Why does Windows 8 Hyper-V require SLAT?

Since Windows 8 is designed as a desktop/workstation or client OS, the requirement for SLAT makes a lot of sense for most users.

The lack of SLAT (Intel EPT and AMD RVI) was a big issue when using Hyper-V and a Windows 2008 (r1 and r2) system equipped with a high-end video card as a workstation (as opposed to a server).  When 2008r2 became able to use SLAT, the video performance issues were just resolved.

VPC Guy Ben A has an excellent selection of blog posts on SLAT and Hyper-V.

Issue: Video performance may decrease when a Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 based computer has the Hyper-V role enabled and an accelerated display adapter installed

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/961661?wa=wsignin1.0

Expanded explanation of why it happens:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2009/11/16/understanding-high-end-video-performance-issues-with-hyper-v.aspx

SLAT resolution:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2011/01/17/using-hyper-v-for-a-high-end-desktop-computer.aspx?Redirected=true

 

Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 for Windows Server 2008 R2 available for public download

Microsoft is now offering iSCSI software targers for W2K8R2 for free.  You can install the iSCSI software target on a 2008 R2 system and use it as shared storage.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/josebda/archive/2011/04/04/microsoft-iscsi-software-target-3-3-for-windows-server-2008-r2-available-for-public-download.aspx

The New Efficiency

I have to say that I’m pretty excited about Windows 2008 R2, Hyper-V R2, and Exchange 2010 after hearing and seeing them today at “The New Efficiency” conference put on by Microsoft.

I’m also excited to start delving into V-Pro by Intel for my company’s notebook computers!  Remote support from the hardware level!