Running Windows XP in Ubuntu KVM - how fast?

[SagaLore]

I haven't 100% decided if I want to dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows XP, or just virtualize XP inside Ubuntu. I searched for other threads about virtualization, and found Xen, Virtualbox, and KVM mentioned. Xen is apparently fast for servers since it works at the hardware level, Virtualbox has an easy to use GUI, and KVM already comes with Ubuntu. So I guess Ill try KVM. 😛

How well is the XP going to run inside KVM? How will it affect my graphics quality and ping times? The advantage of virtualizing XP is that I can run it on top of Ubuntu and easily switch back and forth between projects. I hate having to reboot to use one or the other.

 

[Nothinman]

If you want to use XP for games you're not going to be happy since there's virtually (no pun intended) 3D support yet. I believe the Parallels people were working on it as was VMware in their Workstation line. I really doubt Xen or KVM will do it but VirtualBox just might.

 

[xSauronx]

you can play diablo 2 in a vm....thats about it, and itll be a bitch to you.

however, for other stuff, i ran XP in vmware server and the performance was acceptable for using office and firefox and such. vmware server works well, and kvm can be used (maybe with better performance) if your hardware supports it, i tried setting xp up in kvm last week but kept getting an error. i may have found a fix but ive been crunched for time to play with it any.

 

[konakona]

I noticed the newest version of virtualbox had a tickbox for 3d support. Although I never tried it, I have a feeling it won't be something dependable though 🙁

 

[compman25]

Originally posted by: konakona
I noticed the newest version of virtualbox had a tickbox for 3d support. Although I never tried it, I have a feeling it won't be something dependable though 🙁

It is 3d support, if you have programs that use OpenGL, it's not Direct3D.

 

[konakona]

Originally posted by: compman25

Originally posted by: konakona
I noticed the newest version of virtualbox had a tickbox for 3d support. Although I never tried it, I have a feeling it won't be something dependable though 🙁

It is 3d support, if you have programs that use OpenGL, it's not Direct3D.

I see. Thanks for clarifying that. Not that I would have been excited about some rudimentary form of d3d, however.

 

[compman25]

Originally posted by: SagaLore
I haven't 100% decided if I want to dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows XP, or just virtualize XP inside Ubuntu. I searched for other threads about virtualization, and found Xen, Virtualbox, and KVM mentioned. Xen is apparently fast for servers since it works at the hardware level, Virtualbox has an easy to use GUI, and KVM already comes with Ubuntu. So I guess Ill try KVM. 😛

How well is the XP going to run inside KVM? How will it affect my graphics quality and ping times? The advantage of virtualizing XP is that I can run it on top of Ubuntu and easily switch back and forth between projects. I hate having to reboot to use one or the other.

Are you planning to play games or do you need the 3d acceleration for other programs?

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: compman25
Are you planning to play games or do you need the 3d acceleration for other programs?

I'll play a few games... sometimes. My roommate is a gamer, and he's begging for me to play something. 😛

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: compman25
Are you planning to play games or do you need the 3d acceleration for other programs?

I'll play a few games... sometimes. My roommate is a gamer, and he's begging for me to play something. 😛

dual-boot

 

[compman25]

Originally posted by: xSauronx

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: compman25
Are you planning to play games or do you need the 3d acceleration for other programs?

I'll play a few games... sometimes. My roommate is a gamer, and he's begging for me to play something. 😛

dual-boot

:thumbsup: