Intel Virtualization Settings
Complete guide for configuring Intel-based systems for optimal Proxmox VE and GPU passthrough performance.
Intel VT-x Configuration
CPU Virtualization Features
Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x): Enabled
Intel VT-d Technology: Enabled
Intel VMX: Enabled
Execute Disable Bit: Enabled
Advanced CPU Settings
- Hyper-Threading: Enabled (for better VM performance)
- Turbo Boost Technology: Enabled
- Enhanced Intel SpeedStep: Enabled
- Intel C-State: Enabled
Intel VT-d (IOMMU) Setup
BIOS Configuration
- Intel VT-d: Must be enabled in Advanced → CPU Configuration
- Interrupt Remapping: Enabled (security feature)
- DMA Protection: Enabled for additional security
Kernel Parameters
Add to GRUB configuration (/etc/default/grub):
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet intel_iommu=on iommu=pt"
Verification Commands
# Check VT-x support
cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep vmx
# Verify VT-d/IOMMU
dmesg | grep -i "DMAR\|IOMMU"
# List IOMMU groups
find /sys/kernel/iommu_groups/ -type l
Motherboard-Specific Settings
ASUS Motherboards
Advanced → CPU Configuration:
- Intel Virtualization Technology: Enabled
- VT-d: Enabled
- VMX: Enabled
Advanced → PCH Configuration:
- IOMMU: Enabled
- ACS Control: Enabled (if available)
MSI Motherboards
OC → CPU Features:
- Intel Virtualization Tech: Enabled
- VT-d: Enabled
Advanced → Integrated Peripherals:
- IOMMU Support: Enabled
Gigabyte Motherboards
Tweaker → Advanced CPU Settings:
- VT-x: Enabled
- VT-d: Enabled
Chipset → North Bridge:
- IOMMU: Enabled
Intel GPU Configuration
Integrated Graphics Settings
For systems with Intel integrated graphics:
Internal Graphics: Enabled
DVMT Pre-Allocated: 64MB (minimum)
DVMT Total Gfx Mem: MAX
Aperture Size: 256MB or higher
Intel Arc GPU Support
For Intel Arc discrete GPUs:
- Resize BAR: Enabled (crucial for Arc performance)
- Above 4G Decoding: Enabled
- PCIe Configuration: Gen 4 x16
Memory Configuration
Intel Memory Settings
XMP Profile: Profile 1 (for rated speeds)
Memory Frequency: Rated speed (e.g., 3200 MHz)
Memory Voltage: Auto or XMP setting
Advanced Memory Features
- Intel Adaptive Boost: Enabled
- Memory Training: Enabled
- Memory Scrambling: Enabled (security)
Power Management
Intel CPU Power Features
Intel SpeedStep: Enabled
Turbo Mode: Enabled
C1E Support: Enabled
Package C State: C6 (Non Retention) or higher
Platform Power Management
- CPU Energy Performance Bias: Balanced Performance
- Hardware P-States: Enabled
- Energy Efficient Turbo: Enabled
Troubleshooting Intel Systems
Common Issues
VT-d Not Working
- Verify BIOS settings are saved and applied
- Check for BIOS updates
- Ensure compatible CPU (4th gen Core and newer)
- Verify motherboard chipset support
IOMMU Groups Issues
# Check IOMMU group isolation
for d in /sys/kernel/iommu_groups/*/devices/*; do
n=${d#*/iommu_groups/*}; n=${n%%/*}
printf "IOMMU Group %s " "$n"
lspci -nns "${d##*/}"
done
Performance Issues
- Enable Turbo Boost in BIOS
- Set Power Plan to High Performance in OS
- Verify XMP memory profile is active
- Check thermal throttling
Validation Checklist
After configuring Intel virtualization:
- VT-x enabled and detected
- VT-d enabled and functional
- IOMMU groups properly isolated
- Memory running at rated speeds
- All PCIe devices detected
- No BIOS errors or warnings
Continue with GPU Passthrough Overview for GPU-specific configuration.