Microsoft Windows 7 XP Mode CPU Information

If you are looking into purchasing a new computer and you know that you want to use the new XP Mode, you need to make sure that the processor is compatible. You also want to be sure that you meet the other system requirements from Microsoft. Here are the XP Mode requirements from the Microsoft site:

Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on.

Even new computers sold today may or may not have the new Intel VT or AMD-V technology. I was recently looking at a HP laptop with a client. Knowing that he might need the XP mode for some older software I did some additional investigation to find that the Intel Chipset that he was originally looking at did not have the VT option. Looking at the specifications of the next ship up did have this technology. By the way, the next CPU up cost only $40.00, but a well worth the investment now if one knows that they will need this technology going forward.

If you have a PC that is a dual or quad core, but not sure about the V or VT technology option, then go out to Intel or AMD's web site and lookup your processor. The Intel web site is easy once you know the processor #. Mine for example is the Q9300. So from the main page I just did a search putting in "q9300" into the search box, minus the quotes of course. I then had a number of available documents/links. I then clicked onto the link: http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=33922 your link should look about the same. The page then tells you all the information needed for your processor 32 or 64 bit, speed, cache, FSB (Front Side Bus) speed, as well as, if it supports Intel Virtualization Technology.

To find the same information out about your AMD CPU takes a little more work. You can try putting in the chip # in the main search area on the main page. I was using 9950 as an example in case to see how easy it was to find the information. Look for link to a page called Model Number and Feature Comparison, click on that link. From there I clicked on a link on the upper right hand side called "Compare Phenom Specs". The page that is displayed has a bunch of criteria options on the left hand side. Choose the Virtualization option and make sure it says "Yes". This will now limit your list to all the Phenom chips that have Virtualization capabilities. Now just look for your processor number under the model section. In looking for the chip 9950, I see that it is on the list. Therefore, it is capable of virtualization.

Whether you are buying a new computer or upgrading to Windows 7 in hopes of running XP Mode, check out your CPU to make sure that you are able to use this new technology. As a final note only Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate can run XP mode. If you have Home edition, you will need to upgrade to take advantage of this new feature.