Processor Requirements for Host Systems

You must install Workstation Pro on a host system that meets certain processor requirements.

Supported Processors

The following host systems are supported.

• Systems using processors launched in 2011 or later except for systems using the following processors.

  • Intel Atom processors based on the 2011 Bonnell micro-architecture. For example, Atom Z670/Z650 and Atom N570.

  • Intel Atom processors based on the 2012 Saltwell micro-architecture. For example, Atom Atom S1200, Atom D2700/D2500, and Atom N2800/N2600.

  • AMD processors based on the Llano and Bobcat micro-architectures.

• Systems using the following processors.

  • Intel processors based on the 2010 Westmere micro-architecture. For example, Xeon 5600, Xeon 3600, Core i7-970, Core i7-980, and Core i7-990.

Processor Requirements for 64-Bit Guest Operating Systems

For supported processors to run 64-bit guest operating systems, the host system must use one of the following processors.

• An AMD CPU with AMD-V support

• An Intel CPU with VT-x support

If you have an Intel CPU that has VT-x support, you must verify that VT-x support is enabled in the host system BIOS. The BIOS settings that must be enabled for VT-x support vary depending on the system vendor. See the VMware knowledge base article at http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1003944 for information about how to determine if VT-x support is enabled.

When you install a 64-bit operating system, Workstation Pro performs checks to make sure the host system has a supported processor. You cannot install a 64-bit operating system if the host system does not meet the processor requirements.