Processor Virtualization questions

Guys, I need some assistance please.. Hopefully this is right forum for this kind of question.

My friend was telling about these i5 notebook processors, the i5 430 lacks some virtualization that the i5 520 has.

He mentioned in order to run Server 2008, VM Ware apps like that I need it, those virtualizations missing per specs on Intel's website are:

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology
AES New Instructions

He says having these will benefit a lot. I currently don't need these, but am eventually planning on getting the MCITP certificate, so according to my friend I would need these.

Anyone have a clue.

Thanks.

 

TET is pretty much a TPM-enhancement
AES is ONLY for code running AES encryption.

How are either of those virtualization-specific?

 

Well first of all u don't neccesarily need a virtualisation supporting processor for running vmware,virtualbox,virtual pc and many other virtualisation softwares that are now a days available.Having virtualisation may provide a little benifit though.
and newsposter is right that
TET is used to prevent uncontrolled execution thus preventing damages to ur system and AES is basically an encryption algorithm.There may be a code to perform the encryption using hardware which will obviously be much faster.Both of these have nothing to do with virtualization and aren't of much use to u.

 

Thanks guys. Now I will also be using virtualbox, and I've reading on the Lenovo subforums here that they lock out their BIOS so enabling VT is not possible, unless there is a bios hack possible, most of those users also were using virtualbox

So far I've come to find out that both Sony and Lenovo lock their BIOS, I was looking to purchase a Lenovo w/ coupon code, it was a very good deal. Sony is also out of the question.

Does Dell lock out their BIOS, and others like Acer/Asus.

Thanks.

 

I don't think dell will lock important features like VT.Although their BIOS are kinda acute on modification and have least possible setting options.

 

Wow, Lenovo, the poster boy of the business computing world where virtualization really matters, locks out VT?

...I'm shocked.

 

the only way to know is to grab a lenovo machine with a VT capable cpu and see if the BIOS enables it (to cpuid and virtualbox).

All else is speculation.

 

I understand that newposter and agree with you, however if you read the Lenovo Y460/560 thread on the Lenovo side, users clearly state that the BIOS is locked. In fact there was a hack (can search on google) that shows how to enable VT on the older 550 model.

Off course that means you can end up bricking it, I might really have to talk to Lenovo tech support on this, I seriously am digging the Lenovo deals, with warranty and discount applied a good i5 520, fully loaded laptop (somewhat ) with a dedicated graphics card for $1100-1200 is very good, even their thinkpad series.

I did spot a Dell Vostro 3500 with an i5 520 in Canada, finally something from Dell in Canada with that processor, for $999 w/a 512mb gt310m.

I'll sure let some of you guys know what I can find out.

 

I don't think VT-d or TXT is that useful, given that there aren't many applications which support these. AES instruction extension is only useful when doing AES encryption algorithms.

The most important feature is just VT-x, which improves kernal time performance of guest OS by around 100%. It is essential for 64-bit guest OS, and WAS essential for XP Mode.