6.5.1

The default setting for total video RAM is adequate for minimal desktop resolution. For more complex
situations, you can change the default memory. Typically, 3D applications require a video memory of 64–
512MB.
Fault Tolerance is not supported for virtual machines that have 3D graphics enabled.
Prerequisites
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Verify that the virtual machine is powered off.
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Verify that the virtual machine compatibility is ESXi 5.0 and later.
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To enable 3D graphics in virtual machines with Windows 8 guest operating systems, the virtual
machine compatibility must be ESXi 5.1 or later.
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To use a Hardware 3D renderer, ensure that graphics hardware is available. See Configuring 3D
Graphics.
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If you update the virtual machine compatibility from ESXi 5.1 and later to ESXi 5.5 and later, reinstall
VMware Tools to get the latest SVGA virtual graphics driver and Windows Display Driver Model
driver.
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Verify that you have the Virtual machine.Configuration.Modify device settings privilege on the
virtual machine.
Procedure
1 Right-click a virtual machine in the inventory and select Edit Settings.
2 On the Virtual Hardware tab, expand Video Card.
3 Select custom or automatic settings for your displays from the drop-down menu.
Option Description
Auto-detect settings Applies common video settings to the guest operating system.
Specify custom settings Lets you select the number of displays and the total video memory.
4 Select the number of displays from the drop-down menu.
You can set the number of displays and extend the screen across them.
5 Enter the required video memory.
6 (Optional) Click Video Memory Calculator to calculate the required video memory based on the
maximum number of displays and resolution that the guest operating system must support, and click
OK.
7 (Optional) Click Enable 3D support.
This check box is active only for guest operating systems on which VMware supports 3D.
vSphere Virtual Machine Administration
VMware, Inc. 152