Support for VT-d

[sveland]

I am using my old PC as a server at home, running VMWare ESXi 5 (free version), with a few gust OS'es running inside. The server is based on the X48-DQ6 motherboard, with a dual-core Intel E8400. BIOS is F8D.

The system is performing perfectly, however, one important issue when running VMWare is virtualization. VT-x is enabled in hardware, but to enable hardware pass-through, VT-d has to be supported. According to Gigabyte, they do not support VT-d, even though my CPU and chipset support this.

Does anyone have any tip if this might be possible with my mobo, for instance by a modified (3rd party) BIOS? Maybe some other mobo whith support for the same memory and CPU?

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi Sveland, 

It is clear that the chipset of your motherboard does not support VT-D function. This is different function the VT-X.

See this topic, for more infos:
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,6398.msg50287.html#msg50287

Gloup_Gloup

[sveland]

Gloup_Gloup, are you 100% sure about the x48 chipset not supporting vt-d? According to other information I have found (http://wiki.xensource.com/xenwiki/VTdHowTo), my system has the capabilities but a few mobo vendors - including Gigabyte - have decided not to enable it. If this is true, there should be possible to ask for a specially made BIOS, at least I have seen this being done in other cases (following you link)
Thanks anyway for your answer  

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi sveland,

Chipset infos:
http://www.intel.com/assets/pdf/prodbrief/319646.pdf

Specs of your motherboard:
http://ca.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=2763#sp

Manual of motherboard:
http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Manual/motherboard_manual_ga-x48-dq6_e.pdf

Intel E8400:
http://ark.intel.com/products/33910/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-E8400-%286M-Cache-3_00-GHz-1333-MHz-FSB%29

As you know, the OEM brands, does not have obligation to activate all the parameters VT-x, VT-d in the BIOS.

So your request,  will be referred to Dark Mantis.

Gloup_Gloup

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and thanks for the heads up Gloup_Gloup.

As far as I am aware our Z68 along with P67/H67 series motherboards don't support VT-D. They support  Virtualization Technology (VT-x) now (bios option "Virtualization Technology") which is different from VT-D (Virtualization for Directed I/O). But we can prepare a special bios on customer's request. It usually takes a few weeks. The request can be applied by GGTS for instance for the particular MB model.

The same situation applies to support of VT-D on our socket 1156 and 1366 motherboards. As for the particular model you queried I am not sure but asking GGTS would be safest.

Please note that the CPU also needs to support VT-D to have all platform supporting this technology.

Just enter your email address and click on the language of choice.
GGTS   http://ggts.gigabyte.com/

Please expect several days for a reply.

[sveland]

Dark Mantis, thank you for your reply!
A request for a special made BIOS has been posted to GGTS. Question 1167518

[Dark Mantis]

Please let us know how you get on as I expect there will be others in the future who will be in a  similar position.

[Gloup_Gloup]

Hi Dark Mantis, 

With you and all other members of forum, I have the chance to improve my English UK.

Hi and thanks for the heads up Gloup_Gloup.
...

I now understand ''heads up'' expression in the context of this Topic means :

Thank you for the informed and warned.

I answer: trying to to do my best for the forum and its members.
(For people who do not know, I'm a francophone who practice my English writing on the forum.)

Gloup_Gloup

Gloup_Gloup

[Dark Mantis]

Your use of the English language is improving all the time and I can usually understand you now!  If there is anything that you don't understand though please ask. We do use some colloquialisms at times and with that and the computer acronyms it can't be easy to follow.

You do a good job of helping many people anyway, which is the main reason for being on here for all of us.

[1Jus]

Hi all,

I have been following this thread a couple of others on this forum regarding this issue. I work in virtualisation for business users and recently purchased a Z68 GB Mobo with an i7 2600. My intention was to run Citrix XenClient but I too receive VT-D disabled problems.

GB tech support sent me the F9 VTD BIOS but this simply doesn't enable true VT-D.

I have looked on the Intel Ark and noticed the the Z68 chip set states that VT-D is not supported, it seems that the Q67 is the only chip set capable of this in the consumer space:

Q67:
http://ark.intel.com/products/52812/Intel-BD82Q67-PCH

Z68:
http://ark.intel.com/products/52816/Intel-BD82Z68-PCH


Can anybody confirm that this is the case or do GB implement this in a bespoke fashion?

Thanks,

Justin