netbook not running Virtualbox well

[FudgeNuggets]

Ok so my Mini9 with Mint Linux is not doing so well running XP in Virtualbox well. Ive got an Atom N270 with 2GB RAM. I have 512MB going to XP which is installed on a SD card. The machine is running really slow and HOT. I plan on picking up a cooling pad but what can I do about the slowness? Should I try to overclock it or is there some setting changes/optimizations I can use in Virtualbox?

[ihrsetrdr]

I don't think that the Atom N270 has Virtualization Technology, does have Hyper-threading though, which is helps, on my desktop N270.

[macklin01]

I know this is resurrecting an old thread, but I'm currently looking into these as well, and virtualization is something I'm always interested in.

Neither the N270 nor the N450 (a bit newer) has VT, so that means everything is running in software. I'd imagine that is most of your explanation there, as ihrsetrdr said above.

Evidently the Z500 Atom line does have VT, for what it's worth (if you ever consider upgrading or switching).

See here, in case it helps: http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?familyId=29035

Thanks -- Paul

[ihrsetrdr]

One plus for the N270 is that it does have hyper-threading, which helps offset the chip's general lack of...umph(technical term). ;)

[macklin01]

Good point, and thanks for posting that.

I'm trying to understand the difference between the N270 and the N450, as they have very similar specs. Aside from 64-bit in the 450, are there any other differences that you're aware of? I see SSE/SSE2/SSE3 in the 450 ...

[ihrsetrdr]

According to this spec sheet (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=42503) the n450 has integrated graphics, a little higher clock speed and a wider VID range.

[macklin01]

Thanks, that's been roughly my impression as well. The wider VID range seems to mesh well with the overall opinion of lower power consumption for the newer chip, with roughly comparable performance.

What's your opinion of playing back videos (e.g., avi, mpeg, other things with mpeg4 type compression)? One of the big questions for me is whether these things can handle powerpoints with embedded videos of my simulations, since my primary intended use is for showing my work to collaborators when I'm touring around different offices.

Thanks again--it's nice to discuss these with a knowledgeable friend. :) -- Paul