need to install Windows 7 as a dual boot. I can get Aero "glass" to work in the vm but some sites will still crash the Internet browser. Host is Windows 7 Pro with NVidia GT440 and i7, using the WDDM 3D option in the guest and 4.1.6 .