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---
title: Chipset
description:
published: true
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date: 2023-10-15T14:29:39.629Z
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tags:
editor: markdown
dateCreated: 2021-11-13T11:56:47.463Z
---
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# Virtual chipsets
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Just as with physical computers, virtual machines are built around a central chipset.
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These virtual chipsets are routinely updated. If no version of a chipset is defined, it is the latest that will be used.
There are three main chipsets, `i440fx` , `Q35` and the more recent `virt` .
## Comparison
| | `i440fx` | `Q35` | `virt` |
| :- | :-: | :-: | :-: |
| *Firmware* | [SeaBIOS ](/virt/vm/firmware#seabios ) / [OVMF ](/virt/vm/firmware#ovmf ) | [SeaBIOS ](/virt/vm/firmware#seabios ) / [OVMF ](/virt/vm/firmware#ovmf ) | Modified [OVMF ](/virt/vm/firmware#ovmf ) / [RHF ](/virt/vm/firmware#rust-hypervisor-firmware ) |
| *PS/2 devices* | **Yes** | **Yes** | No |
| *USB Controller* | **Yes** | **Yes** | No |
| *SATA Controller* | No | **Yes** | No |
| *IDE Controller* | **Yes** | No | No |
| *Floppy Controller* | **Yes** | No | No |
| *TPM Support* | No | **Yes** | No? |
| *PCI-Express Bus* | No | **Yes** | **Yes** |
| *PCI Bus* | **Yes** | No? | No? |
| *Virtual Function I/O* | No | **Yes** | **Yes** |
> The *`i440fx` and `Q35` chipsets are currently supported by Phyllome OS. Early support for the `virt` model is expected for the Beta version*
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## Available chipsets for virtual machines
### i440fx
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The `i440fx` virtual chipset is a legacy chipset, compatible with PCI.
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### Q35
The `Q35` virtual chipset is based on a modern chipset, compatible with PCI-Express.
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> Did you know that the Open Virtual Machine Firmware (OVMF), which is based on [TianoCore](https://www.tianocore.org/), is the default firmware for EFI-based virtual machines? Its configuration utility can be accessed using the <kbd>Esc</kbd> key.
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*The TianoCore splash screen*
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### virt
The `virt` virtual chipset is the most modern chipset, compatible with PCI-Express. It only supports [virtio-devices ](/virt/vm/virtio ).
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## Resources
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* [Official documentation ](https://wiki.qemu.org/Features/Q35 ) on Q35
---
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*[**Go to parent page**](https://wiki.phyllo.me/)*
