Comparison of VMware Workstation Player 12 and 12.5: Which Version is Best for Your Needs?

VMware Workstation Player has been a popular choice among gamers and developers for years, offering powerful virtualization capabilities and support for 3D graphics. However, the company has released several updates to its software over time, including version 12 and 12.5. If you're considering upgrading from an older version or trying out VMware Workstation Player for the first time, it's essential to understand the key differences between these two versions.

One of the primary advantages of VMware Workstation Player 12.5 is its improved performance compared to version 12. Many users have reported significant improvements in frame rates and overall system responsiveness after upgrading from version 12 to 12.5. This is particularly noticeable when running resource-intensive applications, such as games or video editing software.

In addition to improved performance, VMware Workstation Player 12.5 also includes several new features that enhance the user experience. For example, the latest version of the software includes support for USB devices and improved networking capabilities. These features can be especially useful for developers who need to test their applications on a variety of different systems.

On the other hand, VMware Workstation Player 12 still has its advantages. For one, it is compatible with older operating systems, such as Windows XP and Vista. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need to run legacy software or test older systems. Additionally, version 12 has a more streamlined user interface than version 12.5, which can make it easier to navigate the software for beginners.

Despite these differences, both versions of VMware Workstation Player share many similarities. For example, they both offer support for 3D graphics and have similar system requirements. This means that users who are upgrading from an older version or trying out the software for the first time will find it relatively easy to get started with either version.

In conclusion, the choice between VMware Workstation Player 12 and 12.5 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for improved performance and new features, version 12.5 may be the better choice. However, if you need to run older operating systems or prefer a more streamlined user interface, version 12 could be the way to go. By understanding the key differences between these two versions, you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.

One thing that's worth noting is that, even though I've been using VMware Workstation Player 12.5.7, I still experienced some issues with performance, particularly when running a game on the virtual machine. The game would run at around 200 frames per second, but the controls wouldn't respond immediately and it felt like a slideshow. However, after a few minutes of gameplay, the performance would suddenly improve and the game would run smoothly. This issue was persistent across multiple attempts to set up the virtual machine.

Despite these issues, I've been using VMware Workstation Player in the past with no problems, so I'm not sure what's causing the performance issues now. If you're considering setting up a virtual machine for gaming or other resource-intensive applications, it may be worth trying out both version 12 and 12.5 to see which one works best for your needs.

Comparison of vmware workstation player 12 and 12.5