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    GPU virtualization with Alienware laptop?

    Discussion in '2015+ Alienware 13 / 15 / 17' started by ChristoH, Jul 1, 2015.

  1. ChristoH

    ChristoH Newbie

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    Last edited: Jul 5, 2015
    ChristoH, Jul 1, 2015
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  2. kgh00007

    kgh00007 Notebook Evangelist

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    I can test it for you if the software required is free to download or trial.

    I have some limited experience with VMware and Virtualbox so I might be able to help!
     
    kgh00007, Jul 4, 2015
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  3. ChristoH

    ChristoH Newbie

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    Well unfortunately its a bit more involved. I can't even tell you the procedure, because obviously I dont have the hardware to ever have tested it.

    But you definitely need a special operating system. As far as I know there are some choices:
    1) XenServer (free)
    2) KVM/qemu (free)
    3) VmWare vSphere (don't ask)

    Then you need to do necessary BIOS tweaks and enable the IOMMU and VT-D.
    Let's assume you use XenServer (I think the easiest option). Then you would install Linux as primary OS. Windows as secondary one. Windows will get the external GPU. Linux will use on-board.
    Note that you need an ATI GPU. Nvidia will NOT work, like no way. It's just not supported, even though technically the cards can do it (through hardware jailbreak).
    But honestly my knowledge ends right here. That's what I know so far. I think you would be doing interesting pioneering work here if you like it, give it a go.

    Well actually you could probably get a VmWare vSphere. I assume its the actual easiest choice, just use the trial version. I am not 100% sure anymore if it really was the vSphere but you can easily find that out, its like the trivial step in the whole procedure.

    Beaware that unless you posess substancial problem solving skills in Linux and the like, I doubt you will succeed, even IF your system supports this.
     
    ChristoH, Jul 5, 2015
    #3