Increase CPU allocated to XP Mode

[bscottbrown]

Is there any way to increase how much of my CPU is allocated to the virtual XP machine? I have an Intel Q9400 and when the VM's CPU is maxed out the Windows 7 machine's CPU is only cruising along at 25%. She's got more to give, how do I coax it out of her?

 

[jamesvdm]

Virtual PC only uses one core, so that explains why you have 100% on the vm and 25% on the host.

Or do you mean the host is only at 25% CPU on a single core?

 

[HughShaw]

Well VMware Player is much faster and allows you to allocate how many cores you want to the virtual machine. I deleted XP Mode after installing it!

 

[jamesvdm]

Does it let you runs apps without opening the VM console?

 

[HughShaw]

They call it VMware Unity which lets you run those apps in what looks like one desktop. Maybe someone else can explain it better. But for me, VMware takes only 13 seconds to start from a saved state and can also be used for installing games. It also seems to take up a bit less space with their own format.

You can give it a try, but I think you'll be satisfied with it. Just be sure to save the base VHD file from XPM if you decide to delete it.

 

[jamesvdm]

Thanks I always avoided it assuming there was no real integration.

 

[HughShaw]

Also, it will seem like it doesn't have integration when you first install it. But after you install and update VMware tools, it's just like XPM.

Edit: But you still have to open the console to get into Unity. But it really is so much faster that it's worth it.