Vmware EVC compatibility question

[ChristianBriere]

Hi!

We have a Sandybridge Xeon Server (Dell R720XD) Xeon E5-2650 that we want to team with a newer server, which is Dell R430 E5-2650V4.

I know that EVC isn't compatible for this CPU on ESXi 5.5. I have found documentation on Vmware website, which says we need version 6.5, to have EVC support for Broadwell CPU.This would be compatible now with the Sandybridge CPU of the old server?

VMware Compatibility Guide - cpu

Just want to make sure before going on

Thanks

[a_p_]

According to the link you posted both CPUs are supported with ESXi 5.5. For the v4 CPU support you need to run version 5.5 Update 3 though.

see https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=cpu&productid=111&deviceCat...

André

[ChristianBriere]

Hi!

CPU is compatible, no issue. Maybe I didn't explained well. We have a vCenter with a cluster created. I want the 2 server to be redundant. This needs EVC support, which on 5.5, I get an error saying it's not compatible.

I know that version 6.5 introduced EVC for broadwell, I just wantto make sure if I update to 6.5, those 2 will be compatible (see image, I just want to confirme we won't have any issue)

Thanks!

[rcporto · Accepted solution]

Upgrade to 6.5 will not make your old CPU be compatible with Broadwell CPU. What you need to do to make possible vMotion between your Broadwell and Sandy Bridge CPU, is configure the cluster EVC level to L4 Sandy Bridge.

[ChristianBriere]

Hi,

thanks for clarifying.

Actually, I have the 2 server in a Cluster. VM are running on the V4 CPU. If I try to enable EVC, it says that the host (v4 one) can't be added to the EVC.

Is it because it has VMs that are running with the new processor?

I even cannot move the server to another cluster that Sandy bridge EVC is enabled..

[rcporto]

Since your VMs are running on the newer CPU, you will need to plan some downtime, and if your vCenter is one of that VMs, you need to follow that procedure: How to enable EVC in vCenter Server (1013111) | VMware KB