Upgrading the CPU to gain Virtualization capability?

[Mike Lynch]

I have a P4-641 3.20GHz CPU in my current System which uses an LGA775 Socket.

The System meets my needs with one exception.

I would like to learn / experience / utilize Virtualization.

Can I just upgrade the CPU to one that supports Virtualization utilizing an LGA775 Socket or is it more complex than just the CPU upgrade?

I currently run XP-PRO and would like to try Windows-7 Business.

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

[Qwerty]

Are you really sure your current CPU doesn't support it?

According to this page all Pentium 4 with "Prescott" core and LGA775 socket should have the virtualization support.
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Pentium_4/TYPE-Desktop%20Pentium%204%20Prescott.html

Sometimes the virtualization feature is deactivated in BIOS. In this case it could be easily turned on.

The usage of virtualization requires a lot of RAM and HDD space on the host computer. And this can be a big problem on older PCs. Especially the RAM is a first-class bottleneck! The 32-Bit Windows XP can only access up to 2 - 2.5 GB of RAM even if your system has 16 GB installed. If you're running two operating systems together - each of them will get only 1 - 1.25 GB RAM
And it's not enough for Windows 7. You will be able to run it, but without any large applications.

There is also another potential virtualization issue: As you know you can't use heavy 3D graphics (games) in a virtual system.
I'm even not sure if you will be able to use the aero desktop on your virtual system.



I think the best option for you is to install the Windows 7 as a secondary system on your HDD without any virtualization. You can also use a second HDD as a dedicated hard drive for Windows 7.

[andamus]

Sorry Pentium4 641 doesn't have VT support, but if you want to try virtualization VMware server is FREE and do not require VT technology to run.

[Marcin]

Or change platform to AMD 64 / X2 / Phenom

[gshv]

[Guest]

Again, "I would like to learn / experience / utilize Virtualization."

If a CPU in the P4 Family of Processors will help me do that, great!

If a faster CPU in another Family of Processors with Dual or Quad Cores would work in the Socket my current CPU use, even better!

I am too inexperienced to know or even guess.

This is why I searched out this Forum and Posted here.

What I am asking is: based on the Socket on my existing Motherboard, is there an Intel Processor "with Virtuilization capabilities" that can replace my existing CPU and function properly?

If so, what might it, they be?

If not, why not?

Best regards,

Mike Lynch

[Qwerty]

OK, here is the information for beginners.


Almost all modern CPUs support virtualization. Almost any Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad will do.

Please consult this topic to see which CPUs are compatible with your motherboard.
Only the manufacturer of your motherboard can say for sure if the particular CPU will be supported by the given motherboard type.
http://www.cpu-world.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5573

You can also read this Wikipedia article to see which Intel CPUs support virtualization. (see section: Intel Virtualization Technology for x86 (Intel VT-x))
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtualization_Technology


As I said before - you will get problems if you try to execute Windows-7 Business on your XP-Pro system. Your computer doesn't have enough memory!
The virtualization is primarily used on 64-Bit server systems which have enough RAM (> 16 GB) to run multiple virtual machines together.