Windows 7 - Beware if using AMD Phenom II X4 Processor

Hi all
Just a little nasty surprise with the normally EXCELLENT, CHEAP and really fast AMD Phenom II X4 processor (3.2 GHZ 4 usable cores)

It DOESN'T support Hyper Threading technology so you CAN'T run 64 bit guests on your Host -- although the CPU itself runs HOST 64 bit OS'es just fine.

So if you are thinking of using one of these processors on a box you want to run some 64 BIT GUEST OS'es -- then I'm afraid it won't work.

Pity as I was looking at this processor as a nice fast cheap 4 way processor.

For games etc its fine but for other than 32 bit Guest VM's then I'm afraid forget it.

Cheers
jimbo

I don't think this would have anything to do with hyperthreading.

However, I'm quite shocked that you cannot run 64bit guests on this CPU. Do you know if that's only when the host is running a 32bit OS itself, or does it also happen with the host is running a 64bit OS?

I've been running 64bit VM's on my 32bit hosts since the Pentium D days I believe. For sure the Core 2 Duo +.

Hi there
Made an error -- ran the WRONG utility.

My fault -- it DOES support 64 bit guests.

Running the official one from VMWARE (create bootable CD and run the vmware compatability cpu test -- passed fine) .

Started to create 64 bit Guest -- OK too -- so I got my knickers in a twist on this one.

It's still a nice fast cheap CPU BTW with 4 independent cores that you can also specify how many you want to run at the boot time in the BIOS too.

Runs brilliantly with an ASUS M4A88T-M MB --- MY 8gb MB gave up the ghost -- would keep powering off every 15 mins so I decided as the store had one of these MB's available with the cpu as a "bundle offer" I bought the combo as a much cheaper option than buying a new PC with another 2 X 4GB memory sticks..

Took about 2 hrs to change the MB and re-load Windows and using the 2 X 4 GB RAM as well from the old MB to up the memory to 16 GB it's a nice performer.

Since I'm running Windows Enterprise on this rig re-activation wasn't a problem (Windows 7 enterprise allows almost unlimited activations but it's not available at retail level) and it's a MUCH better testbed for VM's.

I did have to go through driver updates etc but the actual system DID boot first time when restoring the image from the previous machine (Acronis universal restore) .

MB / CPU / Memory all for under 300 EUR --- much better bet than buying a new PC -- power supply, case, HDD's, DVD's etc from the OLD PC was fine.

Running 4 concurrent vm's on this system is NO prob whatsoever -- 16 GB RAM is just what I needed anyway.

So although OT -- it's not hard at all to change a MOBO if you have to do it -- especially on a really wet and dreary Saturday afternoon.

Cheers
jimbo

Why do you think enterprise is a better platform for VM's? Is this because you use it for the guests and can activate them over and over again? personally, I hardly ever activate a VM. Just use the rearm trick a few times and you get 120 days. I never keep the same VM running much more than about 7-10 days. And it installs so fast from ISO, that reinstalling a new OS when I want to test something is a 10 miniute simple procedure.

Hi there --

it's just that I got a copy (legally) from work and running on different hardware saves any likely problem with activation -- note sometimes to test some MS products / downloads Windows must PASS the GENUINE VALIDATION TEST which requires Windows to be activated.

I test the same VM on both the AMD and INTEL platforms so even though I'm essentially re-loading an ISO a hardware change is usually detected and activation requested. 2 different ISO's will fix that problem but : -

For other stuff the 120 days is fine -- no probs there - but sometimes you need Windows to be activated before a feature will download / install from MS..

Featurewise Enterprise is identical to ULTIMATE.

Cheers
jimbo

With work copies (enterprise), there is a multiple activation key (MAK). You can activate that single key a certain number of times. For my company, it's 500 times. And we had gotten 2 different MAK keys, so we are good for about 1,000 activations. That's why that key works so well for you.

Jimbo, shame on ya for trashing my CPU.

I have the same one untll the 8 cores come a calling

speaking of which britton you got the cpu maxed out at 3.9 you can go to 3.8 with out voltage changes which is real nice