Does Fusion Run Better As A Virgin Install Vs. On Top of Boot Camp?

[eStationer]

Does Fusion Run Better As A Virgin Install Vs. On Top of Boot Camp? What is the preferred configuration?

Thanks,

[WoodyZ]

Does Fusion Run Better As A Virgin Install Vs. On Top of Boot Camp?

IMO noticeably so, yes!

[admin]

I'd prefer a normal install. Boot Camp is there if you need it for some reason, but I imagine that most people (including me) don't.

[Technogeezer · Accepted solution]

I'm interpreting your question as: Is it better to run a Windows as a "native" VMware virtual machine or by installing Windows first on a BootCamp setup, then allowing Fusion to run that BootCamp installation as a virtual machine.

My opinion: "Better" is relative. It depends on what you need.

Building a "native" VM can economize on disk space required to support the Windows guest OS, enables the vm to be easily transportable to Windows- and Linux-based VMware virtualization products, may provide better disk performance, and is easier to share the vm if you have multiple users on the machines. You also don't have to worry about Windows product activation issues with a native vm.

Configuring Fusion to run a BootCamp partition allows you to both run as a VM, and boot the Mac directly into Windows. This dual-boot configuration allows you use your Mac with devices/drivers that Fusion does not directly support such as DirectX 9.0c 3d graphics, and (non-disk) FireWire peripherals - simply reboot the Mac and start Windows. On the down side, a BootCamp-based vm will always require you to enter the administrator username/password as you start the VM. It also makes Windows products more likely to have product activation issues unless you're careful.

For casual to intermediate work, a native VM is fine. If you're a gamer or heavy graphics user, installing in BootCamp first gives you flexibility.

[webracer]

Through some extensive searching on this fantastic forum, I think I have got it, but maybe Technogeezer or another member can make sure my decision is the best choice (related to performance).

I have bought a new MacbookPro 2.6GHz (probably get it Tuesday) with 4GB Ram, 8800GT card w/ 512MBvram, the HiRes Display, and 7200RPM SATA drive. I have used Macs for years, but always had a PC as well. Most of my software now is Mac software, but I still have an RC Flight Simulator that is not offered for a Mac.

I have bought VMFusion with this in mind. I am leaning toward a native install of VMF, but maybe you guys can correct me with the following data:

I will not be multi-tasking while running the Sim (and will run it full-screen)

The software is Realflight G4, and the suggested requirements are:

Windows XP (I have purchased a new copy of XP Pro SP3 on disc)

Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU

2GB Ram

3GB HD space

3D Accelerated Video with 256MB dedicated video memory

Pixel Shader 2.0 Support

So, in this case would it be better to run through a Bootcamp partition, or VMF native? I want the best performance, but would rather not to have to reboot to run the Sim. I would be willing to, however, if I was going to get the best performance.

I really appreciate all the time and effort you folks put in the help me figure it out sooner and do it correctly the first time.

Troy

[WoodyZ]

I will not be multi-tasking while running the Sim (and will run it full-screen)

The software is Realflight G4, and the suggested requirements are:

Windows XP (I have purchased a new copy of XP Pro SP3 on disc)

Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU

2GB Ram

3GB HD space

3D Accelerated Video with 256MB dedicated video memory

Pixel Shader 2.0 Support

So, in this case would it be better to run through a Bootcamp partition, or VMF native?

Boot Camp!

Message was edited by: WoodyZ

As a native Boot Camp partition not as a Boot Camp partition Virtual Machine. Maybe when Fusion 2.0 is released you will be able to run it okay in a Virtual Machine however in Fusion 1.x you do not have Pixel Shader 2.0 Support.

[webracer]

OK, that's what I have been thinking, but I was not aware that VMF 1.x did not support pixel shader 2.0. I will return the VMFusion, as I will have no other need for it at this time (and I have not installed it yet or opened the disk sleeve.

I guess I'll have to do the shutdown/startup game when I practice on the sim. Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.

[WoodyZ]

JSYK Fusion 2.0 will be a free upgrade for Owners of a Fusion 1.x Serial Number.

[webracer]

Thanks, I may keep it then. Appreciate your help.

[admin]

The software is Realflight G4

According to , someone tried this software in 2.0b2 but was unable to get it to work well.

[webracer]

Thanks for pointing that out. Now I am trying to find the reporter (darrylr) as listed in that post, but when I search the people to send a message to that poster, nothing comes up. Is it possible they stopped using the forums? The same person reported on Realflight G4 and G3.5, but I can't figure out who it is to ask if they have tried in bootcamp.

Thanks

[admin]

Now I am trying to find the reporter (darrylr) as listed in that post, but when I search the people to send a message to that poster, nothing comes up.

I believe that was - you could check the version history to see who added those entries.

[hregaya]

Don't forget about the features that you can only use with a VM, like suspend and protect