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Intel VT-d virtualization

W530/W540/W541/W550 Series
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Axel57
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2020 6:33 am
Location: Paris, France

Intel VT-d virtualization

#1 Post by Axel57 » Fri Jun 19, 2020 6:47 am

Hello everyone!

I bought 2 weeks ago a Lenovo Thinkpad W540, more precisely this model: https://www.backmarket.fr/lenovo-thinkp ... .html#?l=1
I have a question about virtualization. I use Qubes OS (https://www.qubes-os.org) installed on a SSD usb key and I would like to use it on my Thinkpad.
Except that I have a problem concerning virtualization, apparently I don't have Intel VT-d virtualization enabled. This option is not available in the bios (version 2.41).
However, I solved the problem on Qubes OS by directly changing the virtualization mode (PV instead of HVM), but it seems that Qubes OS doesn't have PCI access, so I have compatibility issues (especially with my network card). Is there a particular setting to make in the bios that I would not have done?
I have enabled VT-x virtualization, disabled Secure Boot, and put the bios in legacy.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Axel

dr_st
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Location: Israel

Re: Intel VT-d virtualization

#2 Post by dr_st » Fri Jun 19, 2020 11:29 am

Welcome to the forum. :)

The i7-4700MQ does not support VT-d, so you can't do proper PCI passthrough. If you enabled paravirtualization, then the hypervisor should be responsible for exposing a network card (virtio-net) and tying it to the physical card of the system.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T16 Gen 3 (21MQ), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

Axel57
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2020 6:33 am
Location: Paris, France

Re: Intel VT-d virtualization

#3 Post by Axel57 » Fri Jun 19, 2020 2:21 pm

Hello!
Thank you for your welcome.
Too bad! Still, Qubes OS works but it's a shame that VT-x is not available for my processor.

dr_st
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Re: Intel VT-d virtualization

#4 Post by dr_st » Fri Jun 19, 2020 2:45 pm

VT-x is available, VT-d isn't. :P
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T16 Gen 3 (21MQ), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

Axel57
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2020 6:33 am
Location: Paris, France

Re: Intel VT-d virtualization

#5 Post by Axel57 » Sat Jun 20, 2020 3:31 am

Yes, you are right.
Qubes OS is working, but I will not be able to run HVM (like Windows 10 for example), but it doesn't matter!
Thanks for your answer!

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