The ability to pass a device directly to a virtual machine (VM) hinges on a crucial piece of hardware: the Input/Output Memory Management Unit (IOMMU). AMD calls their implementation IOMMU, while Intel uses the term Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d), but the function is the same: mapping device virtual addresses to physical addresses.
This post walks you through enabling IOMMU/VT-d in the BIOS/UEFI firmware of popular motherboards from ASUS, ASRock, MSI, and Gigabyte.
Table of Contents
- How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of ASUS Motherboards
- How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of ASRock Motherboards
- How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of MSI Motherboards
- How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of Gigabyte Motherboards
- Conclusion
How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of ASUS Motherboards
Step 1: Start by accessing your ASUS motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI firmware by pressing Delete immediately after powering on your computer.
Step 2: Once in the BIOS/UEFI, you’ll typically land in “EZ Mode.” To unlock advanced settings, press F7 to switch to “Advanced Mode”.
Step 3: If you have an Intel processor, navigate to the “Advanced” tab (using the arrow keys). Then, go to “System Agent (SA) Configuration”, set “VT-d” to “Enabled”, and set “Control Iommu Pre-boot Behavior” to “Enable IOMMU during boot”.
Step 4: If you have an AMD processor, navigate to the “Advanced” tab (using the arrow keys), navigate to “AMD CBS”, and set “IOMMU” to “Enabled”.
Step 5: To save the changes, press F10, select OK, and press Enter.
The IOMMU/VT-d feature should now be active. Consult your ASUS motherboard’s BIOS manual for further details.
How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of ASRock Motherboards
Step 1: Enter your ASRock motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI firmware by pressing F2 or Delete immediately after turning on your computer.
Step 2: High-end ASRock motherboards often boot into “Easy Mode”. If this is the case, press F6 to access “Advanced Mode”.
Step 3: If you’re using a budget or mid-range ASRock motherboard, you may go directly into “Advanced Mode,” skipping the need to press F6.
Step 4: You’ll start in the “Main” tab. Use the Right arrow key to move to the “Advanced” tab.
Step 5: If you have an Intel processor, navigate to “Chipset Configuration” and set “VT-d” to “Enabled”.
Step 6: If you have an AMD processor, navigate to “AMD CBS” > “NBIO Common Options” and set “IOMMU” to “Enabled”.
Step 7: Save your changes by pressing F10, selecting Yes, and pressing Enter.
Your IOMMU/VT-d feature is now enabled. For more information, check the BIOS manual of your ASRock motherboard.
How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of MSI Motherboards
Step 1: Access the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of your MSI motherboard by pressing Delete right after powering on your computer.
Step 2: MSI motherboards typically feature an “EZ Mode” and an “Advanced Mode.”
Step 3: Initially, you’ll be in “EZ Mode.” Press F7 to switch to “Advanced Mode” to enable IOMMU/VT-d.
Step 4: Navigate to “OC settings”, scroll down to “CPU Features”, and press Enter.
Step 5: If you have an Intel processor, set “Intel VT-D Tech” to “Enabled”.
Step 6: If you have an AMD processor, set “IOMMU” to “Enabled”.
Step 7: To save the changes, press F10, select Yes, and press Enter.
The IOMMU/VT-d feature should now be enabled. Consult your MSI motherboard’s BIOS Manual for detailed guidance.
How to Enable IOMMU/VT-d from the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of Gigabyte Motherboards
Step 1: Enter the BIOS/UEFI Firmware of your Gigabyte motherboard by pressing Delete right after pressing the power button of your computer.
Step 2: Gigabyte motherboards offer both “Easy Mode” and “Advanced Mode.”
Step 3: To enable IOMMU/VT-d, switch to the “Advanced Mode.” If you start in “Easy Mode,” press F2 to switch.
Step 4: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the “Settings” tab.
Step 5: If you have an Intel processor, navigate to “Miscellaneous” and set “VT-d” to “Enabled”.
Step 6: If you have an AMD processor, navigate to “Miscellaneous” and set “IOMMU” to “Enabled”.
Step 7: To save the changes, press F10, select Yes, and press Enter.
IOMMU/VT-d should now be active. Consult your Gigabyte motherboard’s user manual for more information.
This guide provided steps to enable IOMMU/VT-d on popular motherboards from ASUS, ASRock, MSI, and Gigabyte. Remember to consult your motherboard’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information.