AMD vs Intel

[DVOM]

I've been using 64bit AMD processors in my self-built desktops and in my first laptop. I also have been using VMware VM's, some 32bit VM's and some 64bit VM's. I've never had a problem.

However, I decided to try a 64bit Intel processor in my new laptop. Cripes!, Intel doesn't include the features in their laptop 64bit processors to run certain virtualizations. Meaning I can't run XP Mode on this machine and I also can't run 64bit VMware VM's.

Everything I do is done in VM's. So this is cramping my style.

I know this isn't a big deal for a lot of people, but it's big enough to be a deal breaker for me. This is the last Intel I'll own.

[SpywareDr]

GRC's tiny "SecurAble" utility ...
http://www.grc.com/Securable.htm

... probes your system's processor to determine the presence, absence and operational status of three modern processor features:

1. 64-bit instruction extensions,
2. Hardware support for detecting and preventing the execution of code in program data areas, ... and
3. Hardware support for system resource “virtualization.”

...
Running SecurAble
• SecurAble does not require any setup or installation. The executable file can simply be run as a stand-alone Windows or Linux/Wine program. And nothing is left behind in the system after the executable file is deleted. SecurAble "runs clean" and makes no changes to the system registry or file system.
...
Once SecurAble is running and displaying its findings, you are encouraged to click on each of the three display sections to view specific context-sensitive information about what SecurAble has determined for each processor characteristic

To lookup whether a particular Intel CPU supports hardware virtualization, go to ark.intel.com, type in a CPU number (such as "e8400"), click Search then click one of the provided links (to a specific model). Under the "Advanced Technologies" section look to the right of "Intel® Virtualization Technology" for a "Yes". If it says "No", it does not support Virtualization".

Note here that not only does the CPU need to support Virtualization, the BIOS must also support it as well, ("Enable").

[SuperSparks]

I was sure that you were wrong, DVOM, but you aren't - there are indeed several mobile CPUs that don't have VT included I'm bit gobsmacked by that actually, and I have to wonder what Intel were thinking. Presumably they must have thought that nobody would want to run a VM on a laptop

The E7200, 7300, 7400, and 7500 don't have VT, but the E7600 does.

[DVOM]

Sparks, yeah, I thought businesses were going with VM's to secure remote access to their networks.