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kimhavaka
Contributor
Contributor

Esxi mix CPU model

We want to join new server into existing Cluster and HA configuration as below:

The existing cluster has below info:
-vsphere version: 6.7u3
-Intel E7-4820 v2 @ 2.00GHz

The new server has below info:
-vsphere version:6.7u3
-Intel Xeon Gold 6338 32C 205W 2.0GHz

So can We support and join the new serer into existing cluster? If can, can We use vmtion, DRS to migrate vm on new server?

We did check on VMware Compatibility Guide and but only model on the attached file can support.

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scott28tt
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

Do some research into EVC: https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/1005764

 


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stadi13
Hot Shot
Hot Shot

Hi@kimhavaka 

Yes, you have to enable EVC (Enhanced vMotion Compatibility) and set it to the lowest/oldest CPU version. In your case it should be "Ivy Bridge"

Please hit solution, if this solved your question.

Daniel

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sokhengsom
Contributor
Contributor

hi Daniel,

good day to you,

your suggestion to enable EVC (Enhanced vMotion Compatibility) that is workable or not? as your experience.

as old processor is lunched Q1, 2014 E7-4820V2, and Intel Xeon Gold 6338 Q2,2021. can you advise more.

thanks.

 

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ObjectifDubai
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi,

Consider these recommendations

Enable EVC on an existing cluster 

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stadi13
Hot Shot
Hot Shot

Hi @sokhengsom 

Yes, this will work. You will lose the cpu features introduced in the newer cpu versions as you need to find an equal level, which ist the feature set of the 2014 cpu. As you enable EVC on cluster, you need to reboot your esx host with the 2021 cpu as well as the VMs on it. After reboot they will use the "Ivy Bridge" feature set for all VMs and you will be able to migrate them between the hosts. 

Regards

Daniel

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sokhengsom
Contributor
Contributor

Dear Daniel,

good day to you,

noted and thanks for your kindly confirmation as below.

we will test it as real scenario between old processor and new processor by enabling EVC on cluster.

thanks,

sokheng

 

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