Disable cores (8 to 6) due to licensing limitation - possible?

[Krede]

Hi.

One of our customers need to setup a VMware test environment for testing application and OS updates. Internal policy requires this to be done on separate hardware on a separate location. Since they don’t require any advanced VMware features they are thinking of buying the “Essentials Kit” for this separate VMware setup.

BUT this “Essential Kit” has a limitation on CPU cores and one of the new servers is an HP Proliant server DL385 G7 with two, 8 cores CPUs.

So, the questions is – if I disable 2 cores in BIOS (leaving 6 enabled per socket) would I be able to use the “Essentials Kit”?

[Maximenu]

It possible to disable the cores of a CPU??

[Krede]

Yes. In the BIOS of the HP server im able to enter how many cores that should be enabled!

[Krede]

By mistake I just marked this Question answered - its not! 🙂

[Virtualinfra]

If you have a option and your able to enable only 6 cores in BOIS and you see only 6 cores when connected why vsphere client or vcenter then its possible use the Essential License.

[LarryBlanco2]

Yeah, I don't think that you will be legally able to use the 8 core proc even if you knock it down to 6.  You may want to give them a call and speak to a licensing guru there.

One of 2 things will occur:

1)They will say the 8 core proc requires an Advance or Ent. + lic.

2) You will need to purchase 2 Std Lic. to cover the other 2 cores for your 8 core proc.

VMware ESX and ESXi

“Processor” means a single, physical chip that houses no more than the number of processor cores as specified by the description of the Software, and as set forth in the license portal.

“Server” means a hardware system capable of running the Software. A hardware partition or blade is considered a separate hardware system.

Processor Cores Limitation. Your use of the Software is limited to Processors with up to six (6) cores per Processor, except for VMware vSphere Advanced edition and VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus edition which are limited to Processors with up to twelve (12) cores per Processor.

Whatever the outcome, please post it here as it will be good info for all.

Thanks!

Larry B.

[ETastic]

How bout using this:

http://www.vmware.com/vmwarestore/vsphere_accel_purchaseoptions.html

Advanced Acceleration kit supports up to 12, unless you really want to disable cores on your CPU's.... but this is half the price of Enterprise kit less features but good for small biz

[Krede]

The price: 400€ vs 15,619.00€

This setup is only intended for OS and application patch / feature testing! - not for production.

No need for high level features such as, vMotion HA and DRS

[Dave_Mishchenko]

Just to clarify you can use any vSphere license edition on CPUs with more than 6 cores.  If you're not using Advanced or Enteprise Plus, you just have to double up on your CPU licensing - http://www.vm-help.com/esx41/vSphere_core_limits.php.

Dave
VMware Communities User Moderator

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