Hi,
I am wondering if anyone can confirm for me whether there's any Gigabyte motherboards w/ Z68 chipset that would support Directed I/O (VT-d) even if it requires a BIOS update. P67 or H67 is acceptable, too, but I figure if any would support it with a BIOS update, the Z68 chipset would.
On Intel website, the Q67 boards support it by default. It's a server board, though.
I have read mixed reports on a web search. Various sources say it works, doesn't work, needs a BIOS update, depends on the mobo manufacturer or that it's an inherent limitation based on Intel design.
However, one google search seemed to indicate Gigabyte posted that a BIOS will enable vt-d to work/function. Others say that if it's not a Q67 mobo, the vt-d, if any, will be broken.
I would like to confirm either way so I can decide whether it's worth it to get a i5-2500 cpu or resign to getting the -K (unlocked multiplier version).
If only Q67 motherboards work, then there's no point going for the i5-2500 and might as well get the -k since it can be overclocked, at least.
But, I would like to run VMs so the vt-d would be nice to have. I use Linux and Windows 7 OS.
Can anyone help confirm these questions as I'm confused about it.
Oh, I was thinking of this board, for e.g.:
GIGABYTE GA-Z68A-D3H-B3
But, if only certain boards can be updated with a BIOS enabling the vt-d, it would be good to know which ones.
Last but not least, would one have to directly contact Gigabyte for such a BIOS update or would it be included with the official BIOS updates?
Thanks for any info.
