Adding a CPU to ESX server

[kooper_replic8]

Hi all

Apologies if this has been asked before. We're planning on installing an additional CPU in one of our servers running VMware vSphere 5 Essentials Plus. The type of server is an HP DL360 G6.

Problem is we're only licensed for a single physical CPU. I'm not too sure how to go about obtaining additional licensing for the extra CPU, and I'm also not sure how to go about this. Can we safely install the additional CPU without it affecting any VMs? Should we get the licensing sorted out first before even considering installing the CPU?

If anyone can shed some light, I'd appreciate it.

[Paltelkalpesh]

1. As you using VMware vSphere 5 Essentials Plus which is supported maximum 3 servers with up to 2 physical processor, i don't think you need to buy any additional licence,you can combined  two separate key in one new key.

call to VMware support person and take only licence information for deploy for another physical processor.

2. As you stated, you have single server in this environment, mean you cant use migration, so you would be required downtime for populated new CPU in this server. shutdown all running VMs safely and move this host to Maintenance mode and power off this specific server.

[firestartah · Accepted solution]

The licence will stop the usage of that additional cpu so I would recommend getting the licence updated. If you speak to your VMware reseller/TAM they can update your licencing for you no problem

Gregg

[kooper_replic8]

Thanks for the advice firestartah. We'll tackle things that way, i.e. first get the licensing sorted out, then install the additional CPU.

Cheers.