VMware EVC - Enhanced vMotion Compatibility

[VMRulez]

I would like to put n IBM x3850[88643RU] 4 dual core CPU @ 3.169GHz into an EVC enabled cluster. The message I get is that the host's CPU hardware does not support EVC. Is there a way I can change EVC on the cluster to scale down to this server(use this server as a top) for all other hosts coming in?

My hosts and running ESX3.5 update 1

Thanks

[dominic7]

Yes, but it's painful.

Create a new cluster, and add the IBM X3850 ( with no VMs powered on ) and enable EVC. Then VMotion VMs from one of your newer hosts to the X3850 until there are no more VMs left on it and add that host to the new cluster. Wash, rinse and repeat.

[VMRulez]

just tried....when I move the host into a cluster and that host doesn't support EVC, the option becomes disabled. tried with a host shut down and with a host in maintenance mode.

Tried with an existing cluster and with a brand new cluster.

Any more ideas?

[JonRoderick]

I suspect you've had the same problem as my IBM x3650.

Make sure (in the BIOS), the Intel VT technology and Execute Disable Bit options are set to ENABLED. This fixed it for me (though no documentation mentions the Execute Disable bit - had to work that out the hard way).

Good luck.

Jon

[VMRulez]

Enabled the ED and the VT flag and still getting the same. Particularly interesting espcially when you were able to make this work for an x3650

There's gotta be something...

[JonRoderick]

Hmm, annoying.

What chipsets are you using in the 3850? I'm using 5160s and E5440s.

Jon

[prashantprahlad]

Do you know if the CPU in your server is EVC capable? See http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1003212 for more information.

[mnasir]

What is your CPU type, Intel Xeon 5400, 5500?

[Eric_Steed]

This may be a bit late as it's been a number of months since the original post, but the way I read it, EVC requires a minimum of 3.5 update 2. stated he was running update 1.

[njd62495]

I cant figure out the issue I'm having but I'm slowly realizing EVC is not a "snap" as VMware makes it out to be.

I have HP Blades, all are BL460c G1 class blades. The difference is that some of the blades have E5410 2.33 GHz procs, and others have E5420 2.5 GHz procs. The really strange thing is that all of the blades were purchased within the past 12 months. Going to a slightly faster has never been an issue before. I've been able to vmotion between Dell 6650's and 6850's with no issue.

All of my hosts are ESX 3.5 update three at minimum. All the hosts have VT and No-execute Memory Protection enabled in the BIOS.

I create my cluster and add one empty host to the cluster and then enable it for EVC. When I try to vmotion a VM into the cluster I still get an error about the CPUID for some of the VM's.

I'm very confused

[Virtualization6]

Hi,

Did you find any solution for this problem ?

Regards

Sam

[MicheleCiber]

This is a know issue with IBM...check here:

http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5086963&brandind=5000020