VMware Cloud Community
Puti
Contributor
Contributor

Which cpu familys supports 64-bit VM guests?

Hi people,

I would like to run Windows 2003 64-bit VM Guest on my ESX 3.0.1 host. But i cant because the hardware obviously doesn't support virtual 64-bit guests.

People are saying here that "Intel CPUs requires their Virtualization Technology to run 64-bit VM guests" etc.

Our hardware is HP Proliant DL580 G3 with Xeon 3.0GHz MP cpu's and it has VT support in the BIOS. But when i run VMware's CPU Compatibility Tools, it said "Supports 64-bit VMware :NO"

So the question is "Which cpu family's supports 64-bit VM guest"? once VT support should have been enough...

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47 Replies
Paul_N
Contributor
Contributor

You enjoy seeing yourself type don't you? What, you

don't have enough to do?

Oh, the irony.

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Jae_Ellers
Virtuoso
Virtuoso

a little humility goes a long way.

From MS: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/bb232170.aspx

Exchange 2007 is available in two platform versions: one platform version (the 64-bit version) is for live production environments and the other platform version (the 32-bit version) is for non-production environments (such as labs, training facilities, demo, and evaluation environments). Only the 64-bit version can be purchased because you cannot run 32-bit Exchange 2007 servers in production.

[b]There are two exceptions with respect to production and non-production use[/b][/u] of the 32-bit platform because Microsoft does allow minimal supported use of the 32-bit version in production environments. Specifically:

[b]You can use the 32-bit version in production[/b][/u] to administer Exchange 2007 servers from Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP. At this time, you cannot use either the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version on Windows Vista, or on Microsoft Windows Server Code Name "Longhorn". Support for Windows Vista and Windows Server Code Name "Longhorn" is expected to be delivered in Service Pack 1 for Exchange 2007.

[b]You can use the 32-bit version in production[/b][/u] to extend your Active Directory directory service schema. For detailed steps to prepare Active Directory for Exchange 2007, see How to Prepare Active Directory and Domains.

All other uses of the 32-bit version of Exchange 2007 in production environments are unsupported.

So there \*IS* a 32-bit binary available.

It \*IS* supported in limited instances.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- http://blog.mr-vm.com http://www.vmprofessional.com -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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Hairyman
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

I too have the same error when setting up a 64-bit template.

Running 2 Dell PowerEdge 1955 Blades with

2x Intel(R) Xeon(R) Dual Core Proc 5050 2X2MB, 3.0GHz 667MHz FSB

I am unsure as it doesn't mention EM64T to know if there is 64-bit support

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Hairyman
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Ok,

I contacted my Dell Server Support specialist and he said all i had to do was enable VT in the bios as he checked to confirm that the processors are 64-bit compatible.

I was able to install 64-bit windows no worries after this

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mcvmwaresupport
Contributor
Contributor

Yeah, I just set the Virtual Technology to enabled under CPU Information in the BIOS on my 1955s with Xeon 5050s and everything was happy.

Anyone know why is this disabled by default?

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webertek
Contributor
Contributor

I have a HP DL360 G4p - I called HP - they said they don't support virtualization!! RU kidding me??!! I think it was a language barrier thing. Anyway, that BIOS does not have that setting. We just got a new HP DL 140 (lowend server) and it has that setting in the BIOS. Anyone know a workaround if the bios does not have the VT setting? BIOS is upto date.

P.S. This sever is on the HCL on VMware's site. I may call HP back again - you know how that is.

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ErMaC1
Expert
Expert

DL360 G4p's never came with processors that support VT.

As for HP not supporting "virtualization", that's obviously a misinformed tech, but if he meant that particular server doesn't support VT, he'd be correct.

Only Xeon MP's (4-way capable Xeons like in a DL580) supported VT in the previous generation of processors - Xeon DPs didn't have it. The only systems from that generation of HP servers to support VT would be the DL570 G2 and DL580 G2.

All current Xeon (5x00 and 7x00) processors support VT, but you need it enabled in the BIOS. The DL140 G3 (which is what you probably just bought) uses Xeon 5100s or 5300s, which do support VT.

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webertek
Contributor
Contributor

thanx! I'm setting up a test environment to do a P.O.C. - I guess I'll need to suggest new gen servers.

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