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Virtualization on laptops
Posted: 27. May 2013, 15:26
by mariomario89
Hi,
I am studying computing and for testing I use Virtual Box. I am going to buy a new laptop and I would like to know if processors without
Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) will affect to my work.
Regards,
Mario.
Re: Virtualization on laptops
Posted: 27. May 2013, 15:33
by mpack
No, nobody has yet AFAIK demonstrated that having VT-d available is useful, never mind necessary.
You do need VT-x and should not consider buying any PC or laptop that doesn't have it. Your laptop should also ideally have something like 4x the RAM you intend to allocate to the VM, and something like 10x the disk space. Dual core CPU or better is needed too (real cores - not hyperthreading).
ps. I have deleted your cross post. Cross posting causes duplication and hence is against the forum rules.
Re: Virtualization on laptops
Posted: 27. May 2013, 16:13
by Perryg
One thing that does improve performance is CPU feature - Nested Paging with LargePaging ( Intel EPT )
Re: Virtualization on laptops
Posted: 27. May 2013, 16:53
by mariomario89
Thanks for the help mpack ... I was getting crazy with all about vt-d .. The computer I want to buy is 8GB DDR3 , processor i-7 3r generation, 1TB (5400 rpm (I will change for a SSD in the future) .... and vt-x so I think it will be ok , wont it?
regards
Mario
Re: Virtualization on laptops
Posted: 27. May 2013, 16:59
by mpack
There's no hurry about the SSD. That might be ok for quick booting of the host OS, but not IMHO much good for VMs (too small, and not all guests can be optimized for SSDs).
Re: Virtualization on laptops
Posted: 27. May 2013, 17:36
by mariomario89
good to know ... thanks again!

... I will buy soon my new laptop knowing that vt-d is not necessary for virtual machines